Are you looking for a new SUV that won’t break the bank? These comfortable and reliable SUVs under $45,000 come from brands you trust, like Hyundai, Toyota and Subaru. While one sport utility vehicle has yet to be thoroughly tested, safety scores for the other options are also listed. Don’t bypass the standard safety features included, so you don’t have to add a bunch of packages just to get blind-spot check.
Reliable SUVs under $45,000 include the Hyundai Santa Fe
edmunds I had a lot of positives to list regarding the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai included many standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. Plus, there are plenty of USB ports conveniently located around the cabin.
Some of the best safety features of the 2023 Santa Fe include Forward Collision Avoidance and Safe Exit Assist. Both systems will assist the driver in the possibility of an imminent collision or an oncoming car. The new Surround View Monitor provides a top-down view of the SUV while parked, making it easier to see objects and avoid curbs.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe high scores in major crash tests. It also managed to win the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award.
MSRP Range: $28,200 – $43,750
Subaru’s Outback is a reliable SUV under $45,000
The 2023 Subaru Outback has a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride. This new Subaru Outback is also quite capable of driving off-road or in wintry weather conditions. Subaru prices the Outback reasonably, which means you can get the top-of-the-line model for less than $45,000.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology comes with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and automatic fog lamps. Blind-spot detection and lane-change assist are standard, along with the Subaru DriverFocus system that helps on a long drive.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2023 Subaru Outback high scores in side, roof and rear crash tests. That makes this Subaru a comfortable and reliable SUV under $45,000, not to mention safe.
MSRP Range: $28,395 – $42,295
Don’t overlook the Toyota Venza
There’s not much to dislike about the 2023 Toyota Venza, especially its 39 mpg combined fuel economy. Upon its return in 2023, the Venza will be a hybrid only. Edmunds saw over 44 mpg on his 115-mile test drive during testing. All-wheel drive is standard, and the interior is quite luxurious for around $34,000. The Venza is built on the same platform used by the RAV4 SUV, but it’s five inches longer (which means more cargo space).
Some of the standard safety systems on the 2023 Venza include adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 also comes with Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Mitigation.
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the IIHS have fully tested the 2023 Toyota Venza yet, but testing continues behind the scenes.
Estimated Price: From $34,000
These comfortable and reliable SUVs under $45,000 do it all. If these options sound good but may still be over budget, the 2022 version will likely have many of the same features.