These affordable SUVs strike an excellent balance between cost and quality, making them ideal choices for small families and couples seeking an everyday vehicle that doesn't compromise on features or space. In a market where practicality is essential, these SUVs provide the perfect solution for those navigating the hustle and bustle of daily life, from school runs to weekend getaways.

What sets these models apart is their ability to combine spacious interiors with modern technology and advanced safety features, ensuring that every journey is both comfortable and secure. Families will appreciate the ample legroom and storage options, while couples will find plenty of room for outdoor adventures or city escapades.

In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 SUVs that deliver exceptional value for money, proving that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a high-quality driving experience.

These prices were correct at the time of publication, and the drive-away prices will vary depending on the state and city of purchase.

Skoda Kamiq

Data for 2024 SKODA Kamiq 85TSI Select Auto FWD MY24

Choosing the Skoda Kamiq is like opting for comfortable trainers over stilettos. While it’s not the most “SUV” option on this list, the Kamiq crossover offers a safe, refined design with a classic boxy shape, sleek daytime running lights, subtle body creases, and wide rear lights that add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

What truly sets the Kamiq apart is its cabin space and practicality. The front seats offer ample room and adjustability, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. While it’s not built to transport a basketball team, the back seats are surprisingly spacious for a car of its size. With a 400-litre boot, it provides sufficient cargo space for most needs, although it falls short compared to rivals like the Peugeot 2008 and Ford Puma.

Key Features;

• 13-inch infotainment screen + 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• ChatGPT functionality
• Driver alert with fatigue sensor
• Wireless charging for two smartphones (15W) with cooling function
  

What’s good about it?

• Exterior design
• Headroom and legroom in the second row are ample
• Decent boot space for a 7-seater
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Second row is not as spacious as some similarly priced SUVs
• 4WD not available in petrol variants
  

Mazda CX-5

Data for 2024 Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx KF Series Auto FWD

The Mazda CX-5’s sleek exterior is matched by a well-appointed cabin. Standard features include supportive seats with lumbar support, plenty of soft-touch materials, and a tall centre console that gives a cosy, sports car-like feel. Its deeply set dials resemble those in the MX-5, and the stylish air vents have a cool metal finish.

Like most midsize SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is well-suited for city driving. Its high driving position, expansive windows, slim windshield pillars, and responsive controls make navigating traffic easy, with front and rear parking sensors as standard. On the motorway, the CX-5 excels with minimal cabin noise aside from some tyre roar, and the comfortable seats help prevent fatigue on longer journeys.

Key Features;

• 10.25" display with Mazda Connect infotainment
• Advanced blind spot monitoring
• i-stop
  

What’s good about it?

• Loads of equipment
• Fun to drive
• Hushed petrol engine
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Bit expensive for the features
• Limited boot space
• Feels unsettled on rougher surfaces

MG HS

Data for 2024 MG HS Excite Auto MY24.5

The previous MG HS fell into the 'cheap but not very cheerful' category, but the new model is significantly more appealing and capable, without much of a price increase. It’s akin to a budget-friendly Harvester restaurant – not a luxury choice, but comfortable enough for family use without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality to save money.

Despite its modest price, comparable to a Volkswagen Polo, the MG HS offers plenty of interior space. A six-foot adult can comfortably sit in the rear, and the 507-litre boot is competitive in its class. However, small-item storage could be better, and the front cabin layout and feel are somewhat lacking. MG has made efforts, though, with dual 12.3-inch screens integrated into one continuous display to mimic a widescreen look.

Key Features;

• 12.3-inch infotainment screen & 12.3 virtual driver information display
• 19" Blade diamond cut alloy wheels
• Advanced driver assistance systems like lane assist
  

What’s good about it?

