Buyer's Guide · 2025

Best SUVs Under $30K in 2025

The crossover market is packed, and not every deal is a good one. We cut through the noise and ranked the top 6 compact SUVs that deliver the most value for under $30,000.

Last updated April 2025  ·  6 vehicles ranked

2025 Kia Sportage

From $29,990 MSRP
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Cargo Space
39.6 cu ft
Seating
5 Passengers
  • Feature-packed at base trim
  • Class-leading 5yr/60k warranty
  • Available hybrid & plug-in hybrid
  • Ride can feel firm on rough roads
  • Smaller rear seat vs. competitors
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2025 Mazda CX-5

From $29,100 MSRP
Fuel Economy
25/31 MPG
Cargo Space
30.9 cu ft
Seating
5 Passengers
  • Premium interior feel, well above price
  • Best-in-class driving dynamics
  • Strong safety ratings
  • Smaller cargo hold than rivals
  • No hybrid option
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2025 Hyundai Tucson

From $29,250 MSRP
Fuel Economy
26/38 MPG*
Cargo Space
38.7 cu ft
Seating
5 Passengers
  • Hybrid option under $30k
  • Generous standard tech features
  • Spacious rear seat
  • CVT can feel sluggish
  • Interior plastics on base trim
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2025 Chevrolet Trax

From $20,400 MSRP
Fuel Economy
28/32 MPG
Cargo Space
25.5 cu ft
Seating
5 Passengers
  • Most affordable on this list
  • 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper warranty
  • 11-inch infotainment standard
  • Smallest cargo space on the list
  • Underpowered base engine
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2025 Ford Escape

From $27,755 MSRP
Fuel Economy
27/33 MPG
Cargo Space
37.5 cu ft
Seating
5 Passengers
  • PHEV option for max efficiency
  • Comfortable highway ride
  • Good driver-assist standard
  • Dated interior design on base trim
  • Transmission can feel hesitant
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2025 Subaru Forester

From $29,995 MSRP
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Max Cargo
76.1 cu ft
Seating
5 Passengers
  • Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
  • Best-in-class outward visibility
  • EyeSight safety suite standard
  • Conservative exterior styling
  • CVT-only transmission
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