If you're craving a crossover and are on a budget, here is the place to start.
Base price: $27,625
If you don’t need the size of the larger Honda Pilot but still want the elevated view of a crossover, Honda has you covered. The Honda CR-V made its introduction in the 1990s but has kept up with the times. Powering the base CR-V is a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged I4. If that’s not enough, Honda also offers the CR-V in a more powerful hybrid model that sends 212 hp to the wheels.
Base price: $27,565
The venerable Toyota RAV4 is on its fifth generation, and it recently eclipsed the 10 million global sales mark since its debut in Japan in 1994. Available in front-drive or all-wheel-drive models, the current RAV4 is also available with a hybrid powertrain, meaning the RAV4 has something for most folks shopping for a budget-friendly crossover.
Base price: $27,125
The Mazda CX-5 is exactly what you’d hope from a compact crossover from the brand, delivering sporty-leaning driving dynamics in a stylish skin. Available with either a turbocharged or naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I4, and with optional all-wheel drive if you need the extra traction.
Base price: $24,190
Volkswagen added the Taos stateside in 2020 to heat up the highly competitive compact-crossover pool. The Taos slots below Volkswagen’s Tiguan and Atlas crossovers, which means it might not have as much space as its larger counterparts but does make it easier to manage in the city.
Base price: $26,575
The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson battles in one of the most competitive spaces, the compact crossover segment. Powering this Hyundai is a 2.5-liter gasoline-direct-injected I4 that makes 187 hp. The power might not push you back into your seat, but the engine does help the Tucson deliver 29 mpg combined.
Base price: $25,905
In a sea of lookalike entry-level crossovers, the Toyota C-HR sports some of the most polarizing styling in the Toyota portfolio. Originally planned for the since-defunct youth-targeted Scion brand, this Toyota packs plenty of features for its relatively low price. Its 144 hp 2.0-liter I4 isn’t as potent as others on this list, but it does translate into decent fuel economy.
Base price: $28,760
The Ford Bronco Sport shouldn’t be confused with the more hardcore Ford Bronco. This soft-roader shares the same underpinnings as the Ford Escape but offers a different experience as well as a handsome skin.
Base price: $26,995
General Motors has been churning out wagons and utility vehicles for most of its life. The Chevrolet Equinox packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 under its hood making 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. This turbo-four mates to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
Base price: $26,195
The Tucson is definitely one of the more distinctive designs in the class. It draws power from a choice of conventional 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid.
Base price: $$23,410
The Corolla Cross is the baby of the Toyota family of compact crossovers, but don’t let its diminutive status fool you. It actually boasts more cargo space than a Corolla hatchback. It also offers the highest combined fuel economy of any Toyota crossover, returning 32 mpg.
Base price: $22,545
If a dose of spirited driving is what you’re after with your subcompact crossover, the Kona delivers in spades. Available with either a 2.0-liter four or a punchy turbocharged 1.6-liter four.
Base price: $23,805
Kia offers a veritable fleet of compact crossovers, the newest nameplate of which is the cute little Seltos. The Seltos splits the difference between the super-subcompact Soul and more conventionally sized Sportage, with base models getting a 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The real beauty of the Seltos, however, is that even when opting for the top-trim AWD SX model with its 175-hp turbo 1.6-liter, you still won’t top $30k.
Base price: $26,320
Subaru is synonymous with cold-weather states, thanks to the reputation of its fantastic all-wheel-drive products. Its compact Forester crossover is no exception. Kicking off right before the turn of the century, the Forester now spans five generations. Powering this Forester is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine making 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Base price: $25,685
The Rogue Sport could very well be called Rogue Jr., or even throwback Rogue, as the smaller ute doesn’t offer the same level of updates as can be found on the slightly larger SUV with which it shares a name. Still, the Rogue Sport’s sticker could prove compelling enough for bargain shoppers looking for a combination of smaller footprint and cargo capacity.
Base price: $25,905
In a sprawling slate of Kia crossover, the Niro is the baby of the bunch, offering a decent dose of utility in a tiny package. Then again, so do a lot of little utes. What makes the Niro unique is it does so is its standard hybrid power. The base Niro draws 139 hp from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor combo. Opting for the plug-in hybrid model will tip you over the $30,000 mark, but staying with the regular hybrid will still deliver 26 miles of electric driving range.
Base price: $25,795
The Encore is downright itty-bitty, though it will still tote four adults in relative comfort. Power is delivered by a 155-hp 1.4-liter, all-wheel drive is available, and the cabin has a near-luxury f.
Base price: $25,305
With an all-new Sportage set to hit showrooms for the 2023 model year, this may be your best chance to snatch one of the ‘22s for a good deal. A stalwart among Korean utes, the Sportage first hit our shores in 1993 and today hits close to 100,000 annual sales. It comes with a choice of two powertrains, and in front- or all-wheel drive.
Base price: $28,075
The handsome Rogue leans are the Rogue’s strong points, with a spacious cabin, generous cargo room, and a host of standard and optional niceties that SUV buyers crave, including several high-tech infotainment and driver-assistance items. Like the Rogue but need a third row of seats? The mechanically similar Mitsubishi Outlander delivers much the same experience with room for two more passengers.
Base price: $25,595
The Encore GX is a good choice if you find the regular Encore a bit snug. A choice of turbo three-cylinder engines can be had, either a 137-hp 1.2-liter or 155-hp 1.3-liter. And inside is a comfy, roomy space that definitely leans toward the luxurious.
Base price: $28,445
The Santa Fe comes with several powertrain options, including a hybrid and new-for-2022 plug-in hybrid, wrapped in a stylish skin and filled to the brim with high-quality materials and copious comfort, convenience, and safety features. There is plenty of space for four adults to stretch out in two rows of seats, and a decent-size cargo hold in back.
Base price: $27,490
The Tiguan’s styling is a familiar one to anyone fluent in VW design, as is its overall feel. It handles with aplomb, and the interior has a refined air. It also has an available third row of seats for added flexibility.
Base price: $20,245
Here is one of the most affordable crossovers sold. And despite the tiny sticker, the Venue comes equipped with a host of standard driver assist and convenience features. It comes as a front-driver only, though, and its 121-hp four-banger won’t win many drag races, but that a small price for paying such a small price.
Base price: $23,425
If a dash of sportiness is what you crave in your compact ute, the CX-3o is pleased to deliver. A choice of naturally aspirated or optional turbocharged 2.5-liters is offered, the latter clearly the hotter choice—and all-wheel drive is standard. The bonus with the CX-30 is the amount of infotainment and driver-assistance features that come at the base price.
Keyword: 23 of the Most Popular Crossovers under $30,000