The 30 Best New SUVs Under $30K And Subaru's Two Affordable Standouts

If you are shopping for the most affordable new SUV, check out the best 30 models from U.S. News Autos. It's the best SUVs and crossovers you can buy this summer and fall with a $30,000 budget. They're ranked by U.S. News overall scores and base price. The list includes some of the most popular SUVs in the market and others you might have yet to consider.

We will specifically check out two new 2024 Subaru models, the 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV, and the 2024 Forester compact SUV. If you lead an active lifestyle and are looking for value, keep reading to see why the two Subaru models should be on your shopping list. 

We will give you a few related stories to check out that will help in your new model evaluation. 

The U.S. News 30 Best SUVs Under $30,000 in 2023 ranking from bottom to top.

30) Jeep Compass - $28,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.3/10

29) 2023 Chevrolet Equinox - $26,600 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10

28) 2023 Hyundai Venue - $19,650 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10

27) 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander - $27,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10

26) 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross - $23,610 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10

25) 2023 Ford Escape - $28,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10

24) 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan - $26,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10

23) 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer - $22,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10

22) 2023 Nissan Kicks - $20,440 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10

21) 2023 Kia Niro - $26,590 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10

20) 2024 Subaru Crosstrek - $24,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10

19) 2024 Honda HR-V - $24,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10

18) 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV - $27,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10

17) 2024 Buick Encore GX - $26,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10

16) 2023 Toyota RAV4 - $28,275 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10

15) 2023 Kia Sportage - $26,290 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10

14) 2023 Volkswagen Taos - $24,155 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10

13) 2023 Mazda CX-50 - $27,550 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10

12) 2023 Nissan Rogue - $27,360 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10

11) 2024 Subaru Forester - $26,395 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10

10) 2023 Ford Bronco Sport - $29,215 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10

9) 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe - $28,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10

8) 2023 Honda CR-V - $28,410 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10

7) 2024 Kia Seltos - $24,390 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10

6) 2023 Hyundai Kona - $22,140 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10

5) 2023 Hyundai Tucson - $26,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10

4) 2023 Kia Soul - $19,890 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10

3) 2023 Mazda CX-30 - $22,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10

2) Kia Sportage Hybrid - $27,490 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10

1) 2023 Mazda CX-5 - $26,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10

Check Out This Related Story: Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Vs. Outback Wilderness - 3 Features Will Convince You

# 20 - 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

U.S. News says, "With a $30,000 budget, you can afford three of the five trim levels in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek lineup. That includes the base and Premium models, with a 152-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and the Sport, with a more energetic 182-horsepower powerplant."

"All Crosstrek models come standard with all-wheel drive and Subaru's EyeSight package of advanced safety and driver-assistance technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and forward automatic emergency braking."

"The 2024 Crosstrek earns a position in the upper tier of our subcompact SUV ranking. It offers a five-seat cabin with a decent passenger room and ample cargo space. Base-trim models have a dual-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims get an 11.6-inch touch screen."

What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek?

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

Related Story: The One 2024 Subaru Forester Trim To Avoid And 2 That Will Be The Hardest To Find

# 11 - 2024 Subaru Forester

U.S. News says, "Shoppers looking for a compact SUV that can fit tall adults and all their luggage should put the 2023 Subaru Forester on their shopping list. It provides an exceptionally roomy cabin, plus plenty of cargo space."

"The Subaru Forester is one of just a few compact SUVs to come standard with all-wheel drive. A 182-horsepower supplies power horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that's fine for most adventures, but it could use more juice on the highway."

"All Foresters are outfitted with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and forward automatic emergency braking. Models priced below $30,000 include a 6.5-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay."

What is the price of the 2024 Forester?

The 2024 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $28,190, Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

Why choose Subaru Forester and Crosstrek over the other 28 new SUVs?

1. The 2024 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek have dual-function X-Mode for all-weather and all-terrain capability. If you use your SUV for trips off-road, the Subaru models are the best for more extreme outdoor activities. The X-Mode has a setting for deep snow and deep mud and sand. 

Don't Miss This Related Story: The All-New Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Vs. Forester Wilderness - Why One Wins Easily

2. The Forester and Crosstrek have more ground clearance than the competition at 8.7 inches. This allows easier entry and exit, and with the Subaru engine sitting lower in the chassis, the models have more excellent stability on a steep trail. 

3. The Forester and Crosstrek have the more rugged Wilderness trim level for those wanting to get further off the grid. They have additional off-road features for getting further away for mountain adventures like camping, fishing, hiking, snowboarding, and driving on the beach.

With interest rates rising, active and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an affordable SUV under $30,000 should put the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek on your shopping list.

Don't Miss This Hot Topic: 5 Reasons Why The Next-Gen Subaru Forester Is Delayed Again - The Last 2 Will Surprise You

Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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