10 Used SUVs With Big Engines But Tiny Price Tags

With the SUV market still being set ablaze by consumers around the world, some fans of the platform are turning away from newer models with smaller engines towards older ones with more potent powertrains. That means that the used market is hot right now when it comes to finding things like the old Volkswagen V-10 monsters or BAW Automotive's 200 Series Landcruiser. Cars like these have routinely brought well above what their reported used value should be due in large part to the demand associated with them.

However, not everyone has that kind of cash lying around, and that certainly shouldn't stop someone from owning a car that they both enjoy and can get every job done that they need to do. Enter this list. Here are 10 SUV's with thumping engines that can all be had for less than $10,000.

2024 Land Rover Defender Outbound - Exterior Front

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2012 Range Rover Sport SE - 5.0-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $7,776 - $9,170

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Yes, a Range Rover fits in this category, and it's not even a bad one. The depreciation on these models is so high that even in nearly mint condition, these cars can still be bought for less than $10,000. Obviously, that depreciation comes with reasoning, and it's with this car's reliability. However, if a consumer can find one of these that has been garage-kept, babied, or just driven around the suburbs its whole life, they have a winner on their hands.

Performance Specifications

The supercharged edition of this vehicle will run above the $10,000 mark in most cases, but by and large, the 5.0-liter V-8 in its basic form will get the job done 99.9 percent of the time in both everyday and off-road usage, and the fact that the car can tow more than 7,700 lbs. is a bonus. Additionally, it comes in Range Rover spec, meaning that the driver will be comfortable no matter where they take the car.

Pros

• Luxury creature comforts
• Good Power and Torque
• Four-Wheel Drive

Cons

• Reliability
• Scarcity in the U.S. market
• Heavy

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - 4.7-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $8,097

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Again, it's amazing how fast German luxury depreciates, and it's the same story with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The 4.7-liter V-8 at the heart of this SUV might sound weaker than the previous entry, but its reliability more than enhances its value, especially at this price point. Additionally, they're much easier to find than Range Rovers, which earned it the nod for the ninth spot.

Performance Specifications

While the GL450 may not offer as much in the way of horsepower as the Range Rover, its lighter curb weight offsets that difference and delivers the same experience for less money on average. Additionally, just like the Range Rover, it offers genuine luxurious creature comforts in most models along with standard all-wheel drive, which is a big bonus. It may not be the Overlander's favorite, but for someone looking for an everyday-usage second-hand SUV, it's a safe bet.

Pros

• Standard All-Wheel Drive.
• Plenty of power to get the job done.
• Modern Creature Comforts

Cons

• Reliability, but not as unreliable as the Range Rover
• Not an exciting V-8
• Lack of aftermarket support in comparison to others

2005 Ford Excursion - 6.0-Liter V-8 Powerstroke Diesel

Average Used Price: $7,550 - $9,992

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Out of all the SUVs on this list, this old girl might be the largest. Ford's Excursion line has grown to be somewhat of a legend in the overlanding community for the same reasons that the Landcruisers have -- they're reliable, have huge power outputs, huge fuel tanks, and can take a beating. The 6.0-liter Powerstroke models are the latter ones, but if someone can find the previous generation with the bulletproof 7.3-liter Powerstroke, they'll be paying for it.

Performance Specifications

Again, the 6.0-liter was not as reliable as its 7.3-liter predecessor, but the trade-off there is aftermarket support. These are essentially Ford Super Duty Series trucks underneath their three-row SUV shell and can run from morning till night without stopping once in some cases, as most were equipped with a 40-gal. fuel tank. However, with fuel economy like these have, a fill-up or two will still be necessary for longer road trips.

Pros

• More Torque Than Any Other Option
• Tremendous Aftermarket Support
• Part-time Four-Wheel Drive

Cons

• Fuel Economy
• Reliability
• Size

Front 3/4 shot of a 2024 Ford Escape driving

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2010 Nissan Armada - 5.6-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $6,132 - $8,000

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Long the go-to for many families in the middle class looking for a reliable SUV, the Nissan Armada stands as one of the brand's successes in recent years. Its longevity and rugged abilities have shown it to be a reliable platform, even if it lacks in the bells and whistles category. Additionally, as Nissan has flooded the market with them over the course of the past decade-plus, secondhand markets are pretty bear when it comes to purchasing these Japanese machines.

Performance Specifications

The biggest plus of these models is obviously the powertrain. The rugged V-8 provides a stellar amount of torque in comparison to its horsepower output, but the 2010 Armada does suffer when it comes to fuel mileage. Additionally, no optional Four-Wheel Drive cuts out those looking to take their SUVs to the limit, but perfectly accounts for those looking for a reliable, if thirsty, daily driver, so long as they can withstand looking at a dash full of plastics.

