SUVs $20,000 - $30,000
- MSRP: $22,440 - $29,795
- Invoice: $21,318 - $28,305
- Avg. Paid: $22,716 - $29,931
- MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy
Chevrolet Equinox
#2 in Affordable Compact SUVs
Previously a good - but not great - entry within its class, the Equinox gets a much-needed makeover for 2010. With more power, a revamped interior and better fuel economy, the 2010 Chevy Equinox ...
- Get Chevrolet Equinox price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 9.1 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $29,155 - $39,330
- Invoice: $27,260 - $36,774
- Avg. Paid: $28,578 - $38,409
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
#31 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
The TrailBlazer's strong point is its comfortable, roomy and relatively well-equipped cabin, but that can't make up for sub-par handling and cheap interior materials. For a smoother ride and higher fuel economy, consider crossovers ...
- Get Chevrolet TrailBlazer price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 6.1 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $29,224 - $39,985
- Invoice: $27,763 - $37,986
- Avg. Paid: $29,112 - $39,549
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
Chevrolet Traverse
#2 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
Reviewers say the Traverse is an affordable, stylish and versatile minivan alternative. Since it was just introduced last year, it remains unchanged for 2010. As Chevy's first large crossover SUV, the Traverse replaced the ...
- Get Chevrolet Traverse price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $28,130 - $45,040
- Invoice: $25,806 - $40,911
- Avg. Paid: $27,823 - $44,110
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
Dodge Durango
#9 in Affordable Large SUVs
The Dodge Durango has been discontinued for the 2009 model year, but there are still some available on dealer lots.
- Get Dodge Durango price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $20,490 - $28,195
- Invoice: $19,861 - $26,872
- Avg. Paid: $20,103 - $27,511
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
Dodge Journey
#24 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
All-new last year, the Dodge Journey is a solid minivan alternative. As Dodge's first crossover, it seeks to incorporate the practicality of an SUV with the comfort of a car -- all while avoiding ...
- Get Dodge Journey price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $21,590 - $24,895
- Invoice: $21,088 - $24,168
- Avg. Paid: $21,089 - $24,274
- MPG: 16 (Est) City / 22 (Est) Hwy
Dodge Nitro
#24 in Affordable Compact SUVs
The Nitro stands out for its aggressive styling, class-leading 5,000-pound towing capacity and functional cargo space but it ultimately can't match the performance or interior quality of its competitors.
- Get Dodge Nitro price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $26,920 - $35,770
- Invoice: $25,407 - $33,191
- Avg. Paid: $26,624 - $35,144
- MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy
Ford Edge
#12 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
Reviewers praise the Ford Edge for its sharp styling, comfortable cabin and solid performance - but they still say the aging SUV is in dire need of an update. However, they'll have to wait ...
- Get Ford Edge price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,550 - $27,055
- Invoice: $19,407 - $25,120
- Avg. Paid: $20,651 - $26,984
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
Ford Escape
#13 in Affordable Compact SUVs
Thanks to performance upgrades last year, the Ford Escape is a smooth-riding, fuel-efficient SUV. However, a few reviewers still feel the revisions aren't enough to distinguish the Escape from its competition.
- Get Ford Escape price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $29,785 - $34,045
- Invoice: $27,605 - $31,481
- Avg. Paid: $29,519 - $33,698
- MPG: 34 City / 31 Hwy
Ford Escape Hybrid
#10 in Affordable Compact SUVs
Along with its Mercury Mariner Hybrid platform-mate, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. Most people expect that hybrid fuel economy comes at the expense of an enjoyable ...
- Get Ford Escape Hybrid price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $28,880 - $38,200
- Invoice: $26,950 - $35,432
- Avg. Paid: $28,060 - $36,876
- MPG: 14 (2009) City / 20 (2009) Hwy
Ford Explorer
#18 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
The Ford Explorer continues to be a solid but unspectacular performer in its class. Thanks to a 2006 redesign, most test drivers say the Explorer rides better and is much quieter inside than previous ...
