Best Small SUVs Under $40,000

Everything from toilet paper to homes in which those rolls reside are getting more expensive, and unfortunately, there is no relief to be found at automotive dealerships. Prices for new cars are surging. In fact, a study from Kelley Blue Book found the average new car price fell below the “sticker price” for the first time in almost two years in April. As such, buyers are not more attuned than ever to get the most bang for their buck when considering the purchase of a new car. Or, more popularly, the purchase of a new compact SUV.

The small SUV segment remains white-hot, and as such, there is a bevy of options from which to choose. Landing the right choice among so many options can feel like finding the needle in the haystack, but TopSpeed is here to help. We’ve compiled our list of the best 2023 SUVs you can purchase today that provide the ideal blend of performance, comfort, practicality, features, and of course, an agreeable asking price of under $40,000. That price point leaves out the luxury segment, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great mainstream options. Here are our top 10 picks listed in no particular order.

RELATED: 10 Best Small SUVs Under $30,000

10 2023 Subaru Forester

Starting MSRP: $26,395

A front 3/4 shot of a Subaru Forester Wilderness in the woods

The Subaru Forester can play dual roles — it’s comfortable and feature-rich enough for most daily needs, but it also has some legitimate off-road pedigree that harkens back to the original intentions of the small SUV segment. The Subaru isn’t the liveliest model on the list with its 2.5-liter and CVT drivetrain, but for everyday use, its pragmaticism stands out.

Specs And Features

The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance, and some available kit and features for all-terrain ventures, including an off-road trim dubbed Wilderness. The Forester can take the whole family into the wilderness with generous passenger space, its cargo hold is sizeable at 28 cubic feet, and the interior is laid out intuitively. Ride quality is comfortable, and Subaru’s latest tech is intuitive.

9 2023 Nissan Rogue

Starting Price: $28,695

A front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Nissan Rogue 

The Nissan Rogue is a good choice for those who put a priority on pragmaticism, efficiency, and standard features above driving verve and total refinement. It’s not quite up to par in those latter areas as some of its rivals, but it is still a good overall choice for daily needs.

Specs And Features

The Rogue’s strong suits include its supremely comfy, Zero Gravity, front seats, its long list of safety features, and the pragmaticism of its cabin. The Rogue can haul up to 31.5 cubic feet of stuff, and its floors are reconfigurable to help stow items.

8 2023 Honda CR-V

Starting MSRP: $29,705

Side angle shot of the 2023 Honda Urban Gray Pearl CR-V on a dirt road

The Honda CR-V has been fully redesigned for 2023, making it more attractive than ever overall for those needing a capable family hauler or daily commuter. Aside from some styling and tech tweaks, the CR-V is now more practical with up to 39 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and up to 41 inches of rear legroom, making it a prime choice for those needing to move lots of people and their stuff.

Specs And Features

In addition to its sizeable dimensions, the CR-V is laid out intuitively and its tech features are a breeze to use. CR-V buyers get a choice of powertrains, either a standard 1.5-liter engine or a slightly more gutsy, 204-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo. Overall, the CR-V is a smart all-around choice.

RELATED: Is The Mazda CX-50 Better Than The Toyota RAV4?

7 2023 Hyundai Tucson

Starting MSRP: $28,235

Front three-quarters shot of a blue Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson will not thrill enthusiasts with a rather pedestrian 2.5-liter inline-four engine, but for more relaxed driving needs, it excels overall. The Tucson is comfortable, its cabin is nicely appointed, and its among the most spacious compact SUVs on the market with 39 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats.

Specs And Features

The Tucson’s starting price is on par with much of its competition, but the value offered by its long list of standard tech, creature comforts, and driver’s aids make it a strong value proposition. With a more powerful standard engine, the Tucson would stand head-and-shoulders above nearly everything in its class.

6 2023 Mazda CX-50

Starting MSRP: $27,550

A blue Mazda CX-50 parked off road 

The Mazda CX-50 is slightly larger than the CX-5, and its more rugged looks, particularly in the Meridian trim are endearing. That’s why we feel it’s the better choice than its predecessor. To boot, the CX-50 delivers all the driving dynamics that make it one of the best-to-drive subcompact SUVs on the market.

Specs And Features

The CX-50’s base price isn’t much higher than much of its rivals, but the refinement of its interior is top-tier. It’s still not the most practical choice, but it’s more pragmatic than the CX-5 and delivers all of its sibling’s strong suits.

5 2023 Toyota RAV4

Starting MSRP: $29,310

A front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling compact SUV of them all, and from behind the wheel, it’s easy to see why. The RAV4 isn’t exceptional against its rivals in all categories, but its performance, pragmaticism, features, and comfort are all strong suits, making it a great all-around choice.

Specs And Features

The RAV4’s standard 2.5-liter engine is ample for daily needs, and its 37.5 cubic feet of storage space and spacious passenger accommodations are ideal for families. Additionally, the RAV4 comes with easy-to-use tech (with a long list of standard features), and it returns better-than-average fuel economy.

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why The Toyota RAV4 Is Still King (5 Ways The New Honda CR-V Is Actually Better)

4 2023 Kia Sportage

Starting MSRP: $27,615

Front three-quarters view of a Blue 2023 Kia Sportage’s 3D rendering

The Kia Sportage may not be among the most popular choices in its segment, but it’s not to be overlooked. The Sportage costs a few thousand dollars less than some of its main competition, yet it’s still rich with features and creature comforts. Given its price, practicality, and features, its certainly one of the better values available in its segment.

Specs And Features

Though its standard engine is far from lively, the Sportage is comfortable and quiet on the road, and the interior is laid out intuitively. Not to mention, its 40 cubic feet of cargo space is among the best in the class. Despite its compact dimensions, the Sportage can be had with a third row of seats.

3 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Starting MSRP: $27,885

A side-view shot of a Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is among the best choices for families or those needing to haul up to seven passengers — it’s a rare compact SUV with an available third row, even if those rear suits are only suitable for small kids — or plenty of cargo with comfort as the priority. The Tiguan’s ride quality is velvety smooth, and upper models are just as upscale as its larger stablemates, including the Atlas.

Specs And Features

Passengers in the front two rows have plenty of space to stretch, and with the rear seats folded away, it offers a sizeable 38 cubic feet of storage space. The Tiguan also sports some unique tech features, respectable fuel economy, and handsome styling.

2 2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Starting MSRP: $29,215

A front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Ford Bronco Heritage Limited Edition 

The Ford Bronco could also have made our list of top 10 picks for compact SUVs, but the Bronco Sport gets the nod as it requires fewer on-road sacrifices. That’s not to say its ride is extremely comfortable or its driving dynamics excel against its rivals, but it’s still solid overall.

Specs And Features

As expected given its moniker, the Bronco Sport provides superior all-terrain capabilities with standard all-wheel drive and notable ground clearance. For buyers who only stick to the paved paths, there are better options in the compact SUV segment, but for those needing all-terrain capabilities, the Bronco Sport is a smart, and attractive, choice.

RELATED: 10 Best Small SUV Under $50,000

1 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

Starting MSRP: $29,340

Frint 3/4 view of red Mitsubishi Outlander driving.

Seeing a Mitsubishi occupy a spot on any “best of” list made in the 21st century may come as a bit of a surprise, but the Outlander is an often-overlooked compact crossover that is still an appealing option. The Outlander shares much of its DNA with the Nissan Rogue, and as such, it’s solid overall. Better still, the Mitsubishi is one of just a few compact crossovers to over a third row of seats, and it delivers seating for up to seven as standard.

Specs And Features

Since the model was overhauled in 2022, the Outlander is more comfortable, feature-rich, stylish, and intuitive than its predecessor. Anyone shopping for the Rogue or its closest competitors would do well to also consider the Outlander.