7 Best New SUVs for the Money in 2024
SUVs offer versatility, cargo capacity, and a go-anywhere attitude, making them an extremely popular segment of vehicles among today’s active families. Whether you're searching for a compact or midsize SUV, there are more choices than ever before If you’re wondering which SUVs offer the most value for your dollar, check out these top SUV picks.
Best SUVs for the Money
Best Crossover SUV of 2024 – Honda CR-V
Starting at $29,500 MSRP
The Honda CR-V has long remained a perennial favorite of car buyers, and it’s easy to understand why. Two engine choices along with athletic styling are only a few highlights of the CR-V. Split folding rear seats along with spacious interior dimensions allow drivers and passengers to have plenty of space. Drivers will be excited to experience Honda’s latest technology, from the foot-activated power liftgate to rain-sensing windshield wipers.
A 1.5-liter turbocharged engine boasts improved fuel economy and increased horsepower when compared to the prior-generation. Key exterior enhancements include higher ground clearance, larger vehicle width, and a longer wheelbase compared to previous generations. Standard on all CR-V trims, the Honda Sensing collection of technologies includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise-control, lane-keeping assist, and collision-mitigation braking.
It’s no wonder the CR-V highlights the exceptional value of owning a Honda.
What the Critics Say
“Here we are, welcoming generation six of the perennially popular Honda CR-V compact SUV into the world. Expertise gained and lessons learned from the previous generations combine with fresh technology and manufacturing techniques to create the best-ever CR-V.” – Kelley Blue Book
Best Hybrid Crossover SUV of 2024 – Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Starting at $31,475 MSRP
Take your journeys even farther with the Toyota RAV4. Whether you’re headed downtown or up the mountain, drivers and passengers will enjoy available dual zone automatic climate control and heated seats. The RAV4 is packed with impressive tech features as well, including a Bird’s Eye View Camera, Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, and a Foot-Activated Power Liftgate. Standard power comes from a 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine with available Dynamic Torque-Control AWD.
Looking for something a bit more “eco”-nomical? The RAV4 Hybrid is the perfect blend of dynamic styling, impressive efficiency, and versatility. Make stopping for gas a thing of the past thanks to the 41 city MPG EPA-estimated fuel economy rating for RAV4 Hybrid*. Standard on every trim level of RAV4 is Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS-2.5). Included in this suite of safety technologies is Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Take on any challenge with the Toyota RAV4.
What the Critics Say
“Toyota’s RAV4 compact-crossover SUV is like no RAV4 before it. Gone are the simple, generic lines, replaced by an aggressive, truck-like grille and front end complemented by sharp angles and geometric shapes throughout the body.” — Kelley Blue Book
*2024 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary.
Best Luxury Crossover SUV of 2024 – Mercedes-Benz GLA
Starting at $40,000 MSRP (Estimated)
Athletic and engineered to a higher standard, the Mercedes-Benz GLA blends performance, design, safety, luxury, and technology into a cutting-edge compact luxury crossover SUV.
Driving the GLA is invigorating thanks to the inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission, and available 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. LED Daytime Running Lamps and taillamps accent the sophisticated design of the GLA. Available interior amenities include a power tilt/sliding panorama roof, 64-color LED ambient lighting, larger touchscreens, and power liftgate.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features several user-friendly innovations that keep you connected, engaged, and entertained. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto allow for seamless smartphone integration. Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with smartphone app, in-car Internet, and 4G LTE WiFi ensures you’re always in touch. GLA offers groundbreaking safety features which include Radar-based Active Brake Assist collision mitigation and Distance Pilot DISTRONIC®.
What the Critics Say
“The smallest and most affordable offering in the vast Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup is the GLA-Class. This small and spunky crossover does a great job embodying the elegance of the Mercedes-Benz brand in the form of a subcompact SUV. The interior is luxurious and roomy for its size, and it’s packed with modern technology that’s easy to use.” — Kelley Blue Book
Best Compact SUV of 2024 – Lexus NX
Starting at $40,605 MSRP
The Lexus NX combines intuitive technology, striking design, and potent turbocharged power to take on whatever your day may bring. Standard amenities on the NX are Lexus Display Audio with a 9.8-inch screen, LED interior lighting, LED taillights and LED low-beam headlights, and advanced stability control. The Lexus NX 350h infuses hybrid technology into the NX for the ultimate in fuel efficiency. Paired with All Wheel Drive, the NX is confident in even the harshest weather conditions.
