The Best 2024 SUVs Under $40,000: Our Top-Rated Picks
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Even though we haven’t even made it to 2024 yet, some of the best SUVs are already clear. What makes an SUV the best of the best already? Good fuel economy, an affordable price, and plenty of cargo space are some of the top criteria. The editors at MotorBiscuit have driven a lot of SUVs, so check out the linked reviews if you want more hands-on experience. Without further adieu, here are the best small and midsize SUVs from Honda, Kia, and Mazda that start at under $40,000 for 2024.
Honda’s compact CR-V is one of the best SUVs of 2024
To be one of the best SUVs of 2024 already, the 2024 Honda CR-V checked all the important boxes (and then some). We appreciate the low starting price of $29,500, making it an affordable option right off the bat. The inside is comfortable, and we appreciate the huge cargo area. Honda says the 2024 CR-V has 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet behind the first.
| Midsize SUV | MSRP Range | Fuel Economy | Horsepower | Cargo Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Honda CR-V | $29,500 – $36,160 | 27-28 City / 32-34 Hwy | 190 hp | 39.3/76.5 cubic feet |
While the 2024 model hasn’t been tested yet, we expect it to be an IIHS Top Safety Pick winner as it has been in recent years. The CR-V earned high marks on the main crashworthiness tests last year and in the new crash avoidance or mitigation segments. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights are all standard. You can read more about our time with last year’s model, which we thought was classy, quiet, and pretty efficient!
The Kia Telluride is already one of the best SUVs of 2024
Yes, the 2024 Kia Telluride is one of the best SUVs of 2024 already. We know it is everywhere, but there’s good reason for it! One of the biggest selling points of the Telluride is value. Kia includes exceptionally long lists of features across the board, starting at only $35,990 for the base model and $53,185 for the fully loaded trim. Drivers seem to like the Telluride S trim more than others, thanks to some thoughtful upgrades like wireless phone charging and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
| Midsize SUV | MSRP Range | Fuel Economy | Horsepower | Cargo Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Telluride | $35,990 – $53,185 | 18-20 City / 24-26 Hwy | 291 hp | 21/46/87 cubic feet |
It gets between 18 and 20 mpg in the city, which is good but not exceptional. However, the interior is versatile and spacious, which makes up for the fuel economy. It also has quite a cushioned and comfortable ride that seats up to seven or eight passengers. The 2023 Kia Telluride was an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus winner, and we expect the same from the 2024 model. It has already earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, including testing of the standard safety systems mentioned above.
Mazda’s CX-50 tops our list of best small SUVs for 2024
After being on the market for only a year, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 is only slightly improved. Mostly because Mazda nailed it on the first try, thanks to the reasonable price range of $30,300 to $43,300. Mazda offers the CX-50 in 10 trim levels with horsepower varying from 187 to 256. There are two engine options to select from, but you’ll get more power with higher-octane gas. After driving the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, we’re big fans of the upgraded engine.
| Midsize SUV | MSRP Range | Fuel Economy | Horsepower | Cargo Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Mazda CX-50 | $30,300 – $43,300 | 23-24 City / 29-30 Hwy | 187-256 hp | 31.4/56.4 cubic feet |
Mazda included a long list of standard safety systems with some of the best new tech on the market. That includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. The 2024 CX-50 already secured an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, but more crash testing is likely ongoing.
It isn’t even 2024 yet, but the best small and midsize SUVs are already taking shape. If you prioritize reliability, fuel economy, and affordability, the Hond CR-V, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-50 are good places to start.
