**5 CHEAP SUVs EVERYONE IGNORES (But These Are Absolute Goldmines) — Transcript & Summary | SozAI**
Source: https://sozai.app/transcript/cheap-suvs-everyone-ignores-goldmines/

Discover 5 overlooked cheap SUVs with great reliability, AWD, and value, including Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda Passport, Mazda CX-3, Toyota Venza, and Mazda CX-5.

## Key Takeaways

- Many reliable SUVs are overlooked due to brand reputation or poor marketing.
- Selecting the right engine and transmission variant is crucial for long-term reliability.
- Routine maintenance, especially transmission fluid changes, significantly extends vehicle life.
- Affordable SUVs with AWD can offer excellent value and durability compared to mainstream options.
- The featured SUVs can reach 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper care.

## What the video covers

- The video highlights five affordable SUVs that are often ignored but offer exceptional reliability and value.
- All featured SUVs come with all-wheel drive, suitable for various driving conditions including snow and slush.
- Mitsubishi Outlander GT (2013-2021) with V6 and six-speed automatic is reliable, cheap, and backed by a strong warranty despite brand reputation issues.
- Honda Passport (2019-2021) uses a proven 3.5L V6 and a reliable ZF nine-speed automatic transmission, offering Honda dependability without the third row.
- Mazda CX-3 (2016-2022) is a small, fun-to-drive SUV with a robust 2.0L Skyactiv-G engine and excellent rust protection, ideal for those prioritizing reliability and efficiency over space.
- Toyota Venza (2009-2015) blends SUV utility with sedan comfort, featuring durable 2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6 engines, often overlooked due to poor marketing and identity confusion.
- Mazda CX-5 (2013-2022) is a top compact SUV choice with a reliable 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine, smooth six-speed automatic, and strong longevity backed by owner data.
- Each SUV offers unique advantages, such as three-row seating in the Outlander, luxury in the bonus picks, or fuel efficiency in the CX-3.
- The video emphasizes routine maintenance as key to longevity, especially for transmissions and engines.
- These SUVs provide excellent alternatives to more popular and expensive models like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

## Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Overlooked Cheap SUVs
2. 00:39 Number 5: Mitsubishi Outlander GT (2013-2021)
3. 02:21 Mitsubishi Outlander Market Perception and Value
4. 04:02 Number 4: Honda Passport (2019-2021)
5. 05:28 Honda Passport Engine and Transmission Details
6. 06:54 Number 3: Mazda CX-3 (2016-2022)
7. 09:18 Mazda CX-3 Pros and Cons
8. 10:42 Number 2: Toyota Venza (2009-2015)
9. 12:14 Toyota Venza Engine and Reliability Overview
10. 13:49 Why Toyota Venza is a Hidden Gem

Answers

## Questions about this video

Why should I consider a Mitsubishi Outlander GT despite its poor reputation?

The Mitsubishi Outlander GT with the 3.0L V6 and six-speed automatic is a reliable, durable SUV backed by a 10-year 100,000-mile warranty. Its low market demand makes it very affordable, offering great value compared to more popular brands.

Is the Honda Passport's nine-speed transmission reliable?

Yes, the Honda Passport's ZF nine-speed automatic transmission is reliable as long as the automatic transmission fluid is changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, which helps avoid earlier software and hardware issues.

What makes the Mazda CX-3 a good choice for a small SUV?

The Mazda CX-3 features simple, robust engineering with a 2.0L Skyactiv-G engine and six-speed automatic, excellent fuel economy, improved rust protection, and a fun-to-drive character, making it a reliable and efficient option for those who don't need much space.

## Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown

00:01

Speaker A

There are a handful of SUVs on used car lots right now that are absolute gems sitting there completely ignored.

00:07

Speaker A

They'll run 300,000 miles, cost thousands less than a RAV4 or CR-V, and nobody wants them for one stupid reason. People don't know how good they are. Today, I'm breaking down five cheap SUVs everyone overlooks. Three are absolute gold

00:23

Speaker A

mines, plus one luxury bonus pick for anyone who wants reliability wrapped in premium leather. And yes, every single one is all-wheel drive, ready to handle snow, slush, and everyday driving. Let's jump in.

00:39

Speaker A

Number five, Mitsubishi Outlander GT. Starting at number five, the late second gen and third gen Mitsubishi Outlander from 2013 to 2021. But here's the critical part. You need to be selective.

00:52

Speaker A

Stick with the V6 models paired with the six-speed automatic and completely avoid the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. That four-banger has oil consumption issues you don't want to deal with. The 3-liter V6 with the six-speed, that's a completely different

01:07

Speaker A

story. It's a proven, reliable setup that'll run for years without drama. And here's where it gets interesting.

