Best SUVs Under $50,000
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 $50,000 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 $40,000 and $50,000 that made our 10Best or Editors' Choice lists.
Top Ranked SUVs Under $50,000 at a glance
1
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
2
2026 Honda Passport
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$46,445
EPA MPG
20–21 combined
C/D SAYS: The Honda Passport gets buff for 2026 with rugged styling and a significantly improved all-wheel-drive system. 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
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$45,760
EPA MPG
29–31 combined
C/D SAYS: The mid-size 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV Hybrid makes its debut sharing the same all-new boxy styling and premium feature updates as the nonhybrid model. Learn More
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5
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
6
2026 Ford Bronco
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$42,490
EPA MPG
17–20 combined
C/D SAYS: The big, bad 2026 Ford Bronco loves to horse around in the dirt, but this go-anywhere Wrangler alternative earned our respect as much for its good on-road manners. Learn More
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7
2026 Hyundai Palisade
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$41,035
EPA MPG
20–21 combined
C/D SAYS: The mid-size Hyundai Palisade SUV is redesigned for the 2026 model year, and its new look is more premium and more boxy. Learn More
8
2026 Kia EV6
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$45,000 est
EPA Est. Range
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Kia EV6 is a well-rounded EV that's fun to drive, fast to charge, and plenty spacious inside. Learn More
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9
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
10
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$43,155
EPA MPG
22–24 combined
C/D SAYS: SUV-me, please: The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander three-row SUV is nearly as practical as a minivan and it's much less dorky. Learn More
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