Skip to content
downlyCar money guides

Best SUVs under $40,000

51 popular SUVs you can own under $40,000 — here's what each really costs, cheapest first.

SUVs under $40,000, cheapest first

2026 Chevrolet Trax LT
The price to buy it$20,878
A fair price could save$1,122
2026 Kia Soul S
The price to buy it$20,878
A fair price could save$1,122
2026 Hyundai Venue SEL
The price to buy it$20,878
A fair price could save$1,122
2026 Nissan Kicks SV
The price to buy it$22,776
A fair price could save$1,224
2026 Buick Envista Preferred
The price to buy it$22,776
A fair price could save$1,224
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross LE
The price to buy it$25,064
A fair price could save$936
2026 Hyundai Kona SEL
The price to buy it$24,674
A fair price could save$1,326
2026 Mazda CX-30 Select
The price to buy it$24,674
A fair price could save$1,326
2026 Volkswagen Taos SE
The price to buy it$24,674
A fair price could save$1,326
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
The price to buy it$24,674
A fair price could save$1,326
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES
The price to buy it$24,674
A fair price could save$1,326
2026 Honda HR-V LX
The price to buy it$26,028
A fair price could save$972
Found the one?

Set a target, save a little each week, and your car fund keeps growing while you wait. When you're ready, your down payment is ready too.

Start my car fund

Change the budget

SUVs under $25,000
SUVs under $30,000
SUVs under $50,000
SUVs under $60,000

Another kind of car under $40,000

Trucks under $40,000
Sedans under $40,000
Minivans under $40,000
Hybrids under $40,000

Common questions

What SUVs can I get under $40,000?

51 popular SUVs in our guides land at or below $40,000. The most affordable is the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LT, about $20,878 at a fair price.

Which of these SUVs holds its value best?

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross LE keeps its value best — roughly 62% after three years, or about $16,120.

How much should I save to buy one under $40,000?

A common starting point is about 20% up front — for the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LT that's roughly $4,176. Put away about $80 a week and your car fund is ready in a year.

Browse all guides

See every SUV guide
See all cars under $40,000