This article is part of a directory: Best Cars of 2024
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The market for crossovers and SUVs under $30k is an exceptionally popular one in the USA with a wide variety of vehicles to choose from at a reasonable price tag. The segment contains everything from sporty, small urban cruisers to powerful 4x4’s, with many of these machines costing no more than the typical American is willing to pay for a regular car. From the fastest, best looking, and most comfortable SUVs under $30,000, we rank every option, new and used, available to buy in the US.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Base MSRP
$28,220
Fuel Economy
45/38 MPG
Horsepower
196 hp
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
Base MSRP
$28,750
Fuel Economy
25/28 MPG
Horsepower
191 hp
2024 Kia Soul
Base MSRP
$20,190
Fuel Economy
29/35 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Kia Seltos
Base MSRP
$22,840
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
146 hp
2024 Mazda CX-30
Base MSRP
$24,995
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
191 hp
2024 Hyundai Tucson
Base MSRP
$27,500
Fuel Economy
25/32 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Base MSRP
$23,860
Fuel Economy
31/33 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Base MSRP
$28,590
Fuel Economy
42/44 MPG
Horsepower
227 hp
2024 Hyundai Venue
Base MSRP
$19,900
Fuel Economy
29/33 MPG
Horsepower
121 hp
2024 Mazda CX-5
Base MSRP
$29,300
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2024 Subaru Forester
Base MSRP
$27,095
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
182 hp
2024 Kia Sportage
Base MSRP
$27,190
Fuel Economy
25/33 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Base MSRP
$27,800
Fuel Economy
125/104 MPG
Horsepower
200 hp
2024 Toyota RAV4
Base MSRP
$28,675
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
203 hp
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
Base MSRP
$28,395
Fuel Economy
24/31 MPG
Horsepower
181 hp
2024 Buick Envista
Base MSRP
$22,400
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
137 hp
2023 Honda HR-V
Base MSRP
$23,800
Fuel Economy
26/32 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Base MSRP
$25,195
Fuel Economy
27/34 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Base MSRP
$23,995
Fuel Economy
28/36 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Kia Niro
Base MSRP
$26,940
Fuel Economy
53/54 MPG
Horsepower
139 hp
2024 Nissan Kicks
Base MSRP
$21,050
Fuel Economy
31/36 MPG
Horsepower
122 hp
2024 Hyundai Kona
Base MSRP
$24,250
Fuel Economy
30/35 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Buick Encore GX
Base MSRP
$25,600
Fuel Economy
30/31 MPG
Horsepower
137 hp
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Base MSRP
$20,400
Fuel Economy
28/32 MPG
Horsepower
137 hp
2024 Jeep Compass
Base MSRP
$25,900
Fuel Economy
24/32 MPG
Horsepower
200 hp
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Base MSRP
$28,880
Fuel Economy
23/30 MPG
Horsepower
184 hp
2024 Ford Escape
Base MSRP
$28,000
Fuel Economy
27/34 MPG
Horsepower
180 hp
2023 Honda CR-V
Base MSRP
$28,410
Fuel Economy
28/34 MPG
Horsepower
190 hp
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Base MSRP
$23,100
Fuel Economy
29/31 MPG
Horsepower
137 hp
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
Base MSRP
$26,600
Fuel Economy
26/31 MPG
Horsepower
175 hp
2024 GMC Terrain
Base MSRP
$28,700
Fuel Economy
24/29 MPG
Horsepower
175 hp
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Base MSRP
$25,795
Fuel Economy
25/28 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2023 Jeep Renegade
Base MSRP
$27,850
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
177 hp
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Base MSRP
$22,995
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
148 hp
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Base MSRP
$0
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
TBC
2024 Nissan Rogue
Base MSRP
$28,420
Fuel Economy
30/37 MPG
Horsepower
201 hp

Characteristics of Top SUVs Under $30k

Most of the top SUVs under $30k offer well-balanced performance and driving dynamics and are usually comprehensively outfitted with creature comforts and protective measures. Here are some of the common characteristics you can expect from the the best SUVs of 2024 under $30k:

What to Consider Before Buying

Prior to taking the plunge and splurging, here are a few key points to consider:

Pros

Cons

Best New SUVs and Crossovers Under $30,000

FAQs

What is the best SUV under $30,000 in terms of fuel economy?

SUVs with the best fuel economy figures are those that have either hybrid assistance or are plug-ins, and in this regard, the Ford Escape Hybrid’s 44/37/41 mpg and the RAV4 Hybrids figures of41/38/40 mpg are impressive. The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a combined figure of 46 mpg, or 105 MPGe, as well as 26 miles of all-electric range. These are all for sale under $30k at present.

Some of the best-selling SUVs for the last year included the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and the Nissan Rogue, with three of these nameplates having starting prices under $30k.

Is a used SUV a better option for a lower price?

If your budget is a little tight, you may find it a better option to shop in the used-car market. Pre-owned cars don’t need to be avoided, provided you do your homework first and ensure you have as much information about the car you’re interested in as possible. Always check service history, maintenance schedule, and whether the vehicle has been in an accident or not. A well-maintained example from 2019 can be just as satisfying as a new model.