Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Best SUVs Under $40,000

CR's top choices are based on our extensive testing and member surveys

a Hyundai SUV parked in an outdoor setting
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Photo: Hyundai

SUVs continue to grow in popularity because buyers love their versatility, ride height, and comfort. But once you decide that you want an SUV, it can be difficult to select the right model. That’s where Consumer Reports can help.

Below we present the best SUVs under $40,000 ranked by their Overall Score. This list features two- and three-row SUVs, and all offer at least one trim with all-wheel drive for less than $40,000, including the destination fee. That’s why some models, such as the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Kia Telluride, aren’t included.

In this article Arrow link
More On SUVs

If you think your needs can be met by a smaller or less expensive model, check out our list of the best SUVs under $30,000.

Every model comes standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that operates at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW), unless noted otherwise. Some of these models carry our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions.

If you’re a CR member, this article and the list below are already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up, click below and become a member to access this list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we publish our latest road tests.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.