Best SUVs Under $40,000
Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best SUVs under $40,000 based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in. This list consists of every SUV between $30,000 and $40,000 that made our 10Best or Editors' Choice lists.
Top Ranked SUVs Under $40,000 at a glance
1
2026 Honda CR-V
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$32,370
EPA MPG
29–30 combined
C/D SAYS: The Honda CR-V is one of the most recognizable compact SUVs on the planet, and with an agreeable ride and a spacious interior, it's also one of the best. Learn More
2
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,080
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid takes the inherent goodness of the CR-V compact SUV and adds a polished hybrid powertrain for increased efficiency and performance. Learn More
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3
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$36,600
EPA Est. Range
245–318 miles
C/D SAYS: With decent range, fast charging, and a spacious interior, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV is a versatile tool for navigating modern life. Learn More
4
2025 Kia Telluride
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,885
EPA MPG
20–22 combined
C/D SAYS: You can't do much better than the Telluride among three-row SUVs, as it has tons of space and is more luxurious than its price suggests. Learn More
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5
2026 Mazda CX-30
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$27,470
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: A near-luxury interior and plenty of behind-the-wheel verve set the Mazda CX-30 apart from its subcompact SUV rivals, but its small cabin hampers utility. Learn More
6
2026 Mazda CX-50
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,395
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mazda CX-50 compact SUV has rugged good looks but refined manners. Learn More
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7
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,840
EPA MPG
23–27 combined
C/D SAYS: While you can't remove its roof or doors—like you can with the big, bad Bronco—the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport can get further out into the boonies than many rivals. Learn More
8
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$38,000
EPA MPG
34–36 combined
C/D SAYS: With three rows of seats and excellent fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a no-brainer SUV for family buyers looking to save on fuel. Learn More
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9
2026 Nissan Leaf
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$26,000 est
EPA Est. Range
259–303 miles
C/D SAYS: For the 2026 model year, the Nissan Leaf EV is reimagined as a small SUV with more modern styling, better range, and a nicer interior. Learn More
10
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$32,280
EPA MPG
25–29 combined
C/D SAYS: Redesigned for 2025, the 2026 Tiguan compact SUV blasts into the new year with a new 268-hp engine option. Learn More
View More Car and Driver Rankings
Honda SUVs
Best Full-Size SUVs
Best Electric 3-Row SUVs
Most Affordable SUVs
Best SUVs for Towing
Subaru SUVs and Crossovers
Best Electric SUVs under $75,000
SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage
Hyundai SUVs and Crossovers
Kia SUVs
Best AWD SUVs
Lincoln SUVs and Crossovers
Genesis SUVs and Crossovers
Most Affordable Mid-Size SUVs
Best Compact SUVs
Best Electric SUVs under $45,000
Ford SUVs
Best 9+ Seater SUVs
Jeep SUVs and Crossovers
Cadillac SUVs and Crossovers
Best SUVs Under $50,000
Best 4x4 SUVs
Mercedes-Benz SUVs and Crossovers
Best Mid-Size SUVs
Best 8-Seater SUVs
Dodge SUVs and Crossovers
Best Crossover SUVs
Audi SUVs and Crossovers
Best SUVs Built in America
Mitsubishi SUVs and Crossovers
Infiniti SUVs and Crossovers
Best SUVs Under $30,000
Buick SUVs and Crossovers
Volvo SUVs and Crossovers
Nissan SUVs and Crossovers
Best 7-Seater SUVs
Fastest SUVs
Safest SUVs
Best SUVs with Captain's Chairs
Acura SUVs and Crossovers
Chevy SUVs and Crossovers
BMW SUVs and Crossovers
Lexus SUVs and Crossovers
Best Family SUVs
Volkswagen SUVs and Crossovers
Best Subcompact SUVs
Toyota SUVs and Crossovers
Mazda SUVs and Crossovers
Land Rover SUVs and Crossovers
GMC SUVs and Crossovers
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