5 Reliable SUVs To Buy This Summer If You’re on a Budget
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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This may be the summer to pack up the family and head out on an adventure in a new SUV. For those who are on a budget, there are many great options for under $30,000.
While affordability may be a top consideration, reliability is certainly important when it comes to owning a vehicle that’ll hold up for years. Here’s a look at five reliable SUVs that offer reliability without huge prices.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
- Starting price: $20,500
This popular subcompact SUV continues to rank among the best affordable SUVs. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Trax comes with a nice amount of interior room and the driving technology many buyers look for in a reliable vehicle.
2025 Hyundai Venue
- Starting price: $20,200
For those who like the Trax from Chevrolet, the Venue by Hyundai is a similar SUV with nearly the same price. One of the advantages the Venue may have is that it has the lowest ownership costs among similar cars, per Kelley Blue Book. The Venue is also easy to drive and has a good fuel economy.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
- Starting price: $21,520
If you haven’t checked out the Nissan Kicks Play, you may want to consider this as a reliable SUV to purchase this summer if you’re on a budget. It’s said to offer nice standard features and a lot of space for the price. Plus, it’s reliable. It scored a great 83 out of 100 on reliability from J.D. Power.
2025 Mazda CX-5
- Starting price: $28,770
If your budget is closer to $30,000, check out the 2025 Mazda CX-5. It’s listed among the most reliable SUVs by U.S. News & World Report. Reviewers said this vehicle gives you a nice ride with solid handling. And another plus, this SUV has a very upscale cabin.
2025 Subaru Forester
- Starting price: $29,995
The Subaru Forester is a popular and reliable vehicle. The car received a 98 out of 100 from Consumer Reports for reliability. This small ride comes with standard all-wheel drive, and reviewers noted the high-quality materials in the cabin and spacious cargo capacity.
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