The 7 Best SUVs Under $30K - Why CR Says Subaru Crosstrek Is The Top Pick

Which subcompact and compact SUVs are the best for buyers now? Here are the best based on the updated Consumer Reports Overall Scores (by subscription). They are recommended by CR, which means they are reliable and get the best safety scores.  

The higher-scoring models are listed first. I have covered the next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV extensively, and it's not a surprise that the remodeled Crosstrek gets the highest score of 87 points. The Crosstrek is rated the #1 of 14 Subcompact SUVs by CR. 

photo credit: Competition Subaru

In the seven top picks listed here, the $30,000 price depends on the trim level you desire, and some versions can creep toward $35,000. If your budget allows, explore my list of the best SUVs for under $40,000 here.

CR’s 14 Best SUVs Under $40K And Subaru’s 3 Top Picks @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #outback #ascenthttps://t.co/iYXDjJzLfv
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) December 9, 2023

Here are CR's 7 Best 2024 model year SUVs for under $30,000 listed with their overall score.

1. Subaru Crosstrek 87
2. Hyundai Tucson 82
3. Honda HR-V 74
4. Nissan Rogue 70
5. Toyota Corolla Cross 69
6. KIa Seltos 68
7. Mazda CX-30 67

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

"The Crosstrek got an evolutionary redesign for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is leisurely, and we got 29 mpg overall in our tests. The optional 2.5-liter has more power and better acceleration." 

photo credit: Competition Subaru

"Engine noise is pronounced when full power is needed, but the sound isn't a deal breaker. Responsive handling, user-friendly controls, and a practical interior round out the package. Paddle shifters by the steering wheel allow convenient engine braking in mountainous environments." 

"The newly optional driver power seat with adjustable lumbar support is a major upgrade. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard and includes AEB with pedestrian detection, although BSW and RCTW are available only on higher trims."

What is the best value of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Trim Levels?

Consumer Reports says the Premium trim level is the best value of the 2024 Crosstrek trims. Here is the most recent sales data on how much customers paid. 

• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT
• Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $26,345
• Average spent over MSRP: $431
• Average transaction price: $26,776

For customers shopping for the 2024 Crosstrek, here is the new pricing.

For 2024, the Crosstrek will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels and has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

What is the price of the all-new Crosstrek Wilderness?

photo credit: Competition Subaru

The 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

What is the 2024 Crosstrek fuel mileage?

The remodeled 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims with the 2.5-liter get an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2024 Wilderness trim gets an EPA-estimated 25/29 city/highway mpg and 27 combined mpg. 

The 2024 Crosstrek Base and Premium trims with the 2.0-liter engine get an EPA-estimated 27/34 mpg and 29 combined mpg with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic.

My Take

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek outperforms the other top small SUVs because of its excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and X-Mode system. Crosstrek also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, more than any competitor. Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches of rock clearing ground clearance for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The Crosstrek is the best for winter driving.

In my previous winter driving story, Crosstrek is among the 12 best new cars for driving in the snow this winter. 

The 12 Best New Cars For Snow This Winter Includes One Surprise Subaru Model. Check out the best picks here via @AllSubaru @torquenewsauto #subaru #forester #outback #crosstrek #ascent #wrx https://t.co/nizQnb4BSJ pic.twitter.com/xhi1ksEjqA
— Subaru Report (@SubaruReport) September 19, 2023

U.S. News says, "The Subaru Outback simply kicks butt for a winter vehicle. It's as purpose-built as they come, equipped with standard all-wheel drive, loaded with safety features, and finished with easy-to-clean materials. If you want a family-oriented vehicle perfect for winter travel, this is your car, and for the 2024 model year, it has fresh exterior styling on the rugged Wilderness trim."

As I've said in previous reports, if you have an active lifestyle and use your small SUV for more than a city commuter and grocery hauler, check out the next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Consumer Reports says it's the number one SUV pick under $30,000 for shoppers this fall and winter. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Crosstrek story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• What The X In Subaru's X-Mode Really Stands For
• New Subaru Impreza Hatch Vs. Crosstrek SUV - Meet The Shining Star
• CR Says A Lightly Used Subaru Crosstrek Gives You The Best Bang For Your Buck

Watch 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #408

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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photo credit: Competition Subaru