Best Used Family SUVs Under $20,000 in Lakewood Ranch: Top Picks at Empire Auto Sales
Published September 12, 2025
As a rapidly growing community, Lakewood Ranch, FL, is a place where families are building their lives. Whether you're commuting to work, taking the kids to school, or heading to the sports park, a reliable and spacious SUV is a top priority. But finding a quality used family SUV that fits within a $20,000 budget—especially if you're a new resident without a local credit history—can be a challenge.
At Empire Auto Sales in Bradenton, we specialize in providing exactly what the Lakewood Ranch community needs: dependable vehicles at affordable prices, with financing that's accessible to everyone. Here are our top picks for used SUVs under $20,000 that you can get approved for today!
---Top-Rated Used SUVs You'll Find Under $20,000
Our team at Empire Auto Sales hand-selects vehicles known for their reliability, safety, and value. Here are some of the most popular and highly-rated used SUVs that often fall within the $20,000 price range:
- Honda CR-V: A long-time favorite, the CR-V is celebrated for its roomy interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and reputation for lasting well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. It's a fantastic choice for families.
- Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 is a top competitor, offering impressive durability and a host of safety features. It's known for its longevity and low maintenance costs, making it a smart investment for any family.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: Praised for its comfortable ride, modern features, and strong reliability, a used Santa Fe is an excellent value. We often see models with spacious interiors, making them perfect for families on the go.
- Kia Sportage: Known for its stylish design and great features, the Kia Sportage offers a lot of value for its price. Many models in the under-$20k range come well-equipped with modern technology.
- Chevrolet Equinox / Ford Escape: American-made options like the Equinox and Escape are also great choices. They offer a comfortable ride, a solid cabin, and plenty of space for family road trips or daily errands.
Why Empire Auto Sales is the Best Choice for Lakewood Ranch Families
While many dealerships might make you jump through hoops for an auto loan, especially if you have bad credit or a limited local credit history, we've made the process simple. As a Buy Here Pay Here dealership, we offer in-house financing that focuses on your ability to pay, not just your past credit score.
This means for Lakewood Ranch residents, whether you're a professional relocating to the area or a parent who's been turned down by a traditional bank, you can get approved for a quality used SUV. Our process is fast, transparent, and hassle-free.
---Ready to Find Your Family's Next Ride?
Don't let a tight budget or credit concerns hold you back from getting the reliable and safe SUV your family needs in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Visit Empire Auto Sales in Bradenton today. We'll help you find one of our top-rated used SUVs and get you approved for financing that works for your budget.