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Sifting through the number of compact SUVs on the market can seem daunting. These are the best used luxury compact SUVs under $25,000, with options from brands like Acura, Volvo, and BMW. If the sport utility vehicle performed well on safety tests, those scores are noted at the end.

The 2010 Acura RDX is one of the best used luxury compact SUVs under $25,000

The best used luxury compact SUVs under $25,000 include the Acura RDX
A 2010 Acura RDX SUV | Acura

Out of 69 luxury compact SUVs on the list, U.S. News thought the 2010 Acura RDX was the best option. It offers sporty handling and reasonable fuel economy, making it a good choice. Acura included many standard safety features for which some of the RDX’s rivals charged extra. Buyers can opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which gets between 17 and 19 mpg in the city and 22 to 24 mpg on the highway. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the RDX high scores on its side impact, rear crash, and roof strength tests.

Average price paid: $9,870 – $10,518

Check out the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK for another luxury compact SUV under $25,000

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK has a lot to offer buyers, and it still comes under budget. Some of the highlights of this luxury compact SUV include its strong acceleration, comfortable ride, and poised handling. Mercedes equipped this SUV with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and 268 hp. The IIHS gave the 2012 SUV high scores on the side impact, rear crash, and roof strength tests.

Average price paid: $13,544 – $14,116

Don’t overlook the 2009 BMW X3

U.S. News calls the 2009 BMW X3 one of the sportiest luxury compact SUVs under $25,000. It has outstanding safety ratings and a large cargo area. Buyers could opt for a manual transmission back in the day, and BMW equipped the 2009 X3 with 260 hp. The IIHS gave the SUV high scores on its moderate overall, side impact, and rear crash tests.

Average price paid: $9,310

People love the 2011 Volvo XC60

Those interested in a family SUV will like what the 2011 Volvo XC60 has to offer. Priced under $20,000, the XC60 has a spacious interior and a powerful turbo engine. This engine gets between 240 and 300 hp, depending on which model you go with. Volvo’s City Safety system is standard and helps reduce low-speed collisions. It also has a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and adaptive cruise control. From the IIHS, this Volvo SUV received high marks on the side impact, rear crash, and roof strength tests.

Average price paid: $9,544 – $17,788

The 2010 Audi Q5 is a luxury compact SUV under $25,000

Buyers can anticipate a luxurious interior, a high tow rating, and sporty handling from the 2010 Audi Q5. It has room for five and 270, which is plenty to power this SUV. It gets 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the standard all-wheel drive. Audi’s Q5 came in second overall out of similar luxury compact SUVs, but the IIHS gave it many high scores on its tests.

Average price paid: $9,093 – $9,576

When it comes down to it, there are plenty of options in this price range for buyers. Don’t be afraid to go up or down a year to fit your budget. Finding a lower mileage but older vehicle can sometimes offer the best of both worlds.

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