Best SUVs Under $30,000
Offering space, safety, comfort and tech for families, these SUVs are also more affordable. You might also be interested in Best Cars Under $30,000 or Luxury Cars Under $30,000.
SUV
$20,091
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the Outback, Subaru has stuck with a formula that remains quite popular – that of the raised AWD station wagon that thinks it’s an SUV.
SUV
$22,006
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The spacious 2021 Hyundai Palisade midsize 3-row SUV is a strong contender with great road manners, generous features and keen pricing.
SUV
$24,246
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi Q3 brings bold design, innovative technology, and excellent fit and finish to the Audi’s smallest luxury SUV.
SUV
$28,416
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi Q7 has undergone subtle refinements that make this luxurious midsize crossover remain one of our favorite 7-seat SUVs.
SUV
Save
$17,284
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Highlighted by an ingenious interior, the Honda HR-V remains a great choice among small SUVs even among fresher rivals like the Kia Seltos.
SUV
$19,800
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2021, the Nissan Rogue compact SUV packs bolder looks, more tech, and fresh features. Its value position remains strong.
Advertisement
SUV
$20,802
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-equipped, stylish and popular 2021 Volvo XC40 premium subcompact SUV/crossover adds an all-electric variant to its range: Recharge.
SUV
$21,498
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.6
Consumer
208 Miles
Estimated EV Range
In simple terms, the XC40 Recharge is an electric Volvo XC40. While it needs more range, it’s a smartly packaged taste of Volvo’s EV future.
SUV
$26,445
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Acura RDX premium-compact-crossover SUV offers generous equipment, superb driving manners, and great build quality at keen prices.
SUV
$27,477
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is one of the most recommendable midsize 3-row SUVs.
SUV
$13,437
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Venue is a fresh, affordable subcompact SUV with features and charisma that belie its diminutive size.
SUV
$19,260
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru Forester is a superb compact SUV with a long and well-rounded list of attributes, including value and safety.
SUV
$20,439
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
260 Miles
Estimated EV Range
With 260 miles of range, good practicality, and a healthy dollop of modern tech, the new ID.4 points to a bright EV future for Volkswagen.
SUV
Save
$22,456
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Pilot is one of the best choices among midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers, because it excels in so many areas.
SUV
$23,867
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 3-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L impresses with its quality and luxury, which bodes well for the standard version coming later this year.
SUV
$25,080
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
39 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new-for 2021, the Toyota Venza 2-row midsize SUV features a 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain, all-wheel-drive, and up to 40 mpg.
SUV
$26,449
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes GLB-Class small luxury SUV straddles the subcompact and compact classes with style, tech, safety and refinement.
SUV
$15,306
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Equinox is Chevrolet’s compact crossover SUV. A roomy cabin, active safety, and reasonable starting price help make it a popular seller.
SUV
$19,319
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
17 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek blurs the distinction between a compact SUV and an economical 5-door hatchback.
SUV
$20,137
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As long as buyers get into a 2021 BMW X1 premium subcompact SUV knowing it skews more toward thrills than frills, all should be well.
SUV
$21,352
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is a spacious and smart midsize 3-row crossover with all-wheel drive and many safety features as standard.
SUV
$14,458
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish, well-equipped, and well-priced 2021 Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover SUV gains a sporty Night Edition and top safety scores.
SUV
$15,580
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
258 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The stylish, well-equipped, and well-priced 2021 Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover SUV gains a sporty Night Edition and top safety scores.
SUV
Save
$18,058
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Terrain aspires to be more upmarket than most mainstream compact-crossover SUVs, especially in the lavish Denali trim.
SUV
$19,966
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 BMW X2 is a sportier, more stylistic take on the X1 crossover SUV. It is distinctive, costs more and is less practical than rivals.
SUV
$22,034
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse 3-row SUV is large and comfortable, but lags rivals like the Kia Telluride in standard safety systems.
SUV
$24,051
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 5-seater 2021 Honda Passport SUV puts generous interior space, V6 power and off-road talent into a smartly sized package.
SUV
$26,886
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and hybrid NX 300h luxury compact SUVs emphasize comfort, luxury, quality, reliability and value.
SUV
$14,488
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer affords excellent standard tech, sporty design and a compelling base price for a small-crossover SUV.
SUV
$15,718
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Sportage compact crossover is comfy, classy, well equipped, and keenly priced. Pity about the fuel economy and cargo space.
SUV
$20,783
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy Volkswagen Atlas SUV has undergone a midcycle freshening that has broadened its appeal to families with added safety and style.
SUV
$20,867
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The aging 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee still cuts it as a plush midsize SUV, off-road champ or fast-lapping track rat.
SUV
$25,690
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
326 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Tesla Model Y small premium all-electric crossover now comes with seating for up to seven.
SUV
Save
$26,891
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has all the style, space, tech, safety and hardware to be a major contender among luxury midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers.
SUV
$13,070
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV delivers style, comfort and economy, plus some amazing safety features.
SUV
$16,963
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 VW Tiguan continues in its role as a compact SUV with seating for up to seven and a sporty ride, all at a competitive price.