Consumer Reports Top Choices for Best SUVs Under $40,000

Best New SUV Selections

Consumer Reports analysts have taken the time to help car shoppers find the best new SUVs during a time when low inventory levels and long waits make it difficult for car shoppers to test drive each model before making a final decision. CR analysts accomplish this feat by purchasing every model they test drive for thousands of miles while putting each vehicle through an extensive array of tests.

Afterward, CR analysts compiled the data and created a list of SUVs ranked through an evaluation of their top Overall Scores.

“…if you’re looking for the best SUV, you’ve come to the right place. Below we present the best SUVs under $40,000 ranked by their Overall Score. This list has two- and three-row SUVs, and is based on the as-tested price of the model we evaluated. All of the vehicles on the list have trim levels that cost less than $40,000,” stated CR analysts in their latest news release.

Related article: Top 10 Best and Most Reliable SUVs for 2023 Under $40,000

That said, here is the full list of 15 SUV models that Consumer Reports rates, along with their price range, miles per gallon fuel efficiency, and current rating within their vehicle category type.

TWO-ROW SUVS

1. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $36,210 - $41,870
CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 23 / Hwy 37 mpg
#1 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

2. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $31,350 - $44,760
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg
#3 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles

3. Honda CR-V 2023
Price Range: $28,410 - $35,760
CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 19 / Hwy 33 mpg
#2 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles

4. Subaru Outback 2023
Price Range: $28,395 - $42,295
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
#2 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

5. Kia Sportage Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $27,490 - $43,190
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 31 / Hwy 39 mpg
#6 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles

6. Toyota Venza 2023
Price Range: $34,620 - $42,765
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg
#3 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

7. Ford Edge 2023
Price Range: $37,945 - $46,485
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 31 mpg
#4 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

8. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $28,275 - $39,530
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 41 mpg
#8 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles

THREE-ROW SUVS

9. Kia Telluride 2023
Price Range: $35,890 - $52,985
CR MPG: Overall 21 / City 14 / Hwy 30 mpg
#1 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

10. Toyota Highlander 2023
Price Range: $36,620 - $53,025
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 33 mpg
#4 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

11. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $36,620 - $53,025
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg
#2 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

12. Toyota Highlander 2023
Price Range: $36,620 - $53,025
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 33 mpg
#4 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

13. Hyundai Palisade 2023
Price Range: $35,900 - $51,750
CR MPG: Overall 21 / City 15 / Hwy 29 mpg
#3 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

14. Chevrolet Traverse 2023
Price Range: $34,520 - $54,200
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 14 / Hwy 28 mpg
#5 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

15. Subaru Ascent 2023
Price Range: $33,895 - $48,195
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
#6 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

Timothy Boyer is an 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 news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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