Best SUVs Under $40,000
CR's top choices are based on our extensive testing and surveys
SUVs continue to grow in popularity, as buyers love their versatility, ride height, and comfort. But once you decide that you want an SUV, it can be difficult to select the right model. With low inventory levels and long waits for vehicles to arrive, it can be a challenge to make a smart choice. Sometimes it’s a challenge to even test-drive the model and trim level that you want to buy. That’s where Consumer Reports can help.
We purchase every model we test, drive it for thousands of miles, and put it through an extensive array of tests. Then we ask CR members about their experiences.
From that mountain of data we provide a straightforward ranking within each vehicle category based on the Overall Score, rolling together our test and survey findings along with key safety information.
So if you’re looking for the best SUV, you’ve come to the right place. Below we present the best SUVs under $40,000 ranked by their Overall Score. This list has two- and three-row SUVs, and is based on the as-tested price of the model we evaluated. All of the vehicles on the list have trim levels that cost less than $40,000. If you think your needs can be met by a smaller, less-expensive model, check out our list of the best SUVs under $30,000.