The segment is a rich part of the automotive market. There are subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size options from over a dozen manufacturers. with a focus on luxury, off-road capabilities, fuel economy, safety and more. However, it may be difficult to find one at a lower price. Thankfully, reviewers at Kelley Blue Book (KBB) have put together a list of the best SUVs you can buy for under $30,000.
1. 2023 Kia Selto
Seltos MSRP: Starting at $23,340
. The Nightfall Edition and SX have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 175PS and 195Nm of torque. All five trims except the S have all-wheel drive (AWD) standard, but it is optional for that model.
Every Seltos model is equipped with driving aids such as forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning and driver attention alert. Basic features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The (IIHS) named Seltos Top Safety Pick for SX trim due to its more powerful headlights. Like all Kia models, it comes with some of the best warranties on the market, such as the five-year, 60,000-mile base warranty and the 10-year, 100,000-mile transmission warranty. For a safe, affordable, and quite stylish SUV under $30,000, the Seltos is an excellent option.
2. 2023 Toyota RAV4
RAV4 MSRP: Starting at $27,975
As one of the best-selling SUVs on the market, Toyota has sold at least 400,000 RAV4 SUVs since 2017, according to data from . Like many Toyota models, it maintains a reputation for great reliability and great safety features.
The 2023 RAV4 is available in six trim levels: base LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road and Limited. All are powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 203PS and 184Nm of torque. Like the Seltos, all models have at least six speakers, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Also featured on all RAV4 models is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driving aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, traffic sign reader and forward collision warning with auto braking. They gave the 2023 Toyota RAV4 a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Unlike the Seltos, only the LE trim will likely fit within the $30,000 budget limit. However, the reliability, safety and driving aids for SUV buyers avoid high prices.
3. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
Santa Fe MSRP: Starting at $28,200
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the only midsize SUV on this list, making it a great deal for the price. rated the Sante Fe 2-row midsize SUV Best Buy for 2023, the fourth year in a row, for good reason.
The base 2.5-liter engine produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque for the base SE, SEL, and XRT trims. Calligraphy Limited and top-line trims get an upgrade with a 2.5-liter turbocharged powerplant that puts out 281PS and 311Nm of torque. KBB reviewers note the comfort and space in the cabin, which gives drivers and passengers a lot of space.
Driving aids such as forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert and lane keep assist are standard on all models. Like the Kia Seltos, it is backed by the best warranty package on the market. The Santa Fe was also designated a Top Safety Pick+, making it a safe, affordable, and roomy SUV under $30,000.
4. 2023 Honda HR-V
HR-V MSRP: Starting at $23,800
The Honda HR-V is Honda’s smallest SUV on the market and the second subcompact SUV on this list after the Seltos. While small, reviewers note that the roomy cabin is one of the model’s strengths.
Completely redesigned for the 2023 model year, all HR-V models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generating 158PS and 138Nm of torque. Reviewers note that the HR-V handles well and brakes well, and is easy for passengers to get on and off.
The HR-V comes with Honda’s Sensing Suite of driver assistance. This means features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure mitigation and frontal collision mitigation are standard on all models. The base LX model offers features like a 7-inch touchscreen, three USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrading to the uplevel Sport or EX-L trims gets you more features like heated mirrors, an eight-speaker audio system, and heated front seats or leather upholstery.
The HR-V follows the theme of this list having been named a Top Safety Pick + since . For its safety, space and reputation for reliability, it’s hard to go wrong with the HR-V.
5. 2023 Kia Sportage
Sportage MSRP: Starting at $26,290
Rounding out the list is Kia’s compact SUV. The all-new Sportage is the best compact SUV of 2023, with sharp new styling, a roomy cabin and plenty of features.
All seven Sportage trims (the base LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX, SX Prestige, X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige) feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. All models are equipped with a number of features. Included are rear tinted windows, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers and heated front seats. KBB reviewers note that the interior is quiet and elegantly designed with high-quality materials. Like the Seltos and Santa Fe, the Sportage comes with industry-leading warranties and plenty of driver aids, including parking sensors, a lane keeping system, driver attention alert, and forward collision mitigation. They called the Sportage a top-safety choice for the SX Prestige and X-Pro trims due to their updated headlights.
What’s the best SUV under $30,000?
KBB reviewers put the Seltos above the rest, and coming down in price, it certainly is. You get a lot of features and can upgrade from the base model while staying under the cap. If you want a little more fun behind the wheel, the Honda HR-V is an excellent choice with its smooth handling. And if a roomy interior with plenty of cargo space is a necessity, the Sportage and Santa Fe are great options.
