Best SUVs Under $40k for 2026 | CarBuzzIf you’re on the lookout for a new vehicle with a good mix of practicality and affordability, then an SUV under $40,000 could be the right fit. These vehicles may not all have the bells and whistles you get in higher price brackets, but they’ve all emerged from our testing program with high ratings, making them easy to recommend - and some of these may surprise you with how much SUV you get for the money.Our top SUVs within this price range include a few hybrids, but fully electric models are rising in the ranks for 2026. We’ve carefully considered aspects like performance, design, quality, and value in putting together this group of the best SUVs under $40k.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. Theselists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available. 2026 Mazda CX-90 Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowIt's almost surprising that an SUV that looks this good can get under the $40k mark, but Mazda is built on offering minimalist and premium cars for an affordable price. The CX-90 can seat seven passengers, which is impressive for a new SUV under $40,000, and inside you can enjoy a 10.25-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker setup, and have the peace of mind of an all-wheel-drive setup. It can also be classified as one of the few fast SUVs under $40k, coming standard with a 280-hp powertrain. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a great SUV under $40k thanks to its design, capability, and standard features. The standard RWD version has 245 miles of range, but the SEL trim - which also slips in under $40k - can get you 318 miles on a charge. There's power lumber support, a large touchscreen display, and lots of safety features as standard on the base model, but we'd definitely stretch up to $39k for features like rear A/C vents, wireless charging, and the more impressive range."The latest Hyundai Ioniq 5 builds on an already impressive foundation with meaningful upgrades, from increased range to Tesla Supercharger access. For those seeking a blend of tech, comfort, and performance, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the best electric SUVs on the market."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz 2026 Nissan Leaf Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowWe love the Nissan Leaf, so much so that we named it our Car Of The Year in the most recent Buzz Awards. It's extremely difficult to make an affordable EV thanks to regulations, profit margins and development costs, but Nissan has created the best SUV under $40k if you're going electric. It actually starts at under $30k, and its most premium trim gets you a panoramic roof, Bose sound system and heated seats all around the cabin. A range of over 300 miles isn't just good for a car under $30k, but any electric car."The 2026 Leaf is the electric car every automaker said would be unprofitable to build, but here's Nissan proving those companies wrong. It's a pleasant commuter that can be fun-ish when you want, and it's not too loud on the highway if you want to take a road trip."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz 2026 Volvo XC40 Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowVolvo is a premium brand, but its latest XC40 SUV slips in at just under $40k. And it truly slips in, being available from $39,900, but for that you get a 194-horsepower mild hybrid powertrain, wireless charging, and the usual suite of Volvo safety standards. The inside is minimalist, as is expected with modern Volvo models, but you can also find a digital driver's display and hill descent control to make it easier to drive. It also maintains numerous thoughtful touches and storage spaces that make it such a wonderful daily driver. This is one of the best SUVs under $40,000 if style and versatility is important. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowChevy does sell an electric Blazer, making the gas Blazer less talked about in some circles, but it's still a great deal at under $40k. The 2.0L four-cylinder is powerful with 228 horsepower, and there's remote start, a power driver's seat and Wi-Fi hotspot capability that makes long drivers easier. The Blazer has been plagued with poor sales, but it's still worth a look for anyone looking for a well-equipped and affordable SUV. 2026 Mazda CX-30 Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowThe Mazda CX-30 is an affordable SUV that prioritizes safety and style. It's one of the most awarded cars for safety this decade, and when we reviewed it, we loved the punchy turbo engine and premium look and feel, all backed up by standard all-wheel-drive. Even when we reviewed the car during Californian wildfires, the car didn't let us down and gave our test driver confidence in its abilities. Mazda models are known for their sporty driving characteristics, and this one does not disappoint. 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowSporty Italian style returns with a very minor facelift for 2026, keeping the things we love about the Tonale and making slight changes to the trims. The front vents have been widened, and the triangular front grille has been made larger to resemble the 33 Stradale sports car, although looks were never an issue for this crossover SUV. Under the hood is a 268 horsepower 2.0L turbo engine, making it the best SUV under $40,000 with a blend of pace and grace. 2026 Kia Seltos Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowThe Kia Seltos is one of the cheapest cars on our SUVs under $40k list, starting from around $24k. For this money, you still get wireless CarPlay, keyless entry and even a rear A/C vent. It'll keep saving you money too, thanks to a 2.0L four-cylinder that gets 29 combined MPG in AWD form. You can upgrade to a 190-hp turbocharged engine, and we found in our review that cheap doesn't have to mean nasty. The Seltos is a great car for price-conscious buyers."The majority of the driving experience is great. The steering is accurate, tightening more in sport mode, and the ride is compliant on bumpy roads. We drove the Seltos on the highway for over three hours, and the Bose audio system has no trouble drowning out the minimal road noise, even at a medium volume."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz Mazda CX-50 Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowOur third and final Mazda model on this list is the CX-50, which competes in the all-important compact SUV segment, spearheaded by the Toyota RAV4. We enjoyed the hybrid version in our review (which uses the same hybrid system found in the Toyota), citing its general usability and fuel mileage, even if the Turbo engine gives you a better all-round dynamic ability. Mazda has sold lots of CX-50s, and it's said that nearly 60% of its sales in November last year were from the CX-5 and CX-50. 2026 Nissan Kicks Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowThe Nissan Kicks won our Budget Car Of The Year award for 2025, and its 2026 model retains the style and low price. The cheapest trim starts from just over $22k, and for that you get cruise control, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and even wireless CarPlay. Its 131-hp engine isn't anything to write home about, but you shouldn't expect too much for a car built on a strict budget like this. It's got personality, a long list of safety features and a good design - what more could you need?"As a value proposition, the Kicks is strong, and was strong in its previous incarnation. But the 2025 model brings everything up to date and doesn't feel like a car you buy because it's the one you can afford. It's a value proposition that also has personality, is genuinely comfortable, looks great, and is fun to drive."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz What To Consider When Buying The Best SUV For $40k Buying a new car is always daunting, even if it’s a cheaper model. So ask yourself if you can get what you want from an SUV under $40,000 or if you should consider saving up a bit longer for something more expensive. If you're more interested in fast SUVs, you won't find them under $40k. To help you decide, these are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the best new SUV models under $40,000.Pros Many models to choose from Hybrid powertrains available More practical than equivalent sedans Cons Not many powerful models in this price range Electric models are generally priced above $40k Smaller, cheaper SUVs have limited off-road and towing capabilities Sources: Kia, Chevrolet, Nissan, Mazda, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Hyundai