Buying used isn’t always about finding the cheapest car, truck, or SUV possible. Sometimes, it’s about maximizing the value of a larger budget. If you have about $30,000 to spend and you’re in the market for a used SUV, you have a vast range of options from full-size, highly capable SUVs to smaller, more city-friendly crossovers, with some fun-to-drive options both on-road and off.
It might mean choosing a lower trim level to fit the budget, but look for certified pre-owned (CPO) SUVs, which come with the confidence of a thorough multipoint inspection, a limited warranty, and other perks.
In alphabetical order, here are 10 of the best used SUVs you’ll find on a $30,000 budget.
1. 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
For a full-size SUV with immense capability, few can match the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. Able to tow up to 8,600 pounds, yet also available with 4-wheel drive (4WD) and seating for nine passengers, the 2019 Tahoe is a great all-arounder, although it’s not the most fuel-efficient. On our budget, you can choose whichever trim suits you best, including the top-spec Premier trim with adaptive cruise control, a rear-seat entertainment system, leather upholstery, and more, although the next-to-top LT trim may offer more examples in our price range.
See 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe models for sale
2. 2022 Honda CR-V
The 2022 Honda CR-V is probably a familiar face — you may have even owned one from a different model year before — because it’s an incredibly popular SUV thanks to its practical size, efficiency, affordability, and reliability. Seemingly larger on the inside than the outside, the CR-V is more capacious than its compact SUV tag would suggest. Look for loaded Touring or EX-L models on a $30,000 budget. Alternatively, consider the CR-V Hybrid, also available in top-spec Touring trim on our budget.
See 2022 Honda CR-V models for sale
3. 2021 Honda Pilot
If you like the CR-V but need seating for seven or eight people and even more cargo space, the 2021 Honda Pilot is likely a great fit. Equally well known for its family-friendly features, the Pilot is also sure-footed in foul weather, especially with the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and its standard 280-horsepower V6 engine provides ample pep for short freeway merges. The top-tier Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims are all within reach of our budget, offering a moonroof, leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, wireless phone charging, a hands-free tailgate, and more.
See 2021 Honda Pilot models for sale
4. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Where many of today’s SUVs end their utility, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps going, right past the pavement and into serious off-roading, especially when outfitted with the Trailhawk off-road trim. If you’d prefer a healthy dose of luxury, that’s available, too, with the Summit and High Altitude models within reach. If you opt for the Summit, you’ll get a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a range of safety and tech features; pick the Trailhawk, and you’ll get Quadra-Lift air suspension and Quadra-Trac 4-wheel drive, among other upgrades.
See 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee models for sale
5. 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
If you want an efficient hybrid SUV with 3-row seating and standard second-row captain’s chairs, look no further than the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid. Fully loaded models fit well within our budget, with lots of upscale materials and current technology. The 227-hp output from the hybrid drivetrain is peppier than you’d expect, with fuel economy ratings up to 37 mpg combined — when equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD).
See 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid models for sale
6. 2023 Mazda CX-5
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is a sporty, upscale SUV priced like a mainstream model. It’s also pretty handsome, and comes with standard all-wheel drive — in other words, it’s a strong value and good all-arounder. But if you’re looking for an SUV that scratches some of your sports car itch, the CX-5 is likely the best bet on this list. Fortunately, our $30,000 budget affords the top-spec 2.5 Turbo Signature with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
See 2023 Mazda CX-5 models for sale
7. 2023 Nissan Rogue
Nearly brand-new, the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s base models were below the $30,000 mark off the showroom floor, although top-spec models nudge the $40,000 mark. On the used market, the mid-spec 2023 Rogue SV is within reach of our budget, offering a strong set of equipment, including smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, a power driver’s seat, and an optional Midnight Edition package that upgrades to simulated leather seating and dark exterior accents.
See 2023 Nissan Rogue models for sale
8. 2020 Toyota Highlander
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is much like the Honda Pilot — a capable, trustworthy family favorite for decades. Unlike the Pilot above, the 2020 Highlander marks the start of an all-new generation, with fresh style, tech, and features. The 2020 Highlander topped $50,000 in its highest trim when new, but now the loaded Limited is within reach of a $30,000 budget, and the top-tier Platinum might be, too, if you shop around. If you’re looking for an efficient, capable, and comfortable family SUV, the Highlander offers great value.
