No Matter Your Budget, There's an Off-Road SUV for You
SUVs aren’t just for soccer moms and families of five - people forget that these vehicles can be off-roaders, too. Of course, not everyone is willing to pay an arm and a leg just for the chance to hit the sticks on the weekends, which is why we’ve compiled this list of SUVs that can suit most budgets while still balancing urban and off-road capabilities.
Dacia Duster
Rugged, versatile, and above all, totally affordable, the Dacia Duster is something of a sleeper hit among SUV enthusiasts. It’s a practical, everyday vehicle that will get you where you need to go during your daily commute, while also being off-road ready if you ever feel adventurous.
Volkswagen Taos
The Taos is one of the best vehicles to come out of VW in recent years. It’s a completely modern vehicle, complete with bright LEDs and a robust infotainment system, compact in size but still capable of carrying up to 5 people. It’s equal parts efficient and reliable, making it perfect for just about anybody.
Kia Niro
The Niro is probably the most versatile vehicle Kia has ever produced. For starters, it comes in three distinct variants: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. The HEV model is especially fantastic when it comes to fuel efficiency, allowing you to focus on the drive without worrying about whether you’ll make it to your destination.
Honda CR‑V
Though it’s not a luxury vehicle, the Honda CR-V nonetheless has a totally premium and luxurious feel to it, thanks to its smart and sophisticated design and high-quality materials. It’s perfectly suited to all kinds of lifestyles and budgets - it works well as a daily driver, but is just rugged enough that you can enjoy an off-road adventure, too.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
The Equinox EV is the SUV that is almost single-handedly carrying Chevrolet towards the future. It’s a fully electric vehicle complete with all sorts of modern amenities and technology, including a standard 17.7-inch, Google-integrated infotainment touchscreen, Chevy Safety Assist, and Super Cruise.
Hyundai Santa Fe
If our previous offerings weren’t big or spacious enough for you, the Santa Fe is the SUV for you. A 7-seater with a luxurious, roomy interior, the Santa Fe was specifically designed for families, emphasizing comfort and safety in equal measure.
Subaru Crosstrek
Replacing the XV, the Subaru Crosstrek modernizes the brand’s SUVs with advanced driver-assistance systems, such as EyeSight, as well as built-in touchscreens, wireless integration, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Mechanically speaking, it makes for a great urban crawler as well as an occasional off-roader.
Renault Kadjar
Although the Kadjar was launched 10 years ago in 2015, its age hasn’t stopped it from being a fantastic SUV, especially for more budget-conscious buyers. Some of its technology and infotainment systems may be a tad outdated by now, but if nothing else, the Kadjar is one of the most consistently reliable SUVs on this list.
Suzuki Vitara
The Vitara nameplate has been in use since 1989, which should tell you something about the brand’s solid reliability. Modern models are by no means the most luxurious vehicles on the planet, but they do offer comfort, safety, and durability.
Kia Sportage
The Sportage comes in three separate variants, namely petrol, hybrid, and diesel, each with a focus on fuel economy to keep you going when you need it. It’s a simple yet popular SUV that drivers love thanks to its refined interior and smooth driving experience.
Mazda CX‑50
The CX-50 dares to ask the question: Are premium and practical mutually exclusive? The answer is a resounding no, since the vehicle is both luxurious and totally capable off-road. It’s a truly modern five-seater that’s perfect for adventuring and commuting in equal measure.
Hyundai Tucson SE
The SE is actually the base trim level of the Tucson, which may not inspire much hope for those looking for something a little more premium. However, the SE offers unbeatable value thanks to its large size, practicality, and fantastic fuel economy.
Kia Sportage LX
The LX is the Sportage’s entry-level trim, which we’ve chosen to highlight here with its own entry due to the fantastic value it offers at a reasonable price. It features a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, a curved digital cockpit, smartphone integration, and numerous safety features.
Peugeot 2008
Despite its name, the 2008 wasn’t actually released in 2008. It was first unveiled in 2013 and has been going strong since then, with each successive variant improving on the last. The current model boasts its own distinctive, modern style and a refined interior, making it perfect for business-minded individuals and families alike.
Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX
If nothing else, the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX wins the award for “most convoluted name” on this list. The RevX is a value-focused trim level of the XUV 3XO, offering practicality over premium features without sacrificing comfort and performance.
Jeep Wrangler Sport 2‑Door
It may not be the biggest SUV on the list, but the Jeep Wrangler’s off-road capabilities are legendary. The Sport 2-Door is compact in size, but huge in ruggedness and durability, while still showcasing the Jeep brand’s minimalist sensibilities. If you’ve always wanted a Jeep, this may be the model for you.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
If the Wrangler didn’t do it for you, the Compass (and, specifically, the Trailhawk variant) is the off-roader for you. Decidedly more modern but by no means less capable, the Trailhawk was specifically designed for “serious” off-road use and is capable of handling even the roughest of terrain.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
The normal Forester is a great SUV in its own right and already enjoys immense popularity, but the Wilderness variant is the true star. Far more capable than the base-level trim, the Wilderness features high ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid plates, all designed to tackle the off-road terrain like no other.
Nissan X‑Trail
Whereas the Wilderness and Trailhawk are decidedly singular in their focus on being the best and biggest off-roaders out there, the X-Trail provides ample off-road capabilities while still being a more family-friendly vehicle, too.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 tends to feature frequently on many lists similar to ours, and for a good reason: it’s one of the most affordable, versatile, and practical SUVs money can buy. With excellent fuel economy, safety features, and modern amenities, the RAV4 is perfect for families who enjoy a touch of the finer things in life.
Hyundai Creta
The Creta is one of the most popular subcompacts on the market, currently in its second generation, which comes with all-new features and updates, including a stylish grille, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features (in higher-level trims, at least).
Peugeot 3008
Like the 2008, the 3008 was not made in the year 3008 and sent back in time to us, though it may as well have been thanks to its fresh and futuristic design, as well as its suitably named i-Cockpit “digital instrument cluster” which sounds like something ripped straight from the pages of a sci-fi novel.
Mazda CX‑30
Eagle-eyed readers will note that this is the second CX model to feature on this list. The CX-30 is for those of you who don’t care much for off-road capabilities, if the vehicle isn’t stylish. This SUV features a smooth, swanky design evocative of classic coupes.
Hyundai Tucson N Line
If the standard Tucson trim didn’t sound appealing to you, the N Line may be the SUV for you. Maintaining all the practicality and value that the Tucson provides, but in a much, much sportier package, the N Line is great for those who live by the mantra that appearances matter - a lot.
Opel Grandland
Opel may not exactly be synonymous with luxury, but the Grandland really is grand in every sense of the word. It’s big, bold, and packed with advanced features and technologies, complete with a refined interior that makes driving the thing one of the best experiences in your life.
Renault Koleos
Despite having a somewhat vaguely intimidating name, the Renault Koleos is actually one of the best family-friendly SUVs on the market right now. It’s by no means a capable off-roader, but features like the blind spot warning and hill-start assist make it great for city and highway driving.
Citroën C5 Aircross
Like the Koleos, the Citroën C5 Aircross may not be the best SUV when it comes to off-roading, but what it lacks in ruggedness it makes up for in supreme comfort levels thanks to its proprietary Advanced Comfort seats.
Mazda CX‑5
The CX-5 is the third CX model on our list, and the one that really put the nameplate on the map, thanks to its “KODO - Soul of Motion” design philosophy, which emphasizes comfort and refinement. It still holds up to this day, making it a fantastic starter SUV.
VW Tiguan
The Tiguan is the only other VW model on this list, a powerful beast with sharp lines and an elegant design scheme. It shares a platform with the Golf and Passat, which you can easily tell by how well the Tiguan handles while driving, surprisingly nimble for its size.
Lexus NX 250
We know what you’re thinking - isn’t Lexus a luxury brand? You’re not wrong, but the NX 250 is surprisingly affordable, enabling more drivers than ever before to experience the comfort and refinement that comes with owning a Lexus.
Volvo XC60 B5 AWD
Don’t worry, Volvo fans, we haven’t forgotten about you. The XC60 B5 AWD could do with a bit of a trim to its lengthy name, but it’s otherwise a fantastic, modern, refined SUV experience that blends comfort and performance to deliver a premium experience.
Kia EV9
The EV9 is Kia’s flagship all-electric SUV, a critically acclaimed 7-seater with a bold design and spacious, refined interior. It offers incredible mileage per charge and is the perfect gateway for drivers looking for a more sustainable vehicle.
BMW X5
One of the few true luxury SUVs on this list, the X5 is by no means cheap, but it’s also not totally unreasonably priced either. It offers the kind of premium driving experience you would associate with BMW, but in a larger package.
Renault Kiger
Say what you want, but Renault really gets creative with their names. The Kiger is a sporty subcompact SUV, perfect for city driving and your daily commute.
Genesis Electrified GV70
The Genesis Electrified GV70 is an all-electric, all-luxury SUV that strikes a balance between performance and comfort like no other. With fast-charging capabilities and plenty of space, it’s shaping up to be one of the best SUVs on the market.