• Spacious second row
• Boot space
• Great price-to-feature ratio
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Infotainment system is underwhelming
• Driving experience is subpar
  

Chery Tiggo 7  Pro

Data for 2024 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Urban Auto

With competitive pricing, a generous standard equipment list, and a robust ownership package, the Tiggo 7 aims to challenge rivals like the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai, and Honda ZR-V. This compact SUV competes in a hotly contested price range. It's also up against other Chinese competitors like the GWM Haval H6 and MG HS.

The Tiggo 7 Pro’s interior certainly has a 'wow' factor, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays, integrated satellite navigation, an intelligent voice assistant (‘Hey Chery’), and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. While the displays are high-resolution, the system's processing power occasionally lags, and the instrument cluster animations aren’t always as responsive as in some competitors.

Key Features;

• Leading vehicle departure alert (LVDA)
• 12.3-inch infotainment screen & 12.3 driver supervision cluster
• Full LED MFR headlights
  

What’s good about it?

• Spacious cabin
• Lot of car for the money
• Service and maintenance costs
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Assistance systems need fine tuning
• Engine and transmission are laggy
• Advanced safety systems are more distracting than helpful

Kia Sportage

Data for 2024 Kia Sportage SX Auto FWD MY25

The Kia Sportage is a practical, feature-packed family SUV with bold styling that’s sure to turn heads at the school gates. It’s like a Smeg fridge—an everyday essential designed to look stylish. Despite its role in handling the routine tasks of family life like school runs, commuting, and shopping, the Sportage’s design is far from dull. The front features striking angular daytime running lights and a wide, robust grille that gives it a commanding presence. Subtlety isn’t part of its design language.

Beyond its looks, the Kia Sportage offers ample space for a typical family. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom both in the front and rear, and installing a child seat is straightforward. While the boot space is slightly smaller than the Hyundai Tucson, it remains practical for most family needs.

Key Features;

• 12.3-inch infotainment screen & 4.2-inch driver display screen
• Advanced driver assistance features
• Auto climate control with rear AC vents
  

What’s good about it?

• Spacious interior
• Good safety features
• Stylish road presence
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Still waiting on wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Pretty dull to drive
• Feature list is limited at this price

Toyota Corolla Cross

Data for 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL Auto 2WD

Have you heard the expression, “suffering from success”? That seems to be the case for the much-loved Toyota Corolla Cross as it continues to face high wait times and supply challengers. The hybrid model, in particular, has drawn the most interest, remaining a rare option in a highly competitive segment. This compact SUV avatar of the iconic Corolla gets the benefit of the latest cabin design and features, combined with increased ground clearance and a beefy design.

The drivetrain is simple and geared toward efficiency, performing best when driven in a calm, relaxed manner. Pushing it harder can result in noticeable noise and coarseness, though it still delivers reasonable performance. The petrol model’s CVT includes 10 simulated ‘steps’ and a dedicated launch gear, which helps it mimic the feel of a traditional automatic during acceleration while reducing engine revs at cruising speeds to enhance fuel efficiency.

Key Features;

• 8-inch infotainment screen & 7-inch MID
• Dual-zone climate control
• AEB with Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control incl. curve speed reduction
  

What’s good about it?

• Affordable family SUV
• Technology outfitted for the price
• Spacious cabin and boot
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Design is underwhelming
• Noisy when driven under full load
• Does not feel special

Nissan X-trail

Data for 2024 Nissan X-TRAIL ST T33 Auto 2WD MY25

While there are some aspects where the X-Trail doesn’t feel entirely premium, its overall finish is impressive for a family SUV. Only the entry-level trim falls within the $40k budget, so don’t expect the complete package with this one. The petrol engine's relatively modest output doesn’t hinder performance unless the car is fully loaded. However, it might be worth considering the X-Trail e-Power or other hybrid options, especially if you have a bigger budget.

Where the X-Trail really shines is on urban roads. The refined suspension, an improvement over the previous model, delivers a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps with ease and providing a smooth driving experience. Visibility is excellent, thanks to the large rear window and well-positioned wing mirrors. With light steering, the X-Trail is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre for a large SUV. Higher-spec models come with cameras, and all versions have standard parking sensors, making parking straightforward.

