The Best and Worst 2024 SUVs Under $30,000

In the market for an affordable SUV this year? With so many options out there, it can be tough to separate the good from the bad and the ugly. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on the top 5 and worst 5 SUVs you can buy for under $30,000 in 2024. Let’s dive in!

Top 5 2024 SUVs Under $30k

That’s especially true if you’re shopping for an affordable compact or subcompact SUV with a price tag under $30,000. This budget-friendly segment is packed with compelling options from mainstream brands and upstarts alike. However, not all SUVs under $30k are created equal when it comes to factors like performance, interior space, fuel efficiency, tech features, and overall value.

2024 Honda CR-V

• Price: Starts at $26,600
• Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (190 hp, 179 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
• Cargo Space: 39.2 cu.ft (rear seats up), 75.8 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Standard Features: Honda Sensing safety suite, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

The CR-V continues its reign as one of the most well-rounded and practical compact SUVs on the market. It outshines rivals thanks to its superior cargo space, class-leading fuel economy ratings, and smooth turbocharged engine performance. The CR-V also delivers tremendous value with its generous list of standard safety tech and infotainment features.

2024 Hyundai Tucson

• Price: Starts at $25,800
• Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder (187 hp, 178 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
• Cargo Space: 38.7 cu.ft (rear seats up), 80.3 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Standard Features: 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, forward collision warning

Don’t overlook the Tucson if you want a compact SUV with a premium look and feel on a budget. Its bold styling helps it stand out, and the interior is surprisingly upscale for this price range. While not quite as refined as the Honda CR-V, the Tucson scores big points for value with its lengthy warranty coverage and loads of standard equipment.

2024 Subaru Forester

• Price: Starts at $25,995
• Engine: 2.5L flat-4 (182 hp, 176 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (AWD)
• Cargo Space: 28.9 cu.ft (rear seats up), 74.2 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Standard Features: AWD, EyeSight driver assist tech, 6.5-inch touchscreen

The Forester remains a smart pick for those who want a compact SUV with superior all-weather capability thanks to its standard AWD system. It also offers one of the roomiest cabins in its class. However, the Forester’s underwhelming base engine and dated infotainment tech prevent it from being the outright leader. Still, it’s an incredibly versatile and sensible choice.

2024 Mazda CX-5

• Price: Starts at $26,700
• Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder (187 hp, 186 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (AWD)
• Cargo Space: 30.9 cu.ft (rear seats up), 59.6 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Standard Features: 10.3-inch infotainment screen, all-wheel drive

You won’t find a more stylish or luxurious option than the Mazda CX-5 in this price bracket. Its sleek exterior design and premium cabin appointments help it punch well above its weight class. The CX-5 also delivers a more engaging driving experience than most in this segment. Drawbacks include subpar rear legroom and cargo capacity compared to other compact SUV picks.

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

• Price: Starts at $27,690
• Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (184 hp, 221 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (AWD)
• Cargo Space: 37.6 cu.ft (rear seats up), 73.4 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Standard Features: Digital instrument cluster, VW Digital Cockpit, forward collision warning

The well-equipped Tiguan impresses with its crisp handling and punchy turbocharged powertrain. It also goes big on tech features like VW’s Digital Cockpit. That said, the Tiguan’s firm ride quality and cramped third row may turn off some buyers. Comparatively tight cargo room is another demerit.

Worst 5 2024 SUVs Under $30k

To help you navigate the cluttered SUV landscape, we’ve compiled an in-depth report analyzing the top 5 and worst 5 models you can buy for under $30,000 in the 2024 model year. Our rankings take into account professional evaluations, input from owners, comprehensive data on each SUV’s strengths and weaknesses, and how they stack up to their closest competitors.

2024 Jeep Compass

• Price: Starts at $26,490
• Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder (180 hp, 175 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (FWD)
• Cargo Space: 27.2 cu.ft (rear seats up), 59.8 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Poor predicted reliability ratings, sluggish acceleration, cheap interior materials

While the Compass boasts a decent amount of passenger space, that’s where the positives end for this subpar compact SUV offering. Its four-cylinder engine feels underpowered, the interior is filled with hard plastics, and Jeep’s infotainment system lags behind the competition. Predicted reliability is another sore point.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

• Price: Starts at $22,995
• Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder (148 hp, 145 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
• Cargo Space: 21.7 cu.ft (rear seats up), 49.5 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Underpowered engine, cramped cargo area, subpar safety ratings

Don’t let the “Sport” in its name fool you – the Outlander Sport is one of the most lethargic and outdated compact SUV options around. Its sluggish acceleration and poor fuel economy are letdowns, as is the cramped cabin and tight cargo hold. You can do far better for your money.

2024 Nissan Rogue Sport

• Price: Starts at $24,630
• Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder (141 hp, 147 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (FWD)
• Cargo Space: 22.9 cu.ft (rear seats up), 61.1 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Sluggish acceleration, choppy ride quality, gimmicky styling

Like its Mitsubishi rival, the Rogue Sport looks good on paper with its affordable pricing and decent cargo room. Unfortunately, its underwhelming powertrain leads to frustrating real-world performance. On top of that, the ride quality is overly harsh, and Nissan’s infotainment tech is behind the times compared to the class leaders.

2024 Chevrolet Trax

• Price: Starts at $22,595
• Engine: 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (155 hp, 177 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (FWD)
• Cargo Space: 18.7 cu.ft (rear seats up), 48.4 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Cramped cabin, limited cargo room, disappointing build quality

The subcompact Trax is one of the smaller and more affordable options in this roundup but you definitely get what you pay for. While its turbocharged engine provides a semblance of pep, the Trax’s cabin feels confining, cargo room is limited, and interior quality is a major letdown at this price point. Better options abound.

2024 Jeep Renegade

• Price: Starts at $24,990
• Engine: 1.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder (177 hp, 210 lb-ft torque)
• Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (FWD)
• Cargo Space: 18.5 cu.ft (rear seats up), 50.8 cu.ft (rear seats down)
• Poor predicted reliability, confined cabin space, ride quality issues

The boxy, rugged-looking Renegade had potential, but its drawbacks overshadow any positives. Ride quality fails to impress, as does interior room for passengers and cargo. Jeep didn’t do the Renegade any favors with its below-average predicted reliability ratings either. There are far more well-rounded compact SUVs in this price range.

The Verdict

As you can see, there are some stellar affordable SUV options hitting dealerships for the 2024 model year that deliver a compelling blend of versatility, fuel efficiency, and bang for your buck. While SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson stand out with their roomy interiors, long list of standard features, and well-rounded driving dynamics, models like the Jeep Compass and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport leave a lot to be desired in terms of performance, interior quality, and value.

Also Read:

• 2023 Volvo XC60 Review: A Luxurious and Capable SUV
• Top SUVs With Cutting-Edge Head-Up Display Technology
• The Best Ford SUV Models for 2024
• Lexus GX 550 vs Toyota Sequoia – Which Luxurious SUV is Right for You?

At the end of the day, your personal needs and priorities should dictate which 2024 SUV under $30,000 is the ideal fit. But hopefully, this guide has provided you with a helpful lay of the land as you begin your search. Happy shopping!