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If saving dollars makes you holler, then you’re in the right place. We have some of the best SUVs with tons of value—options like the 2021 Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander to stretch your money further. A few of the best SUV options may even surprise you. Check out the top five best SUVs with the most value.

The best SUVs for the value 

A dark blue 2021 Toyota Highlander on a quiet road.
2021 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

This list of the best SUVs for the money includes midsize options that have been ranked by TrueCar. Each vehicle has been ranked utilizing a rating system based on customer surveys, industry research, and data collected by vehicle experts. Comfort, amenities, efficiency, performance, utility, and tech each impact the score. 

Here is a list of the top five best SUVs with the most value: 

  1. 2021 Kia Telluride 
  2. 2021 Toyota Highlander 
  3. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 
  4. 2021 Kia Sorento 
  5. 2021 Mazda CX-9 

1. The 2021 Kia Telluride is value packed

The 2022 Kia Telluride parked in gravel
2022 Kia Telluride | Kia

The 2021 Kia Telluride has an MSRP of about $32,190 and provides luxury finishes without the luxury price. Seriously, it provides a spacious and comfortable interior that’s quiet and provides a smooth ride. 

While providing enough space for the whole family, the Telluride also brings some muscle to the table. It was a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is optional, and it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

The only potential drawbacks include a just OK fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. Also, while the Kia Telluride has a stout acceleration, it handles like a larger SUV with a little body roll around curves. 

2. The 2021 Toyota Highlander stretches that dollar 

The next best SUV for the money is the 2021 Toyota Highlander, which has an MSRP of $35,085. It has an economical 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway, but the hybrid variant gets up to 36/35 mpg. 

You can’t go wrong with the upscale quality materials in the interior. Plus, you get tons of standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance. 

However, the Toyota Highlander lacks cargo space compared to rivals, and the third-row seat is a little tight. Other rivals may offer a faster acceleration and a sportier ride too. 

3. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is too fresh to ignore 

A blue 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT off-roading in dirt
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT | Hyundai

You can’t have a list of the best SUVs without mentioning the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and its MSRP of $27,000. It has a premium cab filled with luxurious materials and provides a comfortable ride. 

The Santa Fe includes many standard features, including adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection. The gas-powered engine gets up to 25 mpg in the city, and the hybrid powertrain gets up to 36 mpg. 

But the Santa Fe doesn’t have a third row of seats. Also, the second row is a little tight and limits versatility. It can only tow 3,500 lbs, so keep that in mind if you have a bigger camper or trailer to haul. 

4. The 2021 Kia Sorento is a best SUV option

the 2021 Kia Sorento driving down the road
2021 Kia Sorento | Kia

The 2021 Kia Sorento is the second Kia option to make it on this of best SUVs list with its MSRP of $29,390. It provides the perfect blend of passenger space and efficiency. The new hybrid option offers up to 39 mpg in the city! 

This seven-seater vehicle has eight different trim levels to choose from. Plus, it includes forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. You can equip it with all-wheel drive to tackle slippery situations too. 

However, the Kia Sorento has limited space in the third row, and rivals provide a little more cargo space. The handling is pretty secure, but the Sorento isn’t exactly sporty. It also only tows up to 3,500 lbs. 

5. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 deserves your attention 

2021 mazda cx 9
2021 Mazda CX-9 | Mazda

Last but not least, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is definitely one of the best SUVs for the value. It has an MSRP of $34,160. You can’t beat its luxurious interior that’s filled with soft-touch materials for the ultimate level of comfort. 

The Mazda CX-9 is fun to drive with a peppy acceleration and sporty handling. Plus, it has a third row but has agile handling. For a larger SUV, it’s shockingly agile and easy to maneuver in tight city areas. 

But the CX-9 isn’t the best family hauler. It has a pretty tiny third row. It can also get expensive pretty quickly as you move up in trim levels. 

Finding one of the best SUVs for the money isn’t difficult. You can go with the Kia Telluride for optimal space and comfort. The Santa Fe is a luxurious midsize option with plenty of standard features. The Highlander offers premium safety and more. One of these options certainly checks all of your boxes. 

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