Cars.com Editors

Although prices for late-model used cars have recently jumped, Cars.com has assembled a healthy list of choices available for a budget of about $20,000.

We collected a variety of used vehicles that can meet different needs and tastes — be it a car, SUV or minivan — for a $15,000 budget.

Cars.com scoured its current vehicle listings and found the best vehicles in different types and sizes with median list prices of around $10,000.

Shopping for a three-row SUV means balancing priorities of seat quantity versus comfort. If the number of seats trump all, many three-row SUVs offer a second-row bench, but other models give up the second-row middle seat for captain’s chairs.

Take these steps to optimize your driving habits and fuel usage, which will add up to less costly fill-ups.

For our Best Car of the Year award, our watchwords are quality, innovation and value.

For our Best Pickup Truck award, our watchwords are power, capability and value.

Along with crash tests, safety features and accommodation of family members and their gear, we consider family-friendly features, car-seat fitment and overall excellence.

In addition to overall excellence, we pay extra attention to the aspects with which many EVs stumble, such as efficiency, intuitive controls and charging speed.

Along with general excellence, the best cars represent ultimate luxury in their class and/or are exceptionally well-rounded, providing luxury along with above-average usability and drivability.