01:14

Speaker A

Mitsubishi doesn't get much respect in the market anymore, which means these Outlanders are dirt cheap on the used market. You're getting solid, dependable transportation for a fraction of what you'd pay for a Honda or Toyota. The third gen models from 2016 onward are

01:29

Speaker A

even better. More refined, better build quality, and the same bulletproof V6 engine. Now, Mitsubishi occupies a unique spot in the reliability conversation. They're what I call quietly reliable. They offer massive value through their 10-year 100,000-mile warranty, which tells you something

01:46

Speaker A

about their confidence in these vehicles. For pre-2022 models, the Outlander engine used timing chains and port injection. No direct injection carbon buildup to worry about. Owners who perform regular maintenance report these engines as absolutely bulletproof.

02:02

Speaker A

Why it's ignored? Mitsubishi's brand reputation took a hit over the years and most buyers overlook them entirely.

02:10

Speaker A

That's your opportunity. Why it's a gold mine? Rock-solid V6 engine, four-wheel drive, dirt cheap pricing, and surprisingly low ownership costs. If you need a three-row SUV on a budget, this is it.

02:25

Speaker A

Number four, Honda Passport. At number four, the Honda Passport from 2019 to 2021. This is basically a two-row Honda Pilot, and that's a very good thing. Under the hood is Honda's legendary 3.5-liter V6, the same engine

02:41

Speaker A

they've been building and refining for years. It makes 280 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic. Now, the nine-speed transmission gets some criticism for being a bit slow to shift, but reliability-wise, it's solid. The Passport gives you Honda dependability

02:57

Speaker A

without the third row. It's perfect if you need space and capability, but don't need to haul seven people around. Let me get technical for a second. The Passport uses the J35Y6 3.5-liter V6 engine, a power plant that has

03:13

Speaker A

been the backbone of Honda's larger vehicles for decades. The 2019 to 2021 model years are significant because they use the ZF nine-speed automatic transmission during a period when Honda had successfully ironed out the software and hardware glitches that plagued earlier

03:28

Speaker A

versions of the 2016 Pilot. The J35 engine is an i-VTEC design known for exceptional smoothness and high RPM power delivery. It's naturally aspirated, which means no turbo complexity to worry about. The ZF nine-speed transmission is a planetary gear

03:45

Speaker A

unit that differs significantly from Honda's in-house six-speed transmissions, which had higher failure rates in the Pilot and Ridgeline. The nine-speed provides a much wider gear ratio spread, allowing the V6 to stay in its optimal power band while also achieving

03:59

Speaker A

respectable highway fuel economy. Owner data shows that the nine-speed is proven reliable as long as the ATF, automatic transmission fluid, is changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Do that and you're golden.

04:14

Speaker A

Number three, Mazda CX-3. Coming in at number three, the Mazda CX-3 from 2016 to 2022. This is Mazda's smallest SUV built on the Mazda 2 platform. What makes it reliable? Simple engineering. The 2-liter Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder paired with a six-speed

04:34

Speaker A

automatic is about as straightforward as it gets. Mazda's Skyactiv engines are known for being robust and efficient.

04:41

Speaker A

The CX-3 gets excellent fuel economy. We're talking low to mid-30s on the highway, and it's incredibly fun to drive for a small SUV. Mazda's build quality is top-notch, and these things just don't break. Now, the downside, it's small. Really small. If you need

04:58

Speaker A

cargo space or backseat room for adults, this isn't your vehicle. But if you want a reliable, efficient little SUV that drives like a sporty car and lasts forever, the CX-3 checks all the boxes.

05:10

Speaker A

Plus, Mazda's rust protection is solid on these later models, which is a big deal if you live anywhere with snow and salt. Mazda learned from their rust issues in the 2000s, and the CX-3 benefits from significantly improved corrosion protection. Why? It's a gold

05:26

Speaker A

mine. If you're a single person, a couple, or someone who prioritizes reliability and fun-to-drive dynamics over space, this is a hidden gem. You can find these for under $15,000 with low miles, and they'll run forever.

