5 Cheap SUVs That Make You Look Rich, According to Car Experts
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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It’s well known that cars depreciate quickly in value and aren’t typically a great investment, so breaking the bank to drive an expensive car isn’t usually advised. But you don’t need to blow your budget to drive a vehicle that turns heads.
According to car experts, several SUVs have it all-style, comfort and upscale features without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re trying to impress or want a new ride that doesn’t cost a small fortune, here are five budget-friendly SUVs that make you look rich.
Mazda CX-30
- Starting price: $25,195
The Mazda CX-30 attracts attention with its luxurious design, fuel efficiency of 25 to 33 MPG and an affordable price tag. The CX-30 has a J.D Power rating of 71/100 for quality and reliability and maintenance costs of $7,866 during its first 10 years of service, according to CarEdge. This SUV provides excellent value, but doesn’t look cheap.
“The vehicle presents a premium appearance through its modern design and luxurious interior materials and advanced technology features that resemble luxury brand features,” said Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot. “The vehicle demonstrates exceptional durability and requires minimal ownership expenses when compared to other vehicles in its market segment.”
Buick Encore GX
- Starting price: $25,940
The Buick Encore GX is a standout choice due to its chic design, six safety and driver-assistance technologies, and competitive price. The SUV gets 27 MPG combined EPA, has a J.D. Power rating of 85/100 for quality and reliability and the maintenance costs over the first 10 years of service average $8,858, per CarEdge.
“The ride is silky, with chrome accents, stitched surfaces and in Avenir spec an unexpected degree of silence on the highway,” said Rob Dillan, car expert and founder of EVhype. “This is a very polished commuter that has refined manners — and badge cachet — to please someone who wants the privilege of looking like a millionaire, but doesn’t have the bank balance to match.”
Kia Sportage
- Starting price: $28,690
The 2025 Kia Sportage boasts a sleek and modern design, complemented by safety features such as collision warning and lane-keep assist, all at a great price. The SUV achieves 28 miles per gallon when running on gasoline; 43 mpg (Hybrid FWD). It has a J.D. Power rating of 83/100 for quality and reliability, and average maintenance costs are $462, per RepairPal.
“These days, the Sportage presents well both inside and out, blending (especially when loaded up with heated leather and a panoramic screen in the cabin) with a class above,” said Dillan. “If you like a bit of eye-popping design that drives with thriftiness, that’s your sweet spot.”
Mazda CX-5
- Starting price: $29,050
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has the ideal blend of upscale interior, attractive styling, sporty handling and great reliability — 82/100, per J.D. Power. It looks pricey, but it’s a cost-effective SUV that has an annual maintenance cost of $447, per RepairPal and 28 combined MPG.
“The way the CX-5 steers just like any other car, its very firm seating and minimized cabin (featuring real-feel materials, an out-of-the-aluminum clean infotainment system) comes off as premium all around, from the base trim to the valet line,” said Dillan. “It’s an enthusiast’s bargain: Nice ride, good looks and enough tech to feel up-to-date without being overwhelming.”
Hyundai Tucson
- Starting price: $29,200
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a chic and practical choice that has a roomy inside and a reliability of 81/10, according to J.D. Power. The average maintenance costs are $426 a year, per RepairPal, and for gas mileage, drivers can expect 28 mpg combined gas, or 35 to 38 mpg combined for a hybrid.
According to Dillan, it’s a great choice to make you look rich, thanks to the “parametric bodywork, twin-screen cockpit: All the luxury-car trappings were in place, along with a heap of standard gear to keep you safe.”
“Toss in Hyundai’s strong warranty coverage and it’s a style-setting daily driver that’s a steal.”
Quality doesn’t always have to come with a high price. These cost-effective SUVs prove you can drive a nice car without draining your savings.
“Luxury does not require a specific brand badge because well-made SUVs with premium features can create the same impact as high-end vehicles while saving owners thousands of dollars in ownership expenses,” said Gelfand.
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