Fastest SUVs Under 30k

These are the fastest SUVs under 30k, so you don’t have to compromise speed for affordability.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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While it might be a common misconception that drivers have to pay for speed, especially with larger vehicles, the truth is you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to have a fast
SUV
. Instead, you just need to know where to look to find a car that’s both fast and affordable—and a great place to start is right here. 
Jerry
, the
car ownership super app
, compiled a list of the fastest SUVs under 30k, so you can have the best of both worlds with your car: fast speeds and great prices. 

2021 Jeep Cherokee 

Coming in at a price point of $26,290 the Jeep Cherokee is the perfect affordable and fast SUV for drivers and families who love adventure. 
Not only is the price of this car fantastic, but where it really shines is in its performance.
U.S. News
gives the 2021 Cherokee a 7 out of 10 in performance, largely because of its incredible off-roading abilities and four-wheel drive that covers various terrains. One of the fastest SUVs under 30K, it’s equipped with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 180 hp. 
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2021 Toyota RAV4

With a price point just over $26,000, this modern model of the Toyota RAV4 is a great option for an affordable and fast SUV. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that boasts 203 hp, a very similar drivetrain to the Jeep Cherokee. 
The Toyota RAV4 has a spacious and comfortable interior for both front and back seat passengers. Plus, the fuel economy on the RAV4 is incredible. It gets 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it a fantastic investment for the long term. 

2014 Audi SQ5

If you’re willing to purchase an older model in the name of saving money and gaining speed, the 2014 Audi SQ5 is the car for you.
Autotrader
describes this car as quick, razor-sharp, and having grip for days, and the supercharged V6 engine with 354 hp on the SUV proves this description to be true. 
Although it’s an older model, you’ll still get the luxury seats and finishes, as well as the advanced technology that Audi offers. A 2014 Audi SQ5 can be found for around $19,000.

2021 Mazda CX-5 

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 earned the highest rating from U.S. News in the sportiest SUV category. U.S. News gave this SUV’s performance an 8.5 out of 10, and an overall score of 8.6 out of 10. It comes in at a price point of $25, 270—and for that, drivers get a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with up to 187 hp. 
That combination, plus easy driving and comfortable seats, make the Mazda CX-5 the perfect affordable and fast SUV.

2020 Ford Escape 

Ending our list of fastest SUVs under 30K, the 2020 Ford Escape costs just under $25,000 and comes with a slew of impressive features. It’s spacious with two rows of seats, impressive technology, and a modern, sleek design. 
The 2020 Ford Escape at this price point comes with a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine producing 181 hp. It’s easy to drive and has a nice speed to the engine. 
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