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2021 Toyota Highlander parked near water

Best SUVs Under $40,000 According to Consumer Reports

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new SUV. Are some SUVs safer than others? Which SUV will you enjoy driving the most? Can you count on the SUV of your choosing to be reliable? And lastly, how much does the SUV you’re looking at actually cost? These are all questions to ask yourself …

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new SUV. Are some SUVs safer than others? Which SUV will you enjoy driving the most? Can you count on the SUV of your choosing to be reliable? And lastly, how much does the SUV you’re looking at actually cost? These are all questions to ask yourself when shopping for your next vehicle. Fortunately, Consumer Reports has already done the heavy lifting for you. Now, let’s talk about the best SUVs you can buy for under $40,000, according to Consumer Reports.

2021 Toyota Highlander parked near water
2021 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The 2021 Kia Telluride is one of the best three-row SUVs under $40,000

This one shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. After all, the 2021 Kia Telluride has been busy earning awards left and right. And why shouldn’t it? According to Consumer Reports, it earned a 97 overall score, which is pretty impressive. It also earned a five out of five predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports, along with a five out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. And when it comes to safety? The IIHS recognized this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick. Add in that this year’s model starts at $32,190, and this Telluride is one of the best three-row SUVs under $40,000.

Choose the 2021 Hyundai Palisade if you want an SUV that puts your safety first

If the 2021 Kia Telluride isn’t your style, not to worry. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is also one of the best SUVs under $40,000. Consumer Reports gave this year’s model an 87 overall score. It also earned a four out of five predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. Not only that, but the IIHS also recognized this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick+. This year’s model isn’t prohibitively expensive either. In fact, a base model starts at $32,675.

The 2021 Subaru Outback snagged the third spot on the list of ‘Best SUVs Under $40,000’

Landing in the third spot on Consumer Reports’ list is the 2021 Subaru Outback, which earned an 86 overall score. It also earned a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. Unfortunately, this year’s model did earn a fairly average reliability rating. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, this year’s model earned itself a three out of five predicted reliability rating. Fortunately, this year’s model was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-9 for a reliable SUV under $40,000

For another SUV under $40,000? Consider the 2021 Mazda CX-9, which Consumer Reports gave an 80 overall score. Consumer Reports also gave this year’s new CX-9 a four out of five predicted reliability rating, along with a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. The IIHS also recognized the 2021 Mazda CX-9 as a Top Safety Pick+. Consider that this year’s model starts at $34,160 and there’s no denying that the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is one of the best SUVs under $40,000.

You can’t go wrong choosing the 2021 Toyota Highlander

It’s true. You really can’t go wrong with the 2021 Toyota Highlander if you’re shopping for an SUV under $40,000. In fact, Consumer Reports gave it an 84 overall score. It also gave the new Toyota Highlander a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. With so many standard safety features to its name, it should come as no surprise that the IIHS recognized this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick+ too. With a base price of $34,910, this year’s model won’t have you breaking the bank either.

The 2021 Ford Edge comes recommended by Consumer Reports

With a base price under $40,000, the 2021 Ford Edge has a lot going for it, especially if it’s an SUV under $40,000 that you’re after. Not only did it earn an 83 overall score from Consumer Reports, but it also earned itself a four out of five predicted reliability rating. This year’s model comes well-stocked with standard safety features too. So much so that the IIHS recognized this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick.

For a luxury SUV under $40,000, choose the 2021 Lexus NX or the 2021 Lexus UX

If you’re looking to treat yourself, Consumer Reports recommends checking out the 2021 Lexus NX. As one of the best SUVs under $40,000, the Lexus NX earned an 82 overall score from Consumer Reports. The publication also gave the NX a five out of five predicted reliability rating. And, according to to the IIHS, this year’s model is a Top Safety Pick+. And if the NX isn’t quite your style? Consumer Reports also recommends taking a look at the 2021 Lexus UX, which it gave an 81 overall score.

Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota Venza is one of the best SUVs under $40,000

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota Venza is also one of the best SUVs under $40,000. This year’s model earned itself a 78 overall score, which isn’t the highest score on the list but isn’t all that bad. Consumer Reports also gave the new Venza a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. While those scores aren’t perfect, they are still impressive. Not to mention, the IIHS recognized this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick. 

A red 2021 Toyota Venza LE midsize crossover SUV parked on brick pavers next to a sidewalk outside a glass building
2021 Toyota Venza LE | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.