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.
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 2023 under $30k:
Prior to taking the plunge and splurging, here are a few key points to consider:
Hyundai Santa Fe - Having received substantial updates in 2021, the latest models in the Santa Fe lineup are still fresh and feel much more premium than the price tag suggests. A powerful turbocharged engine, an impressive list of safety kit, a spacious interior, and a class-leading warrant are some of the reasons why it’s right up near the top of our best new SUV under $30,000 list.
Kia Sportage - With a starting price under $25k, the Sportage lineup offers lots of value for money throughout the lineup. If you want to go fast, though, you’ll need more than $34k, with the Sportage SX Turbo breaking out of the $30k mark. The rest of the range is available in FWD or AWD, offers modern looks, solid build quality, a good turbocharged power plant, and loads of features.
Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport - Both the regular and Sport versions of the new Bronco come in under the $30k mark at the lower end of the range. Although it debuted in 2020, the Bronco only joined the market in 2021 and was a hit for its iconic styling and impressive off-road abilities. While you’ll have to settle for the base models if you want to keep to the budget, it’s still a great buy.
Ford Escape Hybrid - With the cost of hybrid and EV technology reducing every year, green vehicles have rapidly become more affordable as a result, which means you can get an SUV with fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains for under $30k, and the Escape Hybrid is one such vehicle. The entry-level model comes in under the price point and offers dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, and pre-collision assist, along with gas mileage estimates of 44/37/41 mpg.
Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid - One of the most popular vehicles in the States, both the regular and hybrid versions of the RAV4 make this list - although for the hybrid, only the base model is still under $30k. A powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine does duty for all variants, with the addition of electric motors for the hybrids. Outputs max out at 219 horsepower in this guise, and fuel economy is rated at 41/38/40 mpg.