6 Best SUVs for Your Money in 2024 — Do Experts All Agree?

Terence Loose
urbazon / Getty Images
urbazon / Getty Images

If you’ve ever researched SUVs, hoping to find the make and model that experts agree is the best choice for your hard-earned money, you know that the so-called experts disagree more than a high school debate team. Hence, comparing the various reviews can be mind-bending, tedious, and defeating. Thankfully, the good people at U.S. News felt your pain and did some serious data crunching to come up with The Best SUVs for the Money report.

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According to the study methodology, each model’s quality score is based on an analysis of all published, credible reviews, which include such things as how well a car drives, how comfortable its interior is and how well its connectivity and tech features work, combined with and analysis of fuel economy, cargo space and safety and reliability data. That comprehensive analysis gives each model an overall numerical score for quality.

But they don’t stop there. A separate analysis measures a model’s total cost. This includes the price of the car plus the five-year cost of owning the car. This takes into account things like repairs, fuel and insurance and gives the model a value score. After combining the quality and value scores, they determined the winners in each category.

So, here are U.S. News’s picks for The Best 2024 SUVs for the Money in each SUV category.

Also check out what are the best and affordable cars for high mileage adventures and affordable.

Best Subcompact SUV for the Money

Kia Soul

  • U.S. News Rating: 9.2/10

  • Starting MSRP: $19,990

You get a lot in this little SUV, according to U.S. News. High on their list is its roominess, for a subcompact, many standard features, good handling and a low price. Not so high is the Soul’s less-than-impressive engine and the lack of an all wheel drive (AWD) option.

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Best Compact SUV for the Money

Hyundai Tucson

  • U.S. News Rating: 9.1/10

  • Starting MSRP: $27,600

U.S. News says the Tucson gives customers their money’s worth with a cushy ride, nice handling and plenty of cargo space. They also called out Tucson’s impressive interior and abundance of features. So what lost that 9/10ths of a point? The Tucson’s “anemic” four-cylinder engine.

Best 3-Row SUV for the Money

Kia Telluride

  • U.S. News Rating: 9.4/10

  • Starting MSRP: $35,990

With a roomy and impressive interior, smooth ride and many standard features, the Telluride impressed the U.S. News team. They also liked the straightforward infotainment system and capable engine. Their only issue was its mediocre fuel economy, which comes in at 18 to 26 MPG.

Best Electric SUV for the Money

Hyundai Ioniq 5

  • U.S. News Rating: 8.9/10

  • Starting MSRP: $41,800

If electric SUVs are the future, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is ahead of the pack with its intuitive tech, powerful powertrain and ample seating space, according to U.S. News. They also liked its design and driving experience. What lost the Ioniq 5 points is its inadequate cargo space and less-than-wowing interior design.

Best Hybrid SUV for the Money

Kia Sportage Hybrid

  • U.S. News Rating: 9.2/10

  • Starting MSRP: $28,290

Getting into a hybrid SUV for under $30,000 is impressive, but U.S. News said the Sportage Hybrid does it with a powerful powertrain, roomy interior and great cargo room. And you can’t beat the gas mileage, which ranges from 38 to 44 MPG. On the downside, you won’t have many options with the base model.

Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV for the Money

Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

  • U.S. News Rating: 9.1/10

  • Starting MSRP: $40,965

This might be a good choice if you want to maximize your gas mileage without going full electric. U.S. News called out this SUV’s excellent fuel economy, as well as its upscale interior, smooth ride and many standard features. On the downside, it was a bit pricey and had “some quirky infotainment controls.”

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Best SUVs for Your Money in 2024 — Do Experts All Agree?

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