Best family SUV under $40k
Two compact SUVs dominate this budget for a reason: room for a family, 30 MPG and top safety ratings. We ranked them by 5-year cost of ownership and day-to-day usability, with one over-budget stretch pick.
#12025 Toyota RAV4
$32,300 MSRP
The value leader: lowest sticker price here, identical 30 MPG to the CR-V and the strongest resale value in the class. The trade-off is a louder cabin and firmer ride.
30 MPG combined · 5-year cost ~$35,385 · NHTSA ★★★★★
Compare #1 vs #2 side by side →#22025 Honda CR-V
$34,650 MSRP
The comfort pick: more cargo space than the RAV4, a quieter ride and a nicer interior. Costs slightly more to buy and own - worth it if you do long family trips.
30 MPG combined · 5-year cost ~$36,443 · NHTSA ★★★★★
#32025 Tesla Model Y
$44,990 MSRP
The stretch pick at $44,990: triple the horsepower, a fraction of the energy cost per mile if you charge at home. Skip it if you can't charge at home or insurance quotes come back high.
126 MPGe combined · 5-year cost ~$39,585 · NHTSA ★★★★★