What are the sportiest new SUVs you can buy for under $30,000? It's not a surprise that no Subaru SUVs are on the list. See why Subaru is conservative in its new model changes and why the automaker will stay with the design philosophy.
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Have you ever wondered why Subaru doesn't radically change the design of the Outback midsize SUV, Crosstrek subcompact SUV, or Forester compact SUV? Even when Subaru gives its SUVs a complete remodel, they look the same as the previous generation model.
There are minor changes to the front facia, headlights, rear taillights, and body cladding, but that's about it for any next-generation Subaru model.
Why doesn't Subaru make sweeping changes?
Their conservative approach is partly due to the expense of a complete redesign. Subaru is one of the smallest Japanese automakers, and they need the resources of a giant automaker like Toyota or Nissan to make radical design changes to their all-wheel-drive SUVs and other models.
It's also partly due to Subaru's desire to give its SUVs excellent outward visibility from the driver's seat. The Forester's boxy design language is by design, and the Forester consistently wins the competition in having the best outward visibility.
What are the sportiest SUVs under $30,000? According to a recent U.S. News ranking, eleven new models are sporty, fun-to-drive, and affordable. Check out the list below.
U.S. News Sportiest SUVs Under $30,000
2023 Volkswagen Taos - $24,155 | Performance Score: 7.5/10
2023 Kia Soul - $19,890 | Performance Score: 7.5/10
2023 Nissan Rogue - $27,360 | Performance Score: 7.6/10
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid - $29,345 | Performance Score: 7.7/10
2023 Hyundai Kona - $22,140 | Performance Score: 8.2/10
2023 Mazda CX-50 - $27,550 | Performance Score: 8.3/10
2023 Kia Niro - $26,590 | Performance Score: 8.3/10
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid - $27,490 | Performance Score: 8.4/10
2023 Mazda CX-5 - $26,700 | Performance Score: 8.4/10
2023 Mazda CX-30 - $22,950 | Performance Score: 8.5/10
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV - $27,800 | Performance Score: 8.6/10
U.S. News says, "These are all crossovers, which means their chassis is more car-like than traditional body-on-frame SUVs, making for solid cornering abilities. Hybrids, EVs, and conventionally powered vehicles are on this list, so whatever your preferred propulsion is, this guide has you covered.”
Related Story: Considering a New SUV? 3 Features Set A Subaru Apart From All Other Family Vehicles
Subaru's other qualities set them apart.
Besides the Subaru Outback, which shares the same chassis as the Legacy sedan, Subaru SUVs are built for around-town driving and off-road excursions. Even the Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance on standard trims and 9.4 inches on the rugged Outback Wilderness.
And all Subaru vehicles are powered by a Subaru Boxer engine that sits lower in the chassis because of its horizontally opposed design. This gives the higher-riding Subaru SUVs greater balance and stability in corners, and there is very little body lean.
Related Story: Why Subaru Kept New Forester Plain and Boring
There are three Subaru SUVs that come in under $30,000.
For the 2024 model year, the Subaru Outback starts at just over $30,000, priced at $30,190. The 2023 Forester starts at $27,620. For 2024, the Crosstrek Base trim level has a starting price of $26,290. All pricing includes destination and all dealer fees ($1,225).
The 2024 Subaru Outback, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and 2023 Subaru Forester will not win any design contests, but they are arguably the best SUVs for sport, off-road, and city driving.
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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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The Kona and all 3 Mazdas,…
The Kona and all 3 Mazdas, yes. Certainly not the Rogue though. The Soul, Bolt, and Niro all are FWD only, so they are only "pretenders" IMO, to be SUVs. If you want "sporty" from Subaru, you can get the Impreza RS, very well equipped for under 30k.