Analysis of the portal Carros.com Reveals Which Cheap Used SUVs Offer the Best Combination of Mechanical Robustness and Low Maintenance Cost.
Finding cheap SUVs in the used market is easy, but finding models that combine low price with mechanical robustness is a challenge. For those looking for a utility vehicle that won’t bring headaches with maintenance, reliability is the decisive factor. A recent analysis by the portal Carros.com highlighted seven models that have proven to be “unbreakable” over the years, offering excellent cost-effectiveness for those in need of a robust car for daily use or long trips.
The selection focuses on vehicles that, despite their age, maintain reliable mechanics, good interior space, and a list of features that still seems current. From Japanese compacts to medium-sized models with V6 or turbo engines, the list shows that it is possible to spend the same amount as on a brand new hatch and take home a much more complete and durable car, avoiding chronic problems and unexpected corrective maintenance.
Honda HR-V (2016)

The Honda HR-V of the first generation (model 2016) is one of the main highlights of Carros.com. Equipped with the renowned 1.8 i-VTEC engine (the same as the Civic) with up to 140 hp and a CVT transmission in the top-of-the-line EXL version, it is synonymous with reliability. Although its performance (0 to 100 km/h in 11.2s) is not focused on sportiness, it compensates with an excellent trunk of 437 liters and items hard to find in this price range, such as electronic parking brake and stability and traction controls.
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In the range of R$ 80,000, the HR-V 2016 EXL has a fuel consumption, according to the source, of 10.5 km/l of gasoline in the city and 12.1 km/l on the highway.
Hyundai Creta (2017)

The direct competitor of the HR-V, the Hyundai Creta (model 2017), also appears on the list for its recognized low maintenance costs and high reliability. Carros.com suggests the versions with 2.0 engine (like the Pulse or Prestige), which deliver 166 hp and superior performance, going from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.0 Creta, found from R$ 80,000, offers a feature package similar to the Honda, but stands out for its generous interior space and a trunk of 431 liters. Urban fuel consumption with gasoline is around 10 km/l.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2018)

For those looking for cheap SUVs but of higher category (medium), the Eclipse Cross (2018-2019) is the most modern in the list. It comes equipped with a 1.5 turbo MIVEC engine with 165 hp, which uses a dual injection system (direct and indirect) to optimize efficiency and durability. The transmission is a CVT that simulates eight gears.
Despite the controversial rear design at the time, Carros.com points out that the Eclipse Cross stands out for its suspension comfort and the features list of the HPE-S version: seven airbags, adaptive cruise control (ACC), panoramic sunroof, and head-up display. With a trunk of 473 liters, prices range from R$ 105,000 to R$ 120,000.
Mitsubishi Outlander (2014)

If the need is for seven seats and more power, the portal’s recommendation is the Mitsubishi Outlander (model 2014) with a 3.0 V6 240 hp engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. This large SUV, more refined than the previous generation, offers robustness and can be found in the range of R$ 80,000 to R$ 90,000.
The performance is strong (0 to 100 km/h in 10s), but the fuel consumption is that of a V6: 7 km/l in the city and 10 km/l on the highway (gasoline).
Kia Sportage (2012)
A sales phenomenon in the used market, the Kia Sportage of the third generation (year 2012) still attracts attention with its design, which remains current. According to Carros.com, it offers the advantage of being a medium SUV at a compact price, being found in the range of R$ 65,000 to R$ 80,000.
The recommendation is the EX 4×2 top-of-the-line version, which includes panoramic sunroof, six airbags, keyless entry, and leather seats. The engine is the well-known 2.0 Nu (flex) with up to 178 hp (ethanol), combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is not its strong point (0-100 km/h in 12.2s), but the trunk is one of the highlights, with generous 564 liters.
Chevrolet Tracker (2014)

Closing the list, the Chevrolet Tracker (year 2014, pre-facelift) uses the robust 1.8 Ecotec aspirated engine (up to 144 hp with ethanol) and the six-speed automatic transmission (GF6), the same setup as the Cruze.
Despite being derived from the Ônix, it is a complete car in the LTZ version, with a sunroof and six airbags, but has the smallest trunk on the list: 306 liters. Its price ranges between R$ 60,000 and R$ 75,000.
Honda CR-V (2013)

The Honda CR-V (year 2013) is described as a “Civic in high heels.” In the EXL version, it is very complete, offering six airbags and a double panoramic sunroof. Its great asset is the space, with a trunk of 589 liters.
The engine is the reliable 2.0 i-VTEC (up to 155 hp), but the performance in such a heavy car leaves something to be desired (0 to 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds). It can be found between R$ 70,000 and R$ 85,000.
Do you think any “battle tanks” are missing from this list? Which of these cheap used SUVs would you have or have already had? Leave your opinion in the comments, we want to know what you think.


Faltou o clássico Dodge Journey
Faltou o crv2005 4×4
Tenho um HR V 2016, ELX com 30.000 km, carro única dona e não me desfaço dele
por valor nenhum.
Dalva, me vende??? Tenho um HRV 2016 mas está com 148mil km… Estou querendo o irmão dele pra mais 10 anos comigo. 🤭