2017 Lexus NX 200tThe 2017 Lexus NX200t has a lot going for it when it comes to a strong used car purchase without a CVT transmission. The automaker currently holds the first place position on the Consumer Reports list of best used car brands by reliability for 2025 out of 26 total brands. Plus, this first-generation NX lineup earned a spot on the Consumer Reports best used cars as of May 2025. Looking over the metrics we used to compile our list, it's easy to see why.The NX 200t has zero NHTSA recalls and less than 30 NHTSA complaints – not bad for a vehicle that's nearly a decade old. Repair costs are on the high side at $703 on average per Repair Pal, but J.D. Power awarded these small SUVs a great Quality and Reliability score of 87 out of 100.These opposing metrics for the Lexus NX reinforce the importance of doing your due diligence before buying any used car, as models can vary from one to the next. Still, overall the NX 200t looks favorable from our perspective. Along with a strong showing in the metrics we're looking for, the non-hybrid editions of this compact luxury crossover skipped the CVT in favor of a six-speed automatic.2021 Kia SportageKia's mid-size Sportage crossover is certainly popular, registering sales increases every year since 2020 culminating in nearly 162,000 sold in 2024. Considering the Korean automaker remains one of the few car brands to sell new vehicles with a 10-year powertrain warranty, that's not too surprising. However, Kia has not yet cracked the top 10 on J.D. Power's list of most dependable brands or Consumer Reports' rundown of best used car companies for reliability.This means you cannot assume every Kia Sportage is worth your time, but the 2021 model year certainly is. It comes with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, just two recalls, and an 85 out of 100 Quality and Reliability score from J.D. Power.What you won't find with the 2021 Kia Sportage — which Consumer Reports says is one of the best used cars overall — is a CVT. Fitted with a six-speed automatic, these the Sportage tick all our boxes for good used cars, and with a typical entry point on the used market of $15,814, the 2021 Sportage maintains the automaker's reputation for affordability.2017 Honda OdysseyHonda is known for solid build quality in its cars, but lately the Japanese automaker has been pushing more heavily into CVTs, which negates some good options from this list. The Odyssey makes it here for several reasons, one of which being that the 2017 model year came with a six-speed automatic and another being a desire to include a minivan, which remains the ultimate family vehicle despite the rise of the SUV.Ideally, you could find a nice used Odyssey that isn't quite so old, but a troubling trend emerges with the 2018 and later Odysseys. That was the first year of the current generation and from that point to 2020, Honda's minivan racked up recalls in the double digits for each of those three years. Getting into the 2021 model year starts to push our affordability scale out of whack, which is why we settled on the 2017 Odyssey.Current average prices range from about $14,000 to $18,000, which can translate to a higher mileage Odyssey than some may be comfortable with. Fortunately, annual repair bills sit under $300 on average according to Repair Pal and the NHTSA has only issued two recalls for the 2017 model year. Given its likely use as a family hauler, know that the 2017 Odyssey comes with the highest possible NHTSA overall safety rating of 5 stars.2018 Mazda CX-5We promise, the 2018 CX-5 is the last Mazda you'll see on this list, but it's a strong finisher. No NHTSA recalls or consumer complaints have been recorded for the front wheel drive version of the car, which also achieved a perfect 5-star safety score, and placement on the 2025 Consumer Reports list of top used cars. Final judgment came down with the automaker's use of its familiar six-speed automatic in the 2018 CX-5.The accolade parade continues with very reasonable annual maintenance costs of $339 per Repair Pal and a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability of 83. Typical used purchase pricing is far below the current $50,000 average new car sticker at around $14,000 to $15,000 according to Kelley Blue Book.While all of the CX-5s in 2018 came nicely outfitted from the factory, we'd suggest finding a range-topping Grand Touring with features like 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a moonroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. No one said a good and affordable used car couldn't be a nice car as well.2021 Lexus ES 250Our choice for the most modern and luxurious used car without a CVT transmission is the 2021 Lexus ES 250. It doesn't have the big V6 found in the ES 350, but the 250 does come standard with AWD and an eight-speed automatic. Base variants are nicely appointed with a moonroof, perforated NuLuxe upholstery, and a 10-speaker stereo, but find yourself an Ultra Luxury trim line to enjoy semi-aniline leather and climate-controlled front seats.Considering average used prices of the 2021 Lexus range from about $29,000 to $34,000, it's a level of luxury worth going for. So what makes the ES 250 a good used car, you ask? How about a J.D. Power Reliability score of 87, zero NHTSA recalls, and top marks for safety. There is not yet enough data for Car Complaints to share usable insights, but only five consumers have logged concerns with the NHTSA.Like its NX 200t stablemate, the ES 250 comes from the highest-ranked brand according to two different studies on dependability and the best used cars. All of which makes the 2021 model year an easy choice for this list of excellent used cars without a CVT transmission.
