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Looking for a brand-new SUV that won’t break the bank? These comfortable and reliable SUVs under $45,000 come from brands you trust, like Hyundai, Toyota, and Subaru. While one sport utility vehicle hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet, safety scores for the other options are also listed. Don’t overlook the includes standard safety features, so you don’t have to add a bunch of packages just to get blind-spot monitoring.

Reliable SUVs under $45,000 include the Hyundai Santa Fe

Edmunds had many positives to list regarding the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai included many standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. Also, there are plenty of USB ports conveniently located around the cabin.

Some of the best safety features on the 2023 Santa Fe include Forward Collision Avoidance and Safe Exit Assist. Both of these systems will help the driver in the chance of an imminent collision or approaching car. The new Surround View Monitor gives a top-down view of the SUV while parking, making it easier to see objects and avoid curbs.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe high scores on important crash tests. It also managed to win the Top Safety Pick Plus award from the IIHS.

MSRP range: $28,200 – $43,750

Subaru’s Outback is a reliable SUV under $45,000

The 2023 Subaru Outback has a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride. This brand-new Subaru Outback is also fairly capable of off-roading or in winter weather conditions. Subaru prices the Outback reasonably, which means you can get the top-of-the-line trim for under $45,000.

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and automatic foglights. Blind-Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist are standard, along with the Subaru DriverFocus system that helps on a long drive.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2023 Subaru Outback high scores on the side, roof, and rear crash tests. That makes this Subaru a comfortable and reliable SUV under $45,000, not to mention a safe one.

MSRP range: $28,395 – $42,295

Don’t overlook the Toyota Venza

Comfortable and reliable SUVs under $45,000 like the Toyota Venza
A 2023 Toyota Venza | Toyota

There isn’t much to dislike about the 2023 Toyota Venza, especially its 39 mpg in combined fuel economy. Upon its return in 2023, the Venza will be a hybrid only. Edmunds observed more than 44 mpg on its 115-mile evaluation route during testing. All-wheel drive is standard, and the interior is pretty luxurious for around $34,000. The Venza is built on the same platform that the RAV4 SUV uses but is five inches longer (which means more cargo space).

Some of the standard safety systems on the 2023 Venza include adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 also comes with forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection and lane departure mitigation.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor IIHS has thoroughly tested the 2023 Toyota Venza yet, but testing is ongoing behind the scenes.

Estimated Price: Starting at $34,000

These comfortable and reliable SUVs under $45,000 do it all. If these options sound good but might still be over budget, the 2022 version will likely have many of the same features.

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