05:42

Speaker A

Number two, Toyota Venza. At number two, we have the first generation Toyota Venza from 2009 to 2015. This thing blends SUV utility with sedan comfort, making it ideal for families and commuters. The Venza is available with two engine options, a 2.7-

06:00

Speaker A

liter 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6. Both are known for extreme durability and routinely cross 300,000 miles. The first gen Venza is based on the Toyota K platform, which is the same architecture as the XV40 series Camry. It's often

06:16

Speaker A

described as Lexus Light because it shares mechanical underpinnings with the AL10 series Lexus RX. That's a fancy way of saying this thing is built like a tank. Let's talk engines. The 2.7-liter 1AR-FE 4-cylinder is a dual VVT-i engine

06:34

Speaker A

with a simple dual overhead cam design that prioritizes reliability over high-end performance. It's smooth, efficient, and virtually indestructible with regular maintenance. For the V6 models, you get the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE, a legendary power plant that's been used across Toyota and Lexus vehicles for

06:54

Speaker A

years. This engine is known for going 300,000-plus miles with nothing but oil changes and basic maintenance. The Venza flies completely under the radar because this non-hybrid Venza was discontinued in 2015, and most buyers forgot it even existed. But here's the thing, used

07:12

Speaker A

Venzas are everywhere. They're cheap and they're built to last. Why it's ignored? It was never a sales success. It had an identity crisis. Was it a wagon, an SUV, a crossover? Toyota didn't market it well and buyers moved on. Why? It's a

07:29

Speaker A

gold mine. You're getting Toyota Lexus level reliability for used Camry money. These things are comfortable, spacious, reliable, and incredibly affordable. If you find a V6 Venza with all-wheel drive and reasonable miles, buy it immediately.

07:48

Speaker A

Number one, Mazda CX-5. And at number one, the Mazda CX-5 from 2013 to 2022. This is one of the best all-around compact SUVs you can buy, period. The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder with the six-speed automatic is incredibly reliable. The engine has both

08:09

Speaker A

port and direct injection, which minimizes carbon buildup, a huge problem in many modern engines. Mazda's six-speed automatic is smooth and durable. The CX-5 is fun to drive, looks great, and the interior is well-built with quality materials. Here's some hard

08:25

Speaker A

data. ISeeCars analyzed over 300 million vehicles and found the CX-5 owners regularly report hitting 200,000 to 250,000 miles with routine maintenance only.

08:38

Speaker A

The Skyactiv engine is engineered for longevity. With proper care, regular oil changes every 7,500 miles, transmission fluid changes, these engines easily reach that quarter million mile mark.

08:50

Speaker A

You can find CX-5s from any year in this range and feel confident you're getting a reliable vehicle. Whether you go with a first gen from 2013 to 2016 or a second gen from 2017 to 2022, you're...

09:05

Speaker A

compact SUVs ever made. Why it's ignored? It's not ignored completely, but it doesn't have the brand cache of Honda or Toyota. Buyers assume Honda and Toyota are the only reliable options.

09:19

Speaker A

So, Mazda gets overlooked. Why? It's a gold mine. It offers Toyota Honda level reliability with better driving dynamics and premium build quality. You're getting a well-rounded all-wheel drive SUV that gives you more for your money, and these things last forever.

09:36

Speaker A

Now, for the bonus pick, the Lexus RX 350 from 2016 to 2022. The Lexus RX is consistently the top rated midsize luxury SUV for reliability, frequently outlasting competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE by a massive margin. Its success is built on the

09:57

Speaker A

2GRFKS 3.5 L V6 engine, a naturally aspirated powerhouse known for smooth operation and extreme longevity. The fourth generation from 2016 to 2022 is particularly prized for this V6 engine, which many enthusiasts believe is the last of its kind in the segment. This RX

10:18

Speaker A

generation represents a benchmark in luxury crossovers, specifically because Lexus stuck with a high displacement naturally aspirated powertrain during an era when competitors transitioned to downsized turbocharged engines. The 2GRF FKS engine uses the D4S dual injection system, which combines direct and port

10:38

Speaker A

injection to optimize fuel delivery across different load ranges. This means better performance, better fuel economy, and drastically reduced carbon buildup.

10:47

Speaker A

Lexus owners regularly report 300,000 plus miles on these V6 engines. The RX is quiet, comfortable, luxurious, and built to last forever. Why it's a gold mine? You get luxury, comfort, and reliability in one package. Yes, it costs more upfront than other vehicles

11:07

Speaker A

on this list, but the long-term ownership costs are shockingly low for a luxury vehicle. If you can afford it, this is the ultimate smart buy. So, there you have it. These vehicles won't turn heads, but they'll save you

11:20

Speaker A

thousands and run for decades. If this video helped you, hit that subscribe button and check out my other videos where I break down the best used cars, the worst cars to avoid, and everything in between. Thanks for watching and I'll

11:34

Speaker A

see you in the next one.

Topics: cheap SUVs reliable used SUVs Mitsubishi Outlander Honda Passport Mazda CX-3 Toyota Venza Mazda CX-5 all-wheel drive SUVs used car buying tips SUV reliability


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