The Best SUVs Under $30,000 Recently Revised by Consumer Reports

THERE’S A WORLD OF SUVS TO CHOOSE FROM

There’s no denying that the choice for SUVs can be bewildering to say the least. However, as CR analysts pointed out recently, a little data digging can help narrow down your choices to ones that have the performance, safety features, and pricing tailored perfectly to suit your needs.

To help you make a smart and informed purchase decision, automotive analysts from Consumer Reports recently updated their under $30K to help you find the best SUVs at that price based on their Consumer Reports’ Overall Scores in order from highest starting with Subaru and ending with Nissan.

Please note the following safety feature abbreviations used:

• FCW---forward collision warning
• BSW---blind spot warning
• AEB---automatic emergency braking

The BEST SUVs UNDER $30K TODAY

1. 2021 Subaru Forester
Price Range: $24,795 - $34,895
CR MPG: Overall 28 mpg / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
Rated #1 of 23: Compact sport-utility vehicle with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Standard active safety features include FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection. BSW is optional on Premium trim models..

2. 2021 Mazda CX-5
Price Range: $25,370 - $37,505
CR MPG: Overall 24 mpg / City 17 / Hwy 33 mpg
Rated #2 of 23: Compact sport-utility vehicle with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The top Signature trim is available with a stronger turbocharged engine.
Safety features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW standard equipment.

3. 2021 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $25,350 - $36,350
CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 37 mpg
Rated #3 of 23: A compact sport-utility vehicle, the CR-V is considered upper tier among small SUVs due to its roomy cabin, good fuel economy, and competent handling; plus, a 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbo engine and continuously variable transmission.
FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection are standard, but BSW is optional.

4. 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Price Range: $24,950 - $37,350
CR MPG: Overall 26 mpg / City 18 / Hwy 35 mpg
Rated #5 of 23: Compact sport-utility vehicle with a standard 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In comparison to the hybrid’s pairing of a 1.6-liter turbo engine and electric assist, the turbo model puts out a combined 226 hp and gets 35 mpg overall in tests.
Standard active safety and driver assistance features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW.

5. 2021 Kia Sportage

Price Range: $24,090 - $35,250CR MPG: Overall 23 mpg / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
Rated #4 of 23: Compact sport-utility vehicle with 2.4-liter four-cylinder and smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features include: FCW and city-speed AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW is standard on all except the base trim.

6. 2021 Nissan Rogue
Price Range: $26,050 - $37,230
CR MPG: Overall 25 mpg / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg
Rated #8 of 23: Compact sport-utility vehicle with a 181-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a continuously variable transmission.
Safety features include standard advanced safety and driver assistance systems with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW.

For more used car articles related to the topic, be sure to check out the following linked articles “Consumer Reports Car Experts Explain and Compare 2WD vs. AWD vs. 4WD; and, “Consumer Reports Recommends This Important Negotiation Point to Focus On When Buying a New Car.”

COMING UP NEXT: Why Toyotas are such oil burners.

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily automotive-related news.