Key Features;

• 8-inch infotainment screen & 12.3-inch MID
• Sky pack - X-Trail
• Nissan connected car technology
  

What’s good about it?

• Engine is powerful
• Plenty of quality features
• Spacious enough for five adults
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Engine gets noisy under strain
• Boot space is limited

Honda CR-V

Data for 2023 Honda CR-V VTi Auto FWD MY23

The Honda CR-V has long been one of the world's top-selling SUVs, and it's easy to see why. It’s a spacious family SUV with an attractive design, excellent cabin comfort, and the option of a plug-in hybrid version that helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, it faces tough competition from models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, the latter even offering a fully electric version. In comparison, the CR-V can start to feel less competitive.

The CR-V also lags behind its rivals when it comes to in-car technology. While the main instruments are functional, they appear somewhat basic, and the large infotainment screen has outdated, clunky graphics. On the plus side, the system is straightforward to navigate.

Key Features;

• 9-inch infotainment screen & 10.2" Multi-information display
• Reclining rear seats
• Honda 360-degree sensing
  

What’s good about it?

• Comfortable seats
• Spacious inside
• Good driver assistance tech as standard
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Mid-level variant and above feels expensive
• Noisy cabin
• Infotainment system is outdated

Hyundai Tucson

Data for 2024 Hyundai Tucson Auto 2WD MY25

In case the Kia Sportage isn’t the one for you, you can check out its mechanical twin in the form of the Hyundai Tucson. It is also well-suited for city driving, offering excellent visibility thanks to its large side windows and a good rear view, along with a reasonably tight turning circle. While the suspension is on the firmer side for this type of vehicle, it's not too uncomfortable. At higher speeds, the ride smooths out, so bumps and rough patches on the motorway won’t be too noticeable. However, it’s not particularly exciting to drive on winding back roads.

All Tucson models come equipped with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, making it easy to manoeuvre into tight spaces. The light steering and sufficiently tight turning circle also help when navigating mini roundabouts without overshooting.

Key Features;

• 12.3-inch infotainment screen & 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• Dual-zone climate control
• 64 colours interior ambient lighting
  

What’s good about it?

• Excellent interior quality
• Huge boot
• Digital display and big infotainment as standard
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Marmite like design
• Awkward rear seat shape
• Suspension feels on the firmer side

Mitsubishi Outlander

Data for 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander ES ZM Auto 2WD MY24

Like its competitors, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid option for small families, especially in this affordable 5-seater configuration. Its boot is large enough to handle a family's luggage for a two-week trip. While the interior design isn’t particularly exciting, it is user-friendly and feels well-built. Similarly, the driving experience is competent but unremarkable, with the Outlander performing best on motorways, where the ride is comfortable and the cabin remains quiet.

However, the Outlander doesn’t stand out in any particular area. It offers average driving dynamics and lacks distinctive interior or exterior styling. While it remains competitive, other models like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage provide more modern alternatives in the affordable crossover segment. For more on this SUV and variants more expensive than $40k, check out our full review of the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Key Features;

• 9-inch infotainment screen & 7-inch MID
• Dual-zone climate control, second-row air vents
• Surround-view camera
  

What’s good about it?

• Big boot
• Quiet cabin
• Feature list covers the basics
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Not the best driving experience
• Styling seems outdated compared to some rivals
• Single engine choice
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Conclusion

Well that was our list of the most affordable SUVs under $40,000. While these options will help you narrow down your choices, do keep in mind that many of the bigger ones offer their best features in trims priced over the $40,000 limit. However, this price range is the sweet spot for getting the maximum value without compromising on the utility and cabin experience of an SUV.

Let us know which cars we missed out on and which cars you think should have made the list and if you’re looking for used SUVs within this budget, allow us to give you a shortcut with your choice of SUV being home delivered. SUVs under $40,000 at CARS24.