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Need some quick SUVs under $30,000 that make driving fun again? If the daily commute has you dreading getting into your SUV in the morning, check out these options from brands like Mazda and Ford. These sport utility vehicles offer performance and the benefit of extra cargo space.

The Mazda CX-5 is a quick SUV under $30,000

These quick SUVs under $30,000 include the Mazda CX-5
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 SUV | Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Upon reviewing some quick SUVs, U.S. News gave the 2022 Mazda CX-5 its highest performance score. With a slight update for the 2022 year, the CX-5 has a 187-hp engine that will have you driving around with a smile on your face. There is an available turbo engine, but it goes over budget. Either way, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 has standard all-wheel drive and plenty of safety features to keep everyone happy.

Starting MSRP: $25,900

Ford’s Bronco Sport is a quick SUV under $30,000 that is fun to drive

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport already has a reputation for being a fun-to-drive SUV. U.S. News says it is surprisingly agile for its size and has enough off-road capability for most people. The Bronco Sport offers plenty of room for people and cargo thanks to its boxy shape. Its turbocharged engine makes 250 and provides plenty of acceleration. Some packages might be a good addition if you want more off-road capability.

Starting MSRP: $28,165

The Kia Soul has funky looks, but buyers love it

Even though the 2022 Kia Soul looks funky, it has more to offer buyers than most. The cabin of the Soul has tons of headroom, making it suitable for drivers of all sizes. It also has excellent visibility and 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The top trim starts at $27,890, cementing the Kia Soul on the list of quick SUVs under $30,000 that make driving fun. With 201 hp and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Kia Soul will have you offering to drive every time.

Starting MSRP: $19,290

The Hyundai Kona is a sportier SUV than you might anticipate

If you haven’t looked at the 2022 Hyundai Kona, now is the time. What makes it a fun and quick SUV under $30,000? Even with the 147 hp on the base engine, the 2022 Kona is still fun enough. If you can opt for the out-of-budget Kona N, the $34,200 option gets you 280 hp instead. There’s always the 1.6L turbo engine from the Kona N-Line that also fits the budget. The interior has easy-to-use controls and impressive handling.

Starting MSRP: $21,310

Schedule a test drive if you can’t pick between the options provided here! Getting behind the steering wheel to test drive a sporty SUV under $30,000 might help make your decision easier. Your local dealership might be trying to move some of the 2022 vehicles off the lot before the 2023 versions arrive.

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Staff Writer

Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.