When winter’s icy embrace descends upon the world, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of conquering snow-covered roads and exploring the winter wonderland that emerges. However, this frosty adventure can quickly turn into a chilling ordeal if your vehicle isn’t up to the task. That’s where we come in to rescue your winter dreams! Get ready to embark on a journey through a world of the best SUVs for snow under $30k that combine affordability with exceptional performance.
10. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Starting MSRP: $24,995
The 2024 Crosstrek is Subaru’s value-priced model and one of the best AWD SUVs under $30k. Over the years, Subaru built its reputation on small, affordable vehicles with enough traction to take on deep snow, mud, and dirt roads. While the Crosstrek is basically an Impreza wagon, it boasts a raised suspension system and a rugged look.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| Base | $24,995 |
| Premium | $26,145 |
| Sport | $28,995 |
| Limited | $30,895 |
| Wilderness | $31,995 |
For the 2024 model year, the Crosstrek has five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. As standard, the Crosstrek gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru also offers an optional 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 148 hp hybrid powertrain that feels quicker due to the additional torque from the motors.
9. 2024 Mazda CX-30
Starting MSRP: $24,995
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 is the brand’s smallest SUV and one of Mazda’s most popular models. It’s a subcompact SUV with a handsome exterior, good power, and fun handling. The 2024 CX-30 offers a comfortable five-seat cabin, with the Turbo models adding more punch.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| 2.5 S | $24,995 |
| 2.5 S Select Sport | $26,500 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $28,790 |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | $29,790 |
| 2.5 S Premium | $31,990 |
| 2.5 Carbon Turbo | $32,790 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium | $34,990 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $36,800 |
For the 2024 model year, the CX-30 has eight trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. All models get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. However, the Turbo trims get forced induction, upping the performance to 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all wheels as standard.
8. 2024 Kia Sportage
Starting MSRP: $27,090
The 2024 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with a spacious two-row cabin and a powerful engine. The Kia Sportage gets plenty of standard features compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. It also gets a better starting price, making it a great option for families. While front-wheel drive is standard, Kia also offers optional all-wheel drive.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| LX | $27,090 |
| EX | $29,090 |
| X-Line AWD | $31,890 |
| SX | $32,590 |
| SX Prestige | $34,590 |
| Sportage X-Pro | $36,090 |
| Sportage X-Pro Prestige | $37,890 |
The 2024 Kia Sportage has seven trims: LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX, SX Prestige, Sportage X-Pro, and Sportage X-Pro Prestige. The lineup gets a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with an obedient 8-speed automatic transmission, giving it strong acceleration and better handling.
7. 2024 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP: $27,095
The 2024 Subaru Forester is an adventure-ready compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It’s one of the best AWD SUVs under $30k that can comfortably handle moderate trails and terrain. Subaru also offers a more capable Wilderness trim with an additional half inch of clearance, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and special tuning.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| Base | $27,095 |
| Premium | $30,295 |
| Sport | $31,865 |
| Wilderness | $34,920 |
| Limited | $33,975 |
| Touring | $37,395 |
For the 2024 model year, the Subaru Forester has six trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. The Forester gets a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates with a continuously variable automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels.
6. 2024 Hyundai Tucson
Starting MSRP: $27,250
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV with a wide range of trims, competitive prices, and solid performance. It offers two rows of seating with enough space for five adults. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson delivers a smooth, well-mannered ride, ideal for family road trips and daily commutes.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| SE | $27,250 |
| SEL | $29,400 |
| XRT | $34,075 |
| Limited | $36,510 |
Hyundai offers multiple powertrain options; however, the gasoline Tucson lineup consists of four trims: SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited. These models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates with an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. Luckily, Hyundai also offers optional all-wheel drive, making the Tucson ideal for snowy conditions.
5. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
Starting MSRP: $28,395
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is a strong, compact SUV, thanks to using the Nissan Rogue platform and a great selection of powertrains. The 2024 Outlander also has an impressive interior with a large cargo area and a third row of seats. It’s among the few compact SUVs with a third row, making it ideal for families.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| ES | $28,395 |
| SE | $31,445 |
| SE Tech | $33,745 |
| Black Edition | $32,645 |
| SEL | $34,945 |
| SEL Touring | $37,145 |
| SEL Premium | $37,645 |
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander has seven trims: ES, SE, SE Tech, Black Edition, SEL, SEL Touring, and SEL Premium. All models get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates with a continuously variable automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. However, Mitsubishi also offers an optional all-wheel drive.
4. 2023 Jeep Compass
Starting MSRP: $28,400
The 2023 Jeep Compass is a highly impressive SUV with more power and a quieter cabin. It boasts a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates with an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| Sport | $28,400 |
| Latitude | $33,165 |
| Latitude Lux | $34,890 |
| Altitude | $35,060 |
| Limited | $36,245 |
| Trailhawk | $36,890 |
| (RED) | $39,415 |
| High Altitude | $39,735 |
The impressive powertrain makes the 2023 Jeep Compass perfect for snowy conditions. Jeep offers eight 2023 Compass trims: Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, (RED), and High Altitude. All models get a comfortable interior with a prominent tablet-style infotainment touchscreen.
3. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Starting MSRP: $28,505
The modern small SUV segment is one of the most competitive, with brands like Volkswagen producing highly capable models like the 2024 Tiguan. It’s one of the only entrants from European manufacturers and one of the few with third-row seating. Like most European SUVs, the 2024 Tiguan offers an engaging driving experience, comfortable ride quality, and a spacious cabin.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| S | $28,505 |
| SE | $31,205 |
| SE R-Line Black | $34,205 |
| SEL R-Line | $38,505 |
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in four trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. All models get a punchy turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. Volkswagen also offers as standard on the top SEL R-Line trim but optional on the other trims.
2. 2024 Mazda CX-5
Starting MSRP: $29,300
While the CX-5 and the newly introduced CX-50 are similar in size and purpose, the CX-50 has a higher price tag and leans more toward performance. The 2024 CX-5 still remains a solid option in the compact SUV segment, even in the face of newer competition. The CX-5 boasts a sleek and stylish exterior, a luxurious interior, and a powerful turbocharged engine.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| 2.5 S Select | $29,300 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $30,650 |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | $31,950 |
| 2.5 S Premium | $33,900 |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | $36,500 |
| 2.5 Carbon Turbo | $37,000 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium | $37,800 |
| 2.5 Turbo Signature | $40,600 |
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is available in eight trims: 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Signature. All variants get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, with the Turbo variants getting forced induction for more performance. All models also get an all-wheel drive engine, making them ideal for snowy conditions.
1. 2024 Honda CR-V
Starting MSRP: $29,500
As soon as Honda introduced the new CR-V in 2023, it was an immediate hit, thanks to its good performance, friendly driving dynamics, usable cabin space, front or all-wheel drive, and two powertrain options. For the 2024 model year, Honda offers a new Sport L trim featuring a hybrid powertrain and more creature comforts.
Pricing
| Trims | Starting MSRP |
| LX | $29,500 |
| EX | $32,010 |
| Sport Hybrid | $33,350 |
| EX-L | $34,660 |
| Sport L Hybrid | $36,350 |
| Sport Touring Hybrid | $39,500 |
As standard, the 2024 Honda CR-V uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Honda also offers a more powerful 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that works with two electric motors to produce a combined 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains work with a continuously variable automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. However, Honda also offers optional all-wheel drive on all trims.