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There are plenty of excellent midsize SUVs to choose from. However, finding an affordable, reliable option with great features can be more of a challenge. Luckily, some pretty great midsize SUVs are on the market that come under $35,000. In addition, many of them are vehicles most of the world already knows and loves. Of course, adding features or getting advanced trims will add to the cost. 

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is an affordable midsize SUV under $35,000

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe | Hyundai

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the automaker’s most popular SUVs. Not only has it been on the market for quite some time, but the Santa Fe has improved considerably over the years. It’s a popular midsize SUV because it has an eye-catching and sturdy interior and an exterior look that both blends in and offers something different to the market. In addition, it has a pretty modern use of interior technology. 

Regarding performance, the 2023 Santa Fe more than gets the job done. It’s not the most exciting SUV, but it has a nice zip to it regarding speed. According to Edmunds, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with a 191 hp 2.5-liter inline-four. It’s front-wheel drive and has an eight-speed automatic transmission. It gets an average of 25 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway for fuel economy. It takes the 2023 Santa Fe 8.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $28,750.

2023 Kia Sorento is one of the best affordable SUVs

2023 Kia Sorento off road
2023 Kia Sorento | Kia

The 2023 Kia Sorento is another top affordable midsize SUV under $35,000. The Sorento is the perfect option for people who want a small, midsize SUV that’s not hard to park and back up. It has a wonderfully modern interior with comfortable seats and ample storage options. Perhaps the highlight of the latest Kia Sorento model is its impressive predicted reliability rating. It has an 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power.

Like the 2023 Santa Fe, the Sorento comes standard with a 191 hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine. It also offers similar fuel economy to the Santa Fe, achieving 24 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. Regarding technology, it has an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch. People can also add a wireless charging pad and a 12-speaker car sound system. The Sorento starts at $30,090.

2023 Subaru Forester is a top affordable midsize SUV

2023 Subaru Forester is a top affordable midsize SUV
2023 Subaru Forester | Subaru

The 2023 Subaru Forester is another top affordable SUV. One of the Forester’s biggest claims to fame is that it’s been a NHTSA Top Safety Plus Pick for nine years. In addition, it competes with many more expensive SUVs in the categories of performance and standard features. However, one of its biggest drawbacks is the lack of a hybrid option.

In terms of performance, the latest Subaru Forester has a standard 182 hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine. It’s all-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable transmission. This affordable SUV can also tow up to 3,000 pounds with the proper equipment. The Forester accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds. The Forester starts at $26,395.

Of course, this list is in no way exhaustive. There are many other affordable SUVs that cost at or below $35,000. However, these are examples of both some of the most popular and options that some buyers overlook despite them being great SUVs.

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