Technology features remain impressive on the NX. The available Remote Touchpad uses a touch-pad controller for user inputs, similar to your smartphone. Lexus Enform elevates connected technology into a new era of concierge-level convenience. Drivers seeking additional adrenaline should opt for the impressive Lexus NX F SPORT for the ultimate experience. Exclusive F SPORT amenities offered on the NX include exclusive G-force and turbo-boost gauge, perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and quick-shifting paddle shifters.
What the Critics Say
“In the growing automotive subsection of small luxury SUVs, the Lexus NX is a smart choice that caters to buyers with penchants for style and comfort. Its cozy cabin features softly cushioned seats, plenty of high-end features, and a unique design that is right in step with the NX’s wild exterior.” — Car and Driver
Best Midsize SUV of 2024 – Ford Explorer
Starting at $36,760 MSRP
Expand your horizons with the stylish and versatile Ford Explorer. The Explorer offers three powertrain choices — a standard 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4, powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 which produces 365-horsepower, and the range-topping 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6. All engines come paired to an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. With the power and efficiency to tackle any challenge, an available Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System provides seamless shift-on-the-fly confidence to keep you in control at all times.
The Explorer delivers impressive capability to make life simpler. Enjoy 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space with both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats folded along with a hands-free foot-activated liftgate for easy access to the cargo area. Experience unrivaled comfort inside the Explorer Platinum, offering upscale amenities which include leather seating surfaces with quilted inserts, industry-exclusive 980-watt Audio System from Bang & Olufsen™, and second-row heated captain’s seats.
What the Critics Say
“Although certainly spacious and family friendly, the latest Explorer is for those who want their SUV to have guts. The standard 2.3-liter turbo engine pumps out more power and torque than its competitors’ V6 engines, while bettering their fuel economy as well. The optional V6 engines, meanwhile, are turbocharged and obliterate everything else in the segment, topping out at 400 horsepower in the Explorer ST.” – Autoblog
Best Luxury Compact SUV of 2024 – BMX X3
Starting at $46,900 MSRP
Versatility, style, and performance are just three major hallmarks of the BMW X3. The BMW X3 features 8 inches of ground clearance for navigating conditions from sand to snow. Cargo storage capacity reaches a cavernous 62.7 cubic feet thanks to split fold-down rear seats. Available xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, blends spirited performance with uncompromised control in both dry and wet weather conditions.
Inside the BMW X3, the iDrive 7.0 system places essential information right at your fingertips, with an intuitive interface that responds to touch, Intelligent Voice Control, or optional Gesture Control. There’s even an available charging pocket in the central console which provides inductive wireless charging for your compatible smartphone. Not only is the exterior styling of the BMW X3 eye-catching; it’s functional as well. The BMW Active Kidney Grille and BMW Air Curtains combine to reduce both fuel consumption and noise levels while helping the engine run more efficiently. For safety-conscious buyers, it’s important to note that driver assistance features such as lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are standard equipment.
What the Critics Say
“BMW has incorporated plenty of tech into the X3, including two digital dashboard displays as well as a host of driver-assistance features. Overall, the X3 is well-rounded, but it’s the agile handling and gutsy turbo engines that make it one of our favorite BMWs.” – Car and Driver
Best Luxury SUV of 2024 – Cadillac XT5
Starting at $43,895 MSRP
For those looking to make a statement, the Cadillac XT5 offers a striking design along with an ingenious cabin that is both spacious and versatile. A powerful optional 310-horsepower 3.6-liter Direct-Injection V6 VVT Engine features an Automatic Stop/Start system that maximizes efficiency without sacrificing performance. The Cadillac XT5 features an available twin-clutch AWD system enhances driver launch performance and cornering, especially in adverse weather.
From cut-and-sewn seating to a hand-stitched steering wheel and dashboard, the Cadillac XT5 features an interior that’s tailored to the highest standard. Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto each offer seamless smartphone integration in the Cadillac user experience (CUE) system. With the optional UltraView sunroof, drivers and passengers can fill the cabin of the Cadillac XT5 with fresh air and natural lighting. Available RainSense™ wipers automatically engage when rain is detected and adjust to the rain’s intensity for a clear view from the windshield.
What the Critics Say
“Even luxury crossovers should be practical, and the XT5 excels in this category. Above-average cargo space, plenty of bins for stashing smaller items, and an easy-to-fold rear seat allow this Caddy to easily transform from luxury liner to cargo king.” — Car and Driver