Pros

• Towing Capacity
• Spacious
• Reliability

Cons

• No Four-Wheel Drive
• Fuel Economy
• Cheap Interior

2013 Dodge Durango - 5.7-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $8,224 - $9,677

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Finally, a Hemi enters the field. Dodge's 2013 edition of the Durango came with a few varying trim options, and depending on where they're located, they can be found for even less than the Kelley Blue Book average price listed above. While it's more expensive on average in comparison to some of its predecessors on this list, its ability to be enjoyed, its styling, and most importantly, its powertrain, gives it the nudge it needs to be in this spot.

Performance Specifications

The trim option to go for here is the R/T if a consumer desires that thumping V-8. Only certain orders were optioned with Hemis in lower trims, so the R/T and Citadel packages are the hot commodity for this model year. Luckily enough, they can be found pretty easily through Autotrader,

Pros

• Horsepower
• Torque
• Towing Capacity

Cons

• Fuel Economy
• Seating for a Full-Size
• Price Point for Age

2013 Infiniti QX56 - 5.6-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $6,299 - $9,572

Formula Imports

Remember how that 2010 Armada looked its age? Well, the 2013 Infiniti QX56 takes all the good stuff about the Armada and makes them prettier. As the luxury arm of Nissan, Infiniti typically adds more creature comforts while improving some minor qualities that can make a big difference when purchasing a used vehicle. In this case, that's exactly what happened, and as a result, the QX56 is higher up on the list.

Performance Specifications

The biggest difference between the 2013 QX56 and the old Armada is obviously power. Getting more horses out of the same platform without making any weighty additions makes this car a standout in its class with a sub-seven-second 0-60 time and an above-8,000 lbs towing capacity. Additionally, the luxurious touches made to the seats and cabin make the QX56 a much better place to sit than the old Armada from just a few model years prior.

Pros

• Horsepower
• Acceleration for Size
• Comfort

Cons

• Fuel Economy
• Big, Top Heavy Vehicle
• Aftermarket support

2:30

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2006 Ford Expedition - 5.4-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $3,510 - $5,897

KJ Automotive

While the 5.4-liter Triton V-8 in these years of Expeditions tends to be ticking time bombs, there are still plenty available that have been either garage-kept or well-maintained enough to have a long life ahead of them on the highways. Additionally, the aftermarket community is alive and well for these models in most desired applications, as is evidenced in Custom Offsets' laundry list of customer-submitted photos.

Performance Specifications

While the off-road aftermarket support is very present, other modifications are slim, and there are really no tried and true methods to bulletproof these engines like with other Ford models.

Pros

• Aftermarket Support
• Towing Capacity
• On-Demand Four-Wheel Drive

Cons

• Reliability
• Fuel Economy
• Cheap Interior quality

2011 Chevrolet Suburban - 5.3-Liter LS V-8

Average Used Price: $7,942

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If it seems like every time one of these lists pops up, there's one entrant with a Chevrolet small block V-8, that's for a good reason, especially when it comes to the 5.3-liter V-8 options. They're reliable, powerful, modifiable, and parts are easily sourced. Above all else, though, they're relatively cheap, and that's what puts the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban in this spot on the list.

Performance Specifications

As with the rest of the big American 4x4 entries on this list, the aftermarket support for the Suburban and Tahoe platforms is endless. Also, though, that comes with a major con -- fuel economy. It's difficult to find a model that balances that strength and economy in one powertrain, but that's coming.

Pros

• Aftermarket Support
• Torque
• Seating Capacity

Cons

• Fuel Economy
• Cheap Interior
• Size

2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS - 4.8-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $6,477 - $8,056

Porsche

Remember those German SUVs at the start of the list? Those were on the pricier side of this segment. However, not all German SUVs are created equal. Mid-2000s Porsche Cayennes are popping up all over the place now with a heavily depreciated price tag, and now might be the perfect opportunity to snatch one.

Performance Specifications

For the speed demons on the list, this one is for you. As the first entry of its size with more than 400 horsepower, the Cayenne still serves as a great balance between utilitarian ability and performance capability. Additionally, these could be optioned with a manual transmission for that little bit more of an additional driver's experience.

Pros

• Horsepower
• Top Speed
• Manual Option

Cons

• Reliability
• Availability
• Seating Capacity

Front 3/4 shot of a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport

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2005 VW Touareg - 4.2-Liter V-8

Average Used Price: $3,700

Cars and Bids

When it comes to budget buys with a big engine, the best option on the market today is a mid-2000s Volkswagen Touareg, without the V-10. The V-10 is highly sought after, and for good reason, but it's precisely those reasons that make ones like the 2005 models perfect for those looking to get every ounce of their money's worth out of a secondhand SUV.

Performance Specifications

As the best budget option by far on the list, the Touareg doesn't experience any real fall-off when it comes to performance, either. Sure, it's no Porsche, but it's got all anyone needs to get from point A to point B in both style and comfort, and they can smile all the way to the bank with the wads of money they saved by going with this model.

Pros

• Power-to-weight ratio
• Standard All-Wheel Drive
• Ample Aftermarket Support

Cons

• Interior Plastics Quality
• Expensive Parts
• Timing Belt Issues on Occasion