- Get Ford Explorer price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 5.7 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $28,550 - $42,065
- Invoice: $26,942 - $38,954
- Avg. Paid: $28,269 - $41,268
- MPG: 17 (Est) City / 24 (Est) Hwy
Ford Flex
#4 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
Introduced in 2009, the Flex is Ford's largest crossover yet. Test drivers are already calling this young retro-styled SUV a great alternative for families who want minivan features but not minivan style.
- Get Ford Flex price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $24,250 - $31,000
- Invoice: $23,038 - $29,450
- Avg. Paid: $24,052 - $30,315
- MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy
GMC Terrain
#2 in Affordable Compact SUVs
The 2010 GMC Terrain, a brand new compact crossover SUV, impresses initial test drivers with its value, excellent fuel economy and quiet, attractive interior. Though its mechanical elements are nearly identical to its Chevrolet ...
- Get GMC Terrain price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 9.0 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $21,545 - $29,745
- Invoice: $20,056 - $27,661
- Avg. Paid: $21,761 - $29,780
- MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
Honda CR-V
#1 in Affordable Compact SUVs
The Honda CR-V provides one of the best combinations of safety, utility and affordability in its class. And with increased fuel economy, more power and a more well-liked exterior for 2010, it gets even ...
- Get Honda CR-V price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $20,275 - $25,770
- Invoice: $18,878 - $23,974
- Avg. Paid: $20,450 - $25,750
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
Honda Element
#4 in Affordable Compact SUVs
With suicide rear doors, a highly configurable cabin and an incredibly angular shape, the Element is perfect for those who march to their own drummer. But the SUV is designed more for utility than ...
- Get Honda Element price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $27,895 - $40,245
- Invoice: $25,282 - $36,442
- Avg. Paid: $27,118 - $38,800
- MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy
Honda Pilot
#14 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
After a major redesign last year, the Pilot sees no changes for 2010, and pricing should remain about the same. With interior space, a new muscular exterior, and a more powerful engine, test drivers ...
- Get Honda Pilot price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $21,695 - $30,545
- Invoice: $20,861 - $28,657
- Avg. Paid: $21,526 - $30,063
- MPG: 17 (Est) City / 24 (Est) Hwy
Hyundai Santa Fe
#6 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
Redesigned in 2007, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a value-priced family hauler that just doesn't stand out in a competitive segment. It delivers safety and value, but can't match the performance of competitors.
- Get Hyundai Santa Fe price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $18,070 - $25,620
- Invoice: $17,507 - $24,205
- Avg. Paid: $18,336 - $25,775
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
Hyundai Tucson
#13 in Affordable Compact SUVs
The Tucson remains a good value, but still lags behind competitors in overall driving performance and refinement.
- Get Hyundai Tucson price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $28,145 - $35,895
- Invoice: $26,706 - $33,274
- Avg. Paid: $27,407 - $34,787
- MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy
Hyundai Veracruz
#20 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
The seven-passenger Veracruz is a surprisingly luxurious family-friendly ride. The well-equipped base trim represents a good value within its class. However, the Veracruz still can't match the sportier handling of competitors such as the ...
- Get Hyundai Veracruz price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $18,720 - $25,135
- Invoice: $18,237 - $24,139
- Avg. Paid: $19,080 - $25,291
- MPG: 23 (2009) City / 28 (2009) Hwy
Jeep Compass
#26 in Affordable Compact SUVs
Jeep's first and only crossover vehicle, the Compass, is a smooth-riding, affordable option within the compact SUV class. However, it lacks Jeep's trademark styling and off-road capabilities and is also widely criticized for its ...
- Get Jeep Compass price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $23,255 - $28,735
- Invoice: $22,630 - $27,701
- Avg. Paid: $23,347 - $28,709
- MPG: 16 (2009) City / 22 (2009) Hwy
Jeep Liberty
#21 in Affordable Compact SUVs
The Liberty's strong suit is its excellent off-road capabilities. In spite of that, it can't match the raw power and refined handling of rivals and probably won't be a very comfortable daily driver.
- Get Jeep Liberty price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |