​​Is There a Good SUV You Can Get for $40,000 or Less?​ 

Our customers like SUVs because of their higher ride height and seating position, the ability to load more passengers comfortably, and their ability to carry luggage or the week’s shopping. They deliver convenience and practicality in a versatile package.  

We are often asked, “Which SUV is right for me?” There are many lists of “best SUVs to buy” out there. Edmunds.com has one that focuses on the most popular segment in the automotive industry – compact SUVs.  

These vehicles offer a great balance of practicality, comfort, and capability. At the same time, they deliver a better fuel economy. They are the perfect size for city dwellers and are also popular everywhere, from small towns to suburbs.  

Edmunds.com compared 10 of these SUVs priced under $40,000 as new. While the list covers the heart of the market, we would like to tell you their top five picks in this comparison. 

At the top of their list is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. This has become their volume-selling vehicle in the lineup, featuring an improved hybrid driveline. The primary difference between it and other hybrids is that they utilize a six-speed automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable transmission. Edmunds.com loved its “high-quality cabin, comfortable seating.” These are two attributes that customers look for in passenger comfort, in addition to better-than-average fuel economy. 

While using the same driveline as in the Tucson Hybrid, the Kia Sportage Hybrid was lauded for having a “spacious cabin, great ride refinement.” There are some minor differences between the Hyundai and Kia. The Kia has a slightly longer roofline and a very unique, more upright design.  

The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the U.S.A. The new model will offer only hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivelines, whereas older models start with a regular internal combustion engine. Edmunds.comstates that the RAV4 offers “lots of standard features; very fuel-efficient.” On average, this is true, but even the ICE versions can yield better-than-average fuel consumption numbers compared to theircompetitors.  

About a year ago, a third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan was introduced. It sported a new design both inside and out, along with increased performance from its standard turbocharged engine. They just added a more powerful version of the same engine with extra amenities, elevating the experience. Edmunds.com remarked that it now has a “luxury car interior on a budget; great set of features.”  

Rounding out our short list is the Honda CR-V. It is the brand’s top seller, yielding high levels of owner loyalty. The current CR-V is powered by a turbocharged ICE motor or a hybrid driveline. This year, they introduced the more rugged TrailSport trim for customers seeking more adventure from their CR-V. Edmunds.com stated that it is “great to drive; high-quality interior.”  

Although these are new vehicles, they will eventually find their way into the used car market, which means that Alderman Automotive will be able to make them available to you. You can expect to see these and previous generations of these same vehicles in our inventory. 

When you are ready for an SUV that suits your lifestyle, contact us at Alderman Automotive. We would be happy to show you what we have to offer.