Saving & Spending Home & Auto

12 Dependable SUVs Under $35K That Are Practically a Steal

Add a new vehicle to your garage without overspending your budget.

silver SUV car parking on the asphalt road
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

SUVs can be expensive purchases, so it’s important to find the right one to meet your needs and your budget.

The good news is that you can avoid wasting money while getting what you want with these new SUV models. They are perfect for your budget while still being stylish and packed with the features you want.

Note that prices for these SUVs are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and can vary depending on features and other additions to a particular vehicle.

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Honda CR-V

Courtesy of Honda SUV Honda CR V

MSRP: $30,100

Grab the Honda CR-V with all-wheel drive to get you through snow, rain, and other challenging weather depending on where you live.

You can also step up and get a hybrid powertrain, which can get you up to an estimated 40 city or 34 mpg highway.

Chevrolet Equinox

Courtesy of Chevrolet SUV Chevrolet Equinox

MSRP: $28,600

The Chevrolet Equinox underwent a major facelift for its 2025 redesign, which showcases a new exterior and improved interior materials.

The redesign also includes a larger touchscreen that wirelessly connects to Android and Apple phones, making it easy to navigate when using maps or listening to your favorite tunes.

Mazda CX-50

Courtesy of Mazda SUV Mazda cx 50

MSRP: $30,300

The Mazda CX-50 crossover SUV comes with Mi-Drive, which gives drivers the option of different drive modes depending on their needs.

The Mi-Drive allows you to drive in normal mode or change to sport or off-roading modes. You can also change to towing mode on some models to haul up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.

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Subaru Forester

Courtesy of Subaru SUV Subaru Forester

MSRP: $29,695

If you’re looking for a smaller SUV, the Subaru Forester may be a good option to add to your list.

The Forester has recently been redesigned to show off a new exterior to go with the extra head room on the inside that has been retained from previous models.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Courtesy of Volkswagen SUV Volkswagen Tiguan

MSRP: $28,880

The Volkswagen Tiguan can be a good option for a larger family trying to stay on budget with an SUV.

The Tiguan's third-row seating can accommodate up to seven people, which is easier to find in SUVs above the $35,000 mark.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Courtesy of Toyota SUV Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

MSRP: $31,900

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is slightly more expensive than the typical RAV4, which comes in with an MSRP of $28,850.

However, the RAV4 Hybrid relies on a hybrid powertrain that gives you an estimated 41 miles in the city and 38 miles on the highway per gallon of gas.

So, you may be able to cover the difference between the cost of the RAV4 and the hybrid version, depending on the type of driving you do.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Courtesy of Hyundai SUV Hyundai Santa Fe

MSRP: $34,200

Check with your dealer when you buy the Hyundai Santa Fe to find out about maintenance and warranty coverage on the vehicle.

You may be able to get limited maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, and Hyundai’s warranty coverage could include parts and powertrain issues while you own the vehicle.

Ford Bronco Sport

Courtesy of Ford SUV Ford Bronco Sport

MSRP: $29,795

The Ford Bronco Sport is around $10,000 less than its big brother, the Ford Bronco, but you can still get a great rugged SUV without the extra cost.

The Bronco Sport features a design tailored for off-roading, making it a great SUV for outdoor adventures.

Kia Sorento

Courtesy of Kia SUV Kia Sorento

MSRP: $31,990

The Kia Sorento is another three-row SUV that’s still under $35,000, so you can have the passenger room without emptying your wallet.

The Sorento is also a safe option with driver-assist technology and collision avoidance to keep you safely on the road.

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Buick Encore GX

Courtesy of Buick SUV Buick Encore gx

MSRP: $26,000

The Buick Encore GX is a compact SUV that can seat up to five passengers with a standard set of safety features to protect everyone.

The Encore GX features emergency braking, collision alert, and lane assist as part of its package of features for drivers.

Dodge Hornet

Courtesy of Dodge SUV Dodge Hornet

MSRP: $31,400

Pick up the Dodge Hornet SUV if you’re in the market for a compact SUV with some power.

The Hornet features extra power under its hood, making it the most powerful compact SUV in its class, according to Dodge.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Courtesy of Mitsubishi SUV Mitsubishi Outlander

MSRP: $28,395

The Mitsubishi Outlander gets you some extra space without having to pay extra money if you’re on a tight budget.

The SUV includes three rows, so you’ll have room for seven passengers, who will be safe in your Outlander. In previous years' tests, the vehicle earned a top safety pick rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Bottom line

Ivan Kurmyshov/Adobe Black car parked at countryside

Several SUV models could fit your needs, so it’s important to consider the sticker price and the additional costs of owning a vehicle.

Consider creating an estimated budget that considers not only the vehicle's cost but also gas, maintenance, and potential repair costs. You’ll also want to shop around to save money on car insurance to help you save some extra cash.

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