Looking for an SUV that offers a stress-free ownership experience? These reliable SUVs under $40,000 come with a history of dependability, a reasonable price, and plenty of modern safety features buyers want. While you might anticipate fewer problems in the first few years of ownership, new cars have been having some issues right off the production line. Below are the sport utility vehicles from Subaru, Toyota, and Hyundai that check all of the boxes.

The brand-new 2023 Subaru Forester is a reliable SUV under $40,000

Subaru got a lot of things right when it comes to the 2023 Forester. Edmunds says the Forester is rugged and comfortable, but it comes pretty well-equipped for the price. All-wheel drive comes standard, and the crossover SUV has high ground clearance for those days you might wander off the beaten path. Edmunds estimates the Subaru would only cost $148 a month on average in fuel.

What makes the 2023 Subaru Forester a reliable SUV under $40,000 with a stress-free ownership experience? This vehicle has a long history of reliability and a good reputation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Forester a five-star safety rating. It did well on necessary crash tests like the frontal barrier, side, and rollover.

MSRP range: $26,395 – $36,495

Check out the Tucson Hybrid for a reliable SUV under $40,000

Owners and experts seem to give the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid a nod of approval. It offers good fuel economy, a comfortable cabin, and a great warranty from Hyundai. Edmunds estimates you will only pay $118 monthly in fuel costs, far below the industry average of $222.

Its best safety features include Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Lane Keeping Assist is another helpful feature to help keep everyone safe on the road. The NHTSA gave the Tucson Hybrid a five-star safety rating, as did the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

MSRP range: $30,900 – $38,660

Don’t overlook the reliable Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a new fuel-efficient option, getting an estimated 37 mpg combined. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it a good vehicle for various environments. While its small engine gets 194 hp, Edmunds says it is peppy and robust enough for a car of this size.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard, adding more standard safety features. Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is included. Last year, the Toyota Corolla Cross was an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus winner, but it hasn’t been scored yet for this year. This Toyota SUV will likely receive high marks on safety tests.

Estimated Price: Starting around $26,000

Thanks to the handy warranty and roadside assistance, these reliable SUVs under $40,000 hopefully won’t leave you stranded. Watch for good deals on these vehicles as the year ends. You might be able to find a 2023 version or even a 2022 option on sale that the dealership is trying to get rid of.