Small pickup or Suv

Honestly if you don't need a pickup truck (i.e. not hauling dirt, large objects etc) the a SUV or car would likely be a better choice. If you do need to move large objects / dirt consider a trialer for the odd occation.

If a midside pickup is desired you have 3 choices - Honda, Nissan or Toyota. You coudl get a 2010 Ridgeline in budget. The toyota is probably the better option but are expesnive.


Subaru Outback is a good choice for your budget you can get a 2013. The 4 cylinder can get ~ 30mpg on hwy.

An alternative might be something like the Toyota Venza - they weren't very popular but offered reasonable package with good reliability and okay mpg

The Outback is very popular for people with your criteria. One potential issue to be aware of: the 2013s have been prone to use oil. The odds of this problem improve with each year after 2013. It happened because Subaru's latest engine has lower tension rings to improve fuel economy.

We can't recommend Subaru after our 2012 Forester was burning oil, puffing smoke, and had allot of piston slap at start up....cracked windshields....

You can get brand new Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain new for around $20,000 as the current model is phased out or used for much less.

But not all AWD systems until recently are equal. The CR-V and RAV4 will not pull itself up rollers test if traction is only n on the rear wheels. The Subuaru's awd will not climb a slippery hill with the steering wheel turned but the CX-5 will. Plenty of YouTube videos showing their weaknesses.