The average U.S. new-vehicle transaction price was $47,338 in January 2024, according to Edmunds data reported by the Associated Press. That is a January snapshot—not a full-year average. The available evidence does not verify which ten SUVs appeared in the original 2024 list or how they were selected, so a current ranking should not be mistaken for those historical picks. Current iSeeCars data does, however, offer two concrete examples of used luxury SUVs priced below that benchmark.
What the 2024 price benchmark means
Edmunds reported an average U.S. new-vehicle transaction price of $47,338 for January 2024, as cited by the Associated Press. It is a one-month average price paid, not a full-year 2024 average or a universal measure of what any buyer paid. The AP also described a market with limited bargaining power when dealer lots were empty, while Cox Automotive analyst Michelle Krebs anticipated more discounting and incentives. Those market observations provide context, but they do not establish a different annual benchmark.
For a buyer comparing a used luxury SUV with that figure, the practical question is whether a specific vehicle’s asking price, condition, and likely ownership costs make sense—not whether it simply falls below $47,338.
Two current used-SUV examples below $40,000
iSeeCars’ page, titled “Most Reliable Used Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $40k for 2026,” provides current examples. Its averages and model-year availability are time-sensitive; they are not evidence of the original 2024 article’s ten selections.
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| Vehicle | iSeeCars average used price | iSeeCars reliability score | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lexus RX 350 | $37,298 | 8/10 | Example on iSeeCars’ 2026 ranking page |
| 2024 Acura RDX | $39,290 | 7.9/10 | Example on iSeeCars’ 2026 ranking page |
Both listed average prices are below the January 2024 new-car benchmark, but an average is not a quote for a particular SUV. Local listings, mileage, condition, trim, and timing can all change the price. Check current comparable listings before deciding what a specific vehicle is worth.
How to interpret the reliability scores
iSeeCars ratings are not a guarantee
iSeeCars says its 2026 ranking analysis used more than 12 million vehicles and considers used crossovers one to six years old. Its reliability ratings run from 1 to 10, with 10 highest; its broader overall score combines reliability, resale value, and safety. The methodology draws on its longevity and depreciation studies and on NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings. These are iSeeCars’ modeled ratings, not a prediction that a particular used vehicle will avoid repairs.
Other rating systems measure differently
CarMax describes RepairPal ratings based on the cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance for selected 2008–2022 vehicles. Its page dates those ratings to March 18, 2025; that coverage should not be assumed to include every current model year. Scores from different publishers are not interchangeable because their data and methods differ.
CarMax also cautions that a specific vehicle’s reliability can vary with maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. A strong model-level rating is a useful screening signal, but the individual SUV’s records and inspection matter more to the purchase decision.
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How to assess a used luxury SUV before buying
- Compare the right vehicles. Check the same model year, trim, mileage range, and condition in local listings. Treat a ranking-page average as a point of reference, not as the price you should expect to pay.
- Match the SUV to your needs. Confirm seating rows, cargo room, and the features you will actually use. A lower price does not make a vehicle a good fit if it cannot meet your everyday requirements.
- Review records and recalls. A CARFAX report may include recorded accidents or damage, maintenance and inspections, mileage events, ownership changes, commercial use, and open manufacturer recalls. Such reports depend on information being reported; no history provider can guarantee a complete record.
- Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection. Ask a qualified mechanic to assess the specific vehicle, including condition and signs of deferred maintenance. Use any findings to decide whether to proceed or negotiate.
- Budget beyond the purchase price. Consider insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs for the specific model and vehicle. The available sources do not provide consistent ownership-cost figures for these examples, so compare quotes and service needs rather than assuming a reliability score predicts total cost.
What can—and cannot—be confirmed about the original ten
The exact ten-model list and the original author’s selection method have not been verified. iSeeCars’ 2026 ranking lists Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 350L, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Acura MDX, BMW X1, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Macan, BMW X4, and INFINITI QX60. Those are entries on a current ranking page, not confirmed selections from a 2024 article. Treating them as the historical list would conflate two different sources and dates.
For a purchase today, use current listings and a vehicle-specific inspection alongside whatever model-level reliability data you trust. The available price and score examples can help identify candidates, but they do not establish that every vehicle in either ranking is dependable or affordable for every buyer.
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Sources
- iSeeCars: Most Reliable Used Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $40k for 2026
- CarMax: most reliable luxury cars and RepairPal rating context
- CARFAX: vehicle history reports and their scope
- Associated Press: January 2024 new-vehicle pricing and market context
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
