Best SUVs of 2022 Under 30k

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.

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2022 Kia Seltos
9.4
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2022 Kia Soul
9.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
10
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#3
2022 Kia Sorento
9.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#4
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
9.3
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#5
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#6
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#7
2021 Mazda CX-30
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#8
2022 Hyundai Tucson
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#9
2021 Ford Bronco
8.9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
9
Value
#10
2022 Hyundai Venue
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
10
Value
#11
2022 Ford Bronco Sport
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#12
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#13
2022 Kia Sportage
8.6
BuzzScore
7
Design
6
Performance
6
MPG
7
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#14
2021 Nissan Rogue
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#15
2022 Honda CR-V
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
7
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#16
2022 Toyota RAV4
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#17
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
8.5
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#18
2021 Hyundai Kona
8.4
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
7
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#19
2022 Honda HR-V
8.4
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#20
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
8.4
BuzzScore
7
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value

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 2022 under $30k:

  • Performance: SUVs in this segment are not generally the quickest in the range and are typically purposed to deliver adequate gusto to get around on the daily and perhaps tow the jet ski to the lake on the weekend. Additionally, these power plants generally prioritize fuel efficiency, so while some sporty options may exist, the idea isn’t blistering take-offs. Even hybrid models can be had for this price.
  • Safety and Reliability: At this price point, most of the vehicles in the segment are either lower-tier models of a more expensive range or those that top the lineup of models with a sub-$25k starting price. This means many come with a comprehensive list of safety features and subsequently score quite highly with the safety authorities. Many of the automakers featuring in this segment are also known for impressive warranties and a good reputation for dependability.
  • Features: With quite a few brands offering entire trim lines below the price point in question, shoppers can choose from a variety of fully equipped models. Creature comforts and conveniences at this price typically include seat heating and even ventilation, multi-zone automatic climate control, and premium surround sound systems, too. Many also get leather/leatherette seating upholstery. Driver-assist tech and active safety measures are bountiful, too.

What to Consider Before Buying

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

Pros

  • All the benefits of SUV ownership, including practicality and interior space
  • Loads of features for a reasonable price
  • Fully-loaded models available under this price point
  • Generally high-quality products with good reliability

Cons

  • Performance variants don’t often fall into this price bracket
  • Full-size or hybrid models in this segment are generally base models less comprehensively equipped with features and conveniences

Best New SUVs and Crossovers Under $30,000

  • 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.

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.

What’s the most popular SUV in the US?

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.
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