With the price of new and used cars in the market, it’s hard to imagine getting anything affordable. Prices are increasing over MSRP, and SUVs are more in-demand than ever. However, some automakers, like Subaru, offer every SUV for an affordable price. Did you know the entire lineup of 2023 Subaru SUVs starts under $35,000? Are cheap SUVs like these from Subaru even worth buying?

2023 Subaru Crosstrek: A stylish compact SUV

First, according to Edmunds, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $24,870. However, there are five trims, four of which remain below the $35,000 mark. Only the range-topping and fuel-efficient Crosstrek Hybrid goes over, starting at $38,070 MSRP. Fortunately, Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited models are all available at a much lower price.

Furthermore, even the cheapest Crosstrek comes well-equipped. For example, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, Subaru’s X-Mode for off-road driving, hill descent control, and Subaru EyeSight driver aid system. This includes forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping system. With all this and more for the base model, you know the more expensive trims are well-equipped. Heated seats, a sunroof, automatic braking, an upgraded audio system, and more are available for under $35K.

The popular Forester is affordable

Next, one of the most popular compact SUVs is the Subaru Forester. For the 2023 model year, it starts at just $27,620. With no significant changes expected from the previous model year, it’s largely the same as in 2022. With a Base model, buyers get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. As for features, the list is nearly identical to the most affordable Crosstrek.

Alternatively, the Forester has two trims that exceed $35,000. They are the off-road Wilderness trim and the fully-loaded Touring model. For $34,300, the Forster Limited comes nearly as well-equipped as one of these expensive versions. A panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitor, LED foglights, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, and more are standard.

Did you know the 2023 Subaru Outback starts under $30,000?

For the 2023 Subaru Outback, just three trims start below the $35,000 mark. Fortunately, the Base model costs just below $30K, at $29,620. With it, buyers get 17-inch alloy wheels, hill descent control, LED headlights, roof rails, dual seven-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

Further, the Outback Premium remains below $35,000. Starting at $31,920, it gains heated front seats, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tinted rear windows, and more. Plus, at this trim, buyers can choose from many more options. For example, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a hands-free liftgate, proximity keyless entry/ignition, a sunroof, and navigation.

The Onyx Edition also comes in below the $35K mark but only adds a few things over the Premium trim. Mostly cosmetic, the Onyx Edition adds unique body cladding and an upgraded all-wheel drive system.

Even the 2023 Subaru Ascent starts below $35,000

Finally, the largest SUV in the Subaru lineup is the 2023 Ascent. As the only three-row midsize Subaru, it has a lot of expectations to fulfill. However, it has to remain affordable like the rest of the automaker’s SUVs. According to Subaru, the Ascent starts at $33,895. However, Edmunds says the real starting price is $35,120, which includes the destination fees added at the time of purchase.

Regardless, only the Ascent Base trim starts under $35,000. But is it worth your money? Experts like Edmunds recommend getting the Premium trim instead. It adds a few niceties not found in the most affordable model. The most basic Ascent has seating for eight, three-zone automatic climate control, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 2,000-pound towing capacity, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, and adaptive headlights.

Affordable Subaru SUVs under $35,000

In conclusion, four affordable Subaru SUVs start under $35,000. That’s every Subaru SUV in the lineup. These are viable models if you’re interested in a safe, reliable SUV that has some valuable equipment. Mid-tier trims are best for most of these models, and the Forester and Outback are popular for a reason. Alternatively, the cheapest Ascent doesn’t provide much compared to higher trims, and the Crosstrek is just a smaller, less value-filled version of the Forester.