Finding a good car for cheap these days is like the proverbial needle in a haystack. There is no shortage of cars on the market – used and new – but prices can be far north of the average consumer’s budget. Inflation also casts a shadow over spending; the economic climate is forcing potential car owners to recalibrate their definition of affordability.
Maintenance and repair costs are rising, car insurance is through the roof in some states, and cars in general are more expensive to drive to a dealership than ever before. The average new car burned a $50,080 hole in buyers’ pockets in September — up from $48,000 in 2023 and well above pre-pandemic levels. For these reasons, more American drivers have turned to the used car market to get a better bang for their buck.
Even with this development, the average used car costs just over $31,000 and they’re not getting any cheaper. So the question is, are there still good cars out there at great prices? If SUVs tickle your fancy, you’re in luck. We explore five of the best SUVs on sale under $30,000, as listed in JD Power’s “Best SUVs Under $30,000” as of October 20, 2025. We also provide helpful information and insights about each vehicle.
Read more: 10 Toyota models with terrible resale value
2025 Buick Envista
Ultramarine Buick Envista parked in front of a building – Buick
Buicks are known for their friendly and reliable nature, and that hasn’t changed even with the rise in MSRPs across the board. This is especially surprising in the case of the 2025 Buick Envista. Sporty-looking SUVs don’t usually sell cheap, but the Envista’s base trim starts at around $25,000, with the most expensive coming in at just under 30 grand.
It’s natural to wonder what the catch is with such low prices, and in the case of Envista, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. While its aesthetics may subconsciously lead you to draw performance parallels to those of the Lexus, that’s where the sportiness ends. It is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 137 hp. That translates to a 0-60mph time of 9.3 seconds – a mark that won’t impress anyone looking for a racing thrill.
There’s a noticeable lag when you step on the accelerator, so maneuvers like overtaking can be far more calculated than necessary. However, what the Buick Envista lacks in speed and performance, it makes up for in comfort. The material interior won’t turn heads, but it doesn’t feel cheap, despite the black plastic trim.
In terms of human fit, it doesn’t compromise on headroom even though the roofline is sloping. The cabin is spacious, and the only notable discomfort is the lack of seat belt adjustment – things can get a little restrictive for drivers.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Black Chevrolet TrailBlazer parked in front of a wooden background – Chevrolet
Built as Chevrolet’s competitive entry into the subcompact crossover market, the TrailBlazer’s main selling point, besides affordability, is its firepower. The TrailBlazer has a 155 hp engine and has the option of AWD. This opens up more room for sporty drivers to play and there is some potential for off-roading as well. However, the relaxed acceleration may be a minor drawback in this regard, as the 0-60 mph run takes 8.7 seconds. Handling also leaves a lot to be desired, but the steering is firm and it rides comfortably both at cruising speeds and on the highway.
Where the TrailBlazer really shines is in its styling, particularly the interior. The seats are slightly raised; you’d expect this kind of height in larger SUVs, but it makes it easy for drivers of all heights to get in – you won’t have to contort your body if you’re on the taller side. Rear legroom is ample, and like the Buick Envista, the sloping roofline doesn’t eat into much headroom.
Cargo space is Chevrolet’s asset. There’s 25.3 cubic feet of cargo with the seats up, which expands to well over 50 by folding down the rear seats. The base model TrailBlazer has an MSRP of $24,495. SlashGear rated the 2025 Chevrolet TrailBlazer favorably, and owners also provided generally positive feedback.
2025 Buick Encore GX
Orange Buick Encore GX modeled on pavement – Buick
The second Buick on this list, the 2025 Encore GX, plays in the subcompact SUV realm. This category has several big brand players like Audi and BMW, so the Encore GX’s base price of $27,335 should put it on the map for buyers on a tight budget. However, a discount alone would not be enough to convince consumers to shop for this kind of car; it’s the subtle, luxurious brushes that matter.
This is where the Encore GX puts most of its selling points – interior styling, amenities and overall design. Its level of detail may not rival an upper-echelon luxury brand, but its predominantly leather lining more than holds its own against the mainstream competition. However, performance and fuel economy are modest. The base model’s 1.2-liter engine offers 137 hp, and the optional 1.3-liter produces 155. The latter figure may sound adequate, but 0-60 takes 8.8 seconds, although the Encore GX feels more springy than the distinct average rating suggests.
As for fuel economy, we’d expect the engines to guzzle fuel given their lack of firepower. However, front-wheel-drive models get 30 mpg combined, while AWD drops to 27, although you can get more mileage using AWD mode only where you need traction.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek parked on a dirt road – Subaru
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek came with more powerful engines in every trim except the base model, which uses a 2.0-liter engine that produces 152 ponies. All other versions of the Crosstrek have the 2.5-liter, 182-hp boost, which is more up the alley of drivers who prefer to rev their engines to full power every now and then – at least on paper. In reality, acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h takes the basic setting over 9 seconds, which is quite sleepy in any interpretation. The 182 hp version runs slightly better at 7.9.
That extra horsepower means the Crosstrek can go off-road in addition to city runs and highway trips. It also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance (up to 9.3 inches in the Wilderness model) which boosts its climbing and descending capabilities.
While the performance features are worth a second look, if you’re into comfort and expressive details, the Subaru Crosstrek may take some getting used to. The design is utilitarian; lower-level trims use cloth cushions for their seats, and the infotainment system has a dated look for its menus. Subaru tends to keep things simple in the technology department, and the Crosstek doesn’t deviate from that aesthetic – despite slow response times from the car’s system. The base model Subaru Crosstrek has an MSRP of $27,980.
Chevrolet Trax 2025
Red Chevrolet Trax in a Chevrolet showroom – Chevrolet
Compared to all other vehicles on this list, the Chevrolet Trax has the lowest MSRP. It is the cheapest model produced by Chevrolet; the base model starts at $21,895 and the price rises to just $25,895 with all options loaded. In this pocket-friendly range, it is to be expected that the Chevrolet Trax has been designed with quite a few compromises.
The first of these compromises is the engine, which is a turbocharged inline-three that produces a modest 137 hp that hits 60 in 8.8 seconds. There’s enough power to avoid lethargy during a city cruise, but you’ll need to put the pedal to the metal for mundane highway overtaking. SlashGear has covered some of the major drawbacks, including the lack of an AWD option.
However, the Trax makes up for its lack of firepower with loadout features and design. Although the exterior makes the Trax appear small, the long wheelbase offers substantial room. This means there is more legroom for passengers and more cargo space.
The main selling point, besides the price, is the features of the SUV. Heated front seats, basic driver aids such as automatic high beams and cruise control on top models add to the driving comfort. Although it lacks a built-in navigation system, the Trax’s multiple driver assistance features should be sufficient for most needs.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.