Best SUVs Under $35k for 2024
The best SUVs under $35k based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best subcompact SUV under $35k is the Jeep Compass (8.0 quality rating), with the Hyundai SANTA FE being the best midsize SUV under $35k (8.7 quality rating). The Honda CR-V ranks #1 for the best crossover SUVs under $35k (8.9 quality rating).
The best three-row SUV under $35k is the Hyundai SANTA FE (8.7 quality rating), with the Ford Escape Hybrid being the best hybrid SUV under $35k (8.5 quality rating). The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid ranks #1 for the best plug-in hybrid SUVs under $35k (PHEV) (7.5 quality rating).
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Cars Under $35k Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
