2025 has plenty of budget-friendly SUVs that don’t skimp on style, performance, or practicality. These SUVs deliver a good trade-off of features and economy without placing too much strain on the wallet.
Check out the list of the 10 best SUVs under $30,000 for your next ride.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
Starting Price: $21,495
Powertrain: 1.2-liter three-cylinder (137 hp)
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg combined
Key Features:
- Modern and compact design
- Spacious cabin with intuitive tech
- Front- or all-wheel drive available
- 7-inch touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Why Choose It? Excellent fuel economy and smooth ride make it a great choice for urban driving.
2025 Mazda CX-30
Starting Price: $26,415
Powertrain: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (187 hp)
Fuel Economy: Combined 25–29 mpg
Key Features:
- Luxurious interior featuring quality materials
- Lightfootedness and smart steering
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Apple CarPlay compatible 8.8-inch infotainment display
Why Choose It? Sporty SUV with a premium vibe, making it a great pick for performance and luxury.
2025 Kia Seltos
Starting Price: $24,490
Engine Options:
- 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (146 hp)
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (175 hp)
Fuel Economy: 25–28 mpg combined
Key Features:
- Generous dimensions as well as room to stretch your legs
- Available all-wheel drive for improved traction
- Navigation 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Standard driver assists such as forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist
Why Choose It? Affordable and versatile, with a daring design and great tech features for the value.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Starting Price: $27,500
Engine Choices: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (187 hp)
Fuel Economy: 26 city / 33 highway
Key Features:
- Spacious and upscale interior
- A very smooth, refined ride with good performance
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
- Adopting hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles
Why Choose It? The Tucson stands out in the compact SUV class with good value for space, technology, and gas mileage.
2025 Toyota RAV4
Starting Price: $28,675
Trims and Engines Available: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (203 hp)
Fuel Economy: 28–30 combined mpg
Key Features:
- Very good reliability and resale value
- Roomy interior with simple-to-use infotainment system
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 advanced safety suite
- Optional all-wheel drive and hybrid versions
Why Choose It? One of the best-rounded compact SUVs with a big focus on reliability and low cost of ownership.
2025 Kia Niro Hybrid
Starting Price: $28,365
Available Engine: Hybrid powertrain (139 hp)
Fuel Economy: 49–53 mpg combined
Key Features:
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Roomy interior and plenty of cargo room
- Offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric
Why Choose It? Ideal for environmentally friendly consumers in search of a sustainable car that doesn’t deter from being practical.
2025 Nissan Kicks
Starting Price: $23,220
Trims and Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine (122 hp)
Fuel Economy: 30–31 mpg combined
Key Features:
- A compact body to help you navigate the city
- Standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone compatibility
- More room in the cabin than most subcompact SUVs
Why Choose It? A compact SUV with fantastic fuel economy and features, suited for city driving, all at bottom dollar.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Starting Price: $27,115
Powertrain Options: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (152 hp)
Fuel Economy: 27–29 mpg combined
Key Features:
- Standard full off-road credibility with all-wheel drive
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance for rugged terrain
- Adaptive cruise control, EyeSight safety system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (6.5-inch touchscreen)
Why Choose It? Great for those who want an adventurous SUV with impressive off-road chops and all-wheel drive standard.
2025 Hyundai Kona
Starting Price: $25,745
Powertrain: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (147 hp)
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg combined
Key Features:
- Agile handling and sporty styling
- Infotainment system is user-friendly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available all-wheel drive
- Standard 7-inch touchscreen
Why Choose It? Stylish, fun-to-drive compact SUV that gets good fuel economy.
2025 Ford Escape
Starting Price: $28,150
Engine Options:
- 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder (181 hp)
- Available hybrid powertrain
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg combined
Key Features:
- Roomy interior with high-tech infotainment system
- Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features
- Available all-wheel drive
- Available in several powertrain configurations, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants
Why Choose It? Also offers a family-friendly SUV shape, a variety of tech and safety features, and a hybrid powertrain for added fuel economy.
How to Choose the Right SUV for You
Searching for the ideal SUV under $30,000 comes down to finding the right performance — and the fuel economy, features, and price that accompany it. Here are 10 that span a range of advantages, from high-tech interiors to off-road competence to extreme efficiency. Before you make a final decision, consider your priorities — whether they are space, fuel economy, or advanced safety features.
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