The 2023 Honda CR-V (RS) is the best used SUV under $30,000: KBB owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 for reliability, IIHS gives the 2023 model a Top Safety Pick+, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $24,800 to $27,900. The 2023 Honda Passport EX-L is #2 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson (NX4) is #3. The extra money over our cheaper used SUV pages buys a newer 2023 model year, redesigned models such as the CR-V and CX-50, and three-row SUVs such as the Telluride, Pathfinder and Ascent.
At a glance
#
Pick
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026)
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $29,400 for the Passport EX-L (originally $42,475) up to $31,900 for the Elite (originally $47,935); the TrailSport is $30,800
The same 4.6 owner score as the CR-V in a midsize body, with a 5-star NHTSA rating
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,950 for the Tucson SE (originally $28,235) up to $24,000 for the Limited (originally $37,495); the SEL is $21,600
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,600 for the Telluride LX (originally $37,255) and $26,400 for the S (originally $39,155); the EX is $30,200 and the top SX-Prestige X-Pro is $32,600
Seating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $25,700 for the Pathfinder S (originally $36,655) up to $32,200 for the Platinum (originally $51,525); the SL is $27,700
Seating for 6 - 7 with a Top Safety Pick+ and only 1 NHTSA recall listed
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,600 for the Ascent (originally $35,120) up to $29,300 for the Touring (originally $49,420); the Limited is $27,900
Seating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ and every trim under $29,500
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $20,200 for the Sorento LX (originally $31,765) up to $28,900 for the SX-Prestige; the X-Line SX-Prestige is $27,400
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $26,100 for the RAV4 LE (originally $31,010) up to $33,500 for the Limited (originally $39,315); the XLE is $29,700
A 5-star NHTSA rating on the best-known compact SUV badge
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $21,700 for the Bronco Sport (originally $30,810) up to $30,300 for the Heritage Limited (originally $46,250); the Badlands is $26,700
A Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating from $21,700
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2023 Honda CR-V (RS)
Lowest price
2023 Hyundai Tucson (NX4)
Best for a big family
2023 Kia Telluride (ON)
Fewest recalls
2023 Nissan Pathfinder (R53)
Best midsize pick
2023 Honda Passport EX-L
The ranking
1
2023 Honda CR-V (RS)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe all-rounder.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,800 for the CR-V LX (originally $31,205) up to $27,900 for the EX-L (originally $37,055); the EX is $26,500Owner reliability (KBB): 4.6 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 3 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2023 CR-V has a 4.6 out of 5 KBB owner reliability score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with a 5-star NHTSA overall rating and 3 recalls listed. KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $24,800 for the LX to $27,900 for the EX-L.
Go ifA 4.6 owner reliability score and a Top Safety Pick+ with every trim under $28,000
Skip ifYou need more than five seats
Why #1 over #2: Its Top Safety Pick+ beats the Passport, which has no IIHS award, at the same 4.6 score.
2
2023 Honda Passport EX-L
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe step-up Honda.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $29,400 for the Passport EX-L (originally $42,475) up to $31,900 for the Elite (originally $47,935); the TrailSport is $30,800Owner reliability (KBB): 4.6 out of 5IIHS (2023): No Top Safety Pick award listedNHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 5 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2023 Passport earns the same 4.6 owner reliability score as the CