Best-selling Used SUVs under $30K
Check out CarMax's best-selling used SUVs under $30K.
We've compiled the 10 most popular used SUVs under $30K with CarMax customers, covering a broad range of sizes and prices. Learn more about how we ranked our list.


1. Nissan Rogue
CarMax owner rating

2. Toyota RAV4
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Quiet and comfortable ride
Capacious cabin for passengers and cargo
Excellent off-road capabilities
Cons
Mediocre acceleration
Steering on road feels vague
Rugged styling might not be for everyone

3. Honda CR-V
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Spacious interior
Intuitive infotainment
Smooth ride
Cons
Limited cabin storage
Noisy hybrid powertrain
Hybrid only on upper trims

4. Mazda CX-5
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Strong overall performance
Near-luxury interior
Attractive styling
Cons
Below-average passenger and cargo space
Firm ride quality
Weak base engine

5. Hyundai Tucson
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Loaded with standard tech and driver assist features
A comfortable and quiet ride
Spacious and comfortable front seats
Cons
The base engine is sluggish off the line
Parking sensors are overly sensitive
Dashboard controls are touch-only

6. Chevrolet Equinox
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Generous cargo area
Ample backseat room for adults
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Cons
Sluggish acceleration
Noisy cabin on highway
Heavy steering, bulky handling

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee
CarMax owner rating

8. Hyundai Santa Fe
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Comfortable and spacious cabin seats up to seven
User-friendly tech and plenty of driver assistance aids
Smart storage solutions throughout
Cons
Limited cargo space behind the third row
Visibility is impacted by large roof pillars and small rear window
Underwhelming real-world fuel economy

9. Subaru Forester
CarMax owner rating

10. Volkswagen Tiguan
CarMax owner rating
Ready to find your next SUV?
How we ranked this list
To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts looked at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from December 2025 through May 2026. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.