See 2020 Toyota Highlander models for sale
9. 2022 Toyota RAV4
The compact alternative to the Highlander, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, is another fan favorite thanks to its excellent features-per-dollar ratio, roomy interior, and good fuel economy. Because it’s almost new, not every 2022 RAV4 fits within our budget. Depending on how far you’re willing to travel, the XLE Premium or Adventure models may be the limit. Those are still very nicely equipped, and you’ll also be able to choose all-wheel drive or the optional 800-watt JBL audio system.
See 2022 Toyota RAV4 models for sale
10. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
Whether you prefer the square-backed Atlas or the coupe-like Atlas Cross Sport, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas range is a great choice for those seeking European style, roomy second rows, plenty of cargo space, or (in the Atlas) a third row. The sky is nearly the limit in terms of equipment — the only model likely to be out of reach of our $30,000 budget is the top-spec SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion. Delete the R-Line package, and you still have a premium SUV with all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, Fender premium audio, and more. Shopping tip: The Atlas underwent a midcycle refresh midway through the 2021 model year, so shop around to find the newer models, which are marked by updated front and rear styling and the availability of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in AWD and higher-trim models.
See 2021 Volkswagen Atlas models for sale
Best Used SUVs on a $30,000 Budget
- 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2022 Honda CR-V
- 2021 Honda Pilot
- 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 2023 Mazda CX-5
- 2023 Nissan Rogue
- 2020 Toyota Highlander
- 2022 Toyota RAV4
- 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
I agree re the Flex. Its an AWD wagon. Same for our Lincoln MKT. One of the nicest wagons I’ve ever driven. Smooth, quiet, goes like stink, all the options I could ever need. But its listed as an SUV on the registration. Why? Sure as heck can’t take it off-roading. That’s what the Expedition is for. Speaking of which, I would take the Expi any day of the week over the Tahoe. Personal opinion, but surprised it didn’t make the list.
I just wish Ford hadn’t given up on cars. In Canada, we love wagons almost as much as the Europeans do – manual transmissions as well. But, as the wind blows from the US, the stink always lands in Canada. Wish we had the European models instead of the American options. Life would be better.
They are all wagons, really, with “lift kits” ranging from 2″ to 10″. So many wagons based on Sedans originally, with FWD std and some form of “AWD” offered to make the marketing of “off-road” vehicles barely acceptable for these station wagons. Now, these vehicles are called “CUV” instead of wagons; even the original AWD station wagon – Subaru!
Truck-based vehicles, likely to be RWD in base trim, like the 4-Runner, might qualify as having actual off-road capability, so perhaps they can pass as “Sport/Utility Vehicles”. Still, there are plenty of RWD sedans – mostly from German Auto Corporations – that also have a station wagon variant. They can be identical in ground clearance to their sedan counterpart, or, by implementing that typical (even adjustable) increase in ride height, they somehow turn into a new class of car altogether.
I’m not a hater of “CUV’s”, as I myself recently traded a Mazda6 sedan for a CX-5 wagon. Same engine, similar chassis. It offers about an additional 4 inches of ride height, giving me a better view of the traffic around me, increased storage space in the back, and can send power to the rear wheels if slippery conditions warrant the extra assist. My gas mileage dropped by about 5 mpg, and until the recent spike in gas prices, it seemed like an even trade off.
My failed back fusion is less aggravated when I get in or out of my lifted wagon. Gas prices have recently returned to about $3/gallon here in Tennessee, which makes it easier for me to justify changing vehicles. I suspect much higher gas prizes are in the near future, so I’m hoping for a skyactiv G Hybrid for my next CX-5 wagon, courtesy of Toyota’s latest Hybrid, or PHEV, technology in 2024-2026.
If Mazda brings back the “6” while offering a “shooting brake” (sporty wagon) version on RWD platforms, I would give it a long look. My Mazda6 FWD sedan was more fun to drive than my current CX-5 FWD-based wagon, but not by that much. A RWD-based sports wagon, however, might change my thinking.
The Flex is a wagon, not an SUV/CUV.