11 SUVs That Deliver the Best Value for Your Money in 2025

Finding an SUV that blends quality, features, and price isn’t easy but car experts have done the homework for you. These 11 SUVs deliver the best overall value in 2025, offering top-tier reliability, performance, and comfort without overspending. If you’re shopping smart this year, these models should be at the top of your list.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is like that friend who always shows up on time and never forgets your birthday kinda predictable, but in a good way. Around $29,000 to start, and the hybrid (which, not gonna lie, is the one I’d get) is a little more but gets like, absurdly good mileage for an SUV 40 mpg-ish in real life if you’re gentle. It’s not flashy inside, but it’s sturdy, everything’s where it should be, and it’s gonna hold its value like crazy. I mean, you could buy one now and still sell it for real money in five years. Boring? Maybe. Smart? Very.

Honda CR-V

So the CR-V is that “I want no drama” pick. About $30,000 these days, and if you do the CR-V Hybrid, it’s the sweet spot smooth, quiet, and honestly a better commuter than most sedans. The cabin space is huge, like stroller-and-a-dog-and-a-week’s-groceries huge. Is it exciting? Ehh, not really. But every time I drive one I’m like, oh right, this is just easy. Low stress. Also, it’ll probably outlive your couch. Mine definitely.

Mazda CX-5

Not gonna lie, I keep rooting for the CX-5 because it’s the one that actually feels fun. Around $29,000, sometimes a bit less on deals, and the way it drives steering, body control, that whole “am I in a Mazda3 on stilts?” vibe is just nice. The turbo trim is pricier, sure, but even the base engine is fine. Cabin feels class-above, like mini-luxury without the payments. Back seat’s a bit tighter than, say, a CR-V, but if you don’t have three car seats back there, you’re golden.

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is like the friend who got a glow-up and learned spreadsheets. Around $27,500, and the hybrid’s a killer value if you can swing mid-$30Ks. You get sharp looks, tons of safety tech standard, and a really chill ride. The screens are slick maybe too slick with the touch controls, I still miss knobs, but whatever. Warranty’s excellent, you can load it up without hitting luxury-car prices, and it just… feels sorted. I keep forgetting how quiet it is until I hop in another one.

Kia Sportage

Okay, sibling energy to the Tucson, but the Sportage has this funky styling that kind of whispers “I’m fun,” even if the engine is like, “I’m practical.” Around $27,000, and again, the hybrid is where it’s at if you want mileage without the “I plug in at work” lifestyle. Interior space is sneaky-big, the warranty makes you feel safe about owning it long-term, and the infotainment is easy. If you want a look that stands out a bit without getting weird, this one’s a vibe.

Subaru Forester

Forester’s the golden retriever. Around $28,000 and standard all-wheel drive, which look if you deal with snow or muddy trails or annoying gravel drives, that matters. It’s not fast, it’s not trying to be fast, but it’s comfortable, super practical, great visibility (huge windows!), and has that “I go hiking and also recycle” aura. Ground clearance is legit. Interior’s no-frills but durable. If you camp, ski, or do dog-park Saturdays, it just makes sense.

Nissan Rogue

So, I used to be meh on the Rogue, but the current one? Kinda good. Starts around $28,000, and the interior is way nicer than the old one those seats are comfy on long drives. The little variable-compression turbo engine is nerdy-cool and actually gets decent MPG. ProPilot Assist is helpful on boring highway stretches, not magic, but good. If you want something comfy and quiet without paying premium-brand prices, it’s a sleeper pick. Past Nissan CVT drama, yeah, but the latest setup feels better.

Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox is like… the value play that doesn’t shout about it. Low-to-mid $27,000s to start, and there are always deals. Biggish back seat, easy-to-use controls, very “get in and go.” Is it exciting? Not even a little. But it’s honest transportation, and maintenance costs are reasonable. If you want an affordable, family-friendly ride that flies under the radar and you prefer dealer networks everywhere, it’s in the mix. Just don’t expect fancy cabin materials in the base trims.

Ford Escape

The Escape feels kind of like a tall hatchback, and I mean that as a compliment. Around $29,000. It steers nicely, sits you a bit lower, and the hybrid version is sneaky-good for commuters quiet and efficient without feeling sluggish. Cargo room is decent, not best-in-class, but the tech is clean and the driver assists are dialed. If you want something that’s easy to park and a bit more “car-like” than the CR-V/RAV4 vibe, this one’s a nice lane.

Mitsubishi Outlander

This one’s the “wait, that’s actually pretty nice” surprise. About $28,000, and you get three rows—yes, the third row is kid-sized or “emergency-friend” sized, but still. Interior design punches above its weight, warranty’s solid, and it rides comfortably. The plug-in hybrid Outlander is pricier, but honestly pretty awesome if you want short-trip electric driving. Even the regular one is a value if you want flexibility without going full minivan.

Toyota Grand Highlander

Okay, I went back and forth on including a bigger one, but hear me out—value isn’t always “cheapest.” The Grand Highlander starts around $43,000, which is not peanuts, I know, but the space and comfort per dollar? Wild. Proper three rows, adults can fit in the way-back without yoga, and the Hybrid MAX powertrain is smooth and shockingly quick while sipping fuel for the size. If your family is, like, gear-heavy or kid-heavy and you want something that’ll last a decade, this feels like money well spent versus premium-brand alternatives that don’t do anything better except the badge.