13 Best SUVs Under $40K That Are Totally Worth Buying

There is plenty to love about owning an SUV. The ample interior space is a nice benefit for those who have a lot of people or gear to haul. These vehicles might also provide an extra measure of safety.

But such larger vehicles often come with higher costs. However, step away from the high-end luxury models, and you will find outstanding SUVs priced under $40,000 that deliver strong performance, ample interior space, and solid handling.

These are the best SUVs under $40,000. If you buy one, be sure to shop around for coverage so you can save on car insurance and reduce your auto costs even further.

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MSRP: $23,300

One of the least expensive SUVs on the market is the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which features a rugged Activ trim and available all-wheel drive.

Key features include a flexible interior with plenty of shoulder and leg room, and a nice 11-inch diagonal screen.

Power comes from a standard turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower, or an available 1.3-liter three-cylinder with 155 horsepower for AWD models. 

Fuel economy is a strong point, with front-wheel-drive versions rated up to 33 mpg highway. Cargo space totals 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. 

Every Trailblazer comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which bundles automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.

MSRP: $26,595

The Buick Encore GX features a quiet, upscale interior with some nice tech, including forward-collision alert and front pedestrian braking.

It is available in three trim options, including the popular Sport Touring.

Fuel economy ranges from about 27 to 30 mpg combined depending on trim and drivetrain, with front-wheel-drive models leading the lineup. 

Cargo space measures 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet when they're folded flat, which is more room than some rivals in the subcompact segment. 

The Avenir trim adds real leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, while all-wheel drive is available across the lineup for buyers who want extra traction.

MSRP: $28,800

The Chevrolet Equinox is an affordable SUV with an updated driver display and infotainment screen compared to older models.

The 2026 model has been redesigned both inside and out. It also features adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

The Equinox comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 175 horsepower, paired with fuel economy estimates of roughly 26 to 27 mpg combined. 

Cargo space totals 29.8 cubic feet behind a full complement of passengers, growing to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, along with smart storage touches like a hidden under-floor compartment. 

The Equinox can also tow up to 1,500 pounds, giving it a bit more versatility than some rivals that offer no towing capability at all.

MSRP: $29,700

The Hyundai Tucson offers a roomy interior that makes long drives more comfortable. You also get a nice, high-tech display screen.

Choose the hybrid or the plug-in hybrid model for added fuel savings. This compact SUV has enough room for five people.

The Tucson Hybrid pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 231 combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 35 to 38 mpg combined, with standard HTRAC all-wheel drive. 

Cargo space is generous for the segment at up to 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.5 cubic feet with them folded, since the battery sits beneath the floor rather than eating into trunk space. 

The Tucson also comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes adaptive cruise control and forward collision avoidance.

MSRP: $29,995

The 2026 Subaru Forester is a stylish five-seater with several trim levels, with prices starting under $40,000.

You will also find that it offers enhanced safety technology, including standard driver-assist features.

Every Forester comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a 2.5-liter Boxer engine producing 180 horsepower, with an available hybrid version bumping that to 194 horsepower and improving fuel economy by up to 40%. 

Cargo space runs up to 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the Wilderness trim adds 9.3 inches of ground clearance for more serious off-road use. 

Properly equipped, the Forester can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is unusual for a compact SUV in this price range.

MSRP: $29,900

Priced well, the Mazda CX-50 offers some nice options, including a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2026 model includes features like Amazon's Alexa voice assistant and the ability to remotely start the car with the MyMazda app.

Standard all-wheel drive comes paired with a 2.5-liter engine that returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while a turbocharged version adds power for towing at a slight fuel economy cost. 

Cargo space measures 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet when folded down. 

A hybrid variant is also available for buyers who want notably better fuel economy without giving up the CX-50's off-road-oriented styling.

MSRP: $31,845

A notably smaller SUV that still offers off-road capability, the Ford Bronco Sport seats five and features a safari-style roof that provides more headroom.

The Sport comes with standard all-wheel drive. This is a practical, solid, compact SUV with good handling and several trim package options.

The standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, while the more powerful 2.0-liter engine on the Badlands trim trades some efficiency for added towing and off-road capability. 

Cargo space totals 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.2 cubic feet with them folded, and the rear area includes a rubberized floor with MOLLE strap points for securing gear. 

Both engines run on regular 87-octane gasoline, which helps keep running costs down compared with some rivals that call for premium fuel.

MSRP: $32,975

This electric-motor SUV offers features such as remote smart parking assist and a pair of 12.3-inch displays.

It also has an EPA-estimated range of 261 miles. The hatchback design makes this a practical vehicle for everyday use, especially when you need to take gear.

Cargo space is generous for the class, with roughly 26 cubic feet behind the rear seats and about 64 cubic feet when they're folded flat, plus a small front trunk for charging cables or other small items. 

The Kona Electric also comes standard with Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite, which includes collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot warnings, and high beam assist. 

Rear legroom measures 36.4 inches, giving adult passengers more room to stretch out than in some rival compact EVs.

MSRP: $35,050

With up to 277 horsepower, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a smart move for drivers. 

It offers seating for up to seven people and 14.6 square feet of cargo capacity. This midsize SUV also offers ample safety features.

Power comes from a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter engine paired with an 8-speed automatic, and EPA estimates put fuel economy at about 24 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive gas models. 

A hybrid option is also available, with fuel economy climbing to roughly 34 to 36 mpg combined depending on drivetrain. Properly equipped, most Santa Fe models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. 

The Santa Fe has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and its safety suite includes automatic emergency braking with junction-turning detection and full-speed adaptive cruise control.

MSRP: $35,630

Compact, easy to drive, and with an efficient powertrain, the Honda CR-V Hybrid can even save you money on gas.

The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with two electric motors offers 204 horsepower, which is a nice boost over similar models.

On the Sport trim, the hybrid system returns an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, among the better figures in the compact SUV class. 

Because the hybrid battery pack sits beneath the cargo floor rather than in the trunk, the CR-V Hybrid retains generous cargo space, ranging from about 34.7 to 36.3 cubic feet depending on configuration. 

Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera, and the CR-V has earned strong crash-test ratings from NHTSA.

MSRP: $39,345

The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row, slightly more upscale midsize SUV.

The base model accommodates up to eight people with a second-row bench seat. The big 12.3-inch touchscreen display is also a nice feature.

A 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 horsepower is standard, and a new turbocharged 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain is available for buyers who want better fuel economy along with quicker acceleration. 

Cargo space totals 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Standard safety features include Hyundai SmartSense with forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and smart cruise control. 

Hyundai has also issued a stop-sale and recall for certain Palisade trims tied to second- and third-row power seats, which shoppers should confirm has been addressed.

MSRP: $39,300

The Mazda CX-90 is a three-row SUV with an inline-six engine. It's easy to drive, with enough power and performance for most needs.

The vehicle has a second-row bench and dual captain's chairs.

The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six makes 280 horsepower in standard form, with a 340-horsepower Turbo S version available for buyers who want more punch. 

Fuel economy comes in at about 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Cargo space measures 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, growing to 74.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. 

Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on trim, and a plug-in hybrid version is also offered for buyers who want extra efficiency.

MSRP: $38,900

The MINI Countryman goes from zero to 60 in less than 10 seconds. It also features 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Apple CarPlay is standard across all models, as is all-wheel drive.

The S ALL4 trim uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 241 horsepower, with EPA fuel economy rated at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. 

Folding the rear seats expands cargo space to 56.2 cubic feet, and an electric SE ALL4 version is also available with an EPA-estimated 216-mile range.

Every Countryman comes with ten airbags, cornering brake control, and cornering LED headlights as standard safety equipment.

A performance-oriented John Cooper Works version is also offered for buyers who want more power.

It's possible to get ample performance and features out of a $40,000 SUV budget.

When you want to get ahead financially but your family is growing, or you simply desire the roomy interior and powerful kick of an SUV, these are among the best options on the market.

These SUVs span subcompact crossovers to three-row family haulers, so the right pick largely comes down to how many passengers and how much cargo need to fit, along with whether fuel economy, off-road capability, or towing matters most for a given lifestyle. 

Several models on this list also offer hybrid or electric variants for buyers who want to prioritize fuel savings without stepping up to a pricier trim, making it easier to find a configuration that fits both a budget and a specific set of needs.