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Sometimes people avoid buying cheap SUVs because they haven’t always had good reputations for reliability. However, there are three reliable SUVs that could last for years. The best part is that they each start under $30,000. 

Three reliable SUVs for under $30,000 

Some of the best reliable SUVs you can find are hiding right under your nose. They could help you save for years as they each start for under $30,000. 

First up, I have the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek for you to consider. It has a reliability rating of 83 out of 100 from J.D.Power, which is great. 

Scores between 70 and 80 are average while scores between 81 and 100 are above-average. Anything between 91 and 100 is best. 

The Crosstrek has an MSRP of $25,195. The top-spec Wilderness trim takes the price up to $32,195. Plus, the entire lineup has standard AWD. 

Then there’s the 2024 Honda HR-V. This SUV has a reliability rating of 81 out of 100 from J.D.Power. It’s only one point behind the Crosstrek. However, it doesn’t have a rugged off-road variant. 

The 2024 Honda HR-V near a lake
2024 Honda HR-V | Honda

You can get started with the 2024 HR-V for about $24,600. The top-spec EX-L model has an MSRP of $28,700, so each trim level starts under $30,000. 

The 2024 Kia Seltos completes today’s list of surprisingly reliable SUVs. It earned a reliability score of 87 out of 100 from J.D.Power, which is wild. You rarely see scores over 85. 

The Seltos starts with an MSRP of $24,490. The top-spec SX trim increases the starting price to $30,090. Also, the X-Line serves as the rugged, off-roading model. 

J.D.Power provides reliability ratings based on feedback from actual drivers. Surveys are sent out to thousands of owners, allowing them to report any problems they faced with previous model years. 

A higher score means a fewer number of complaints. Everything from the paint, electronics, transmission, engine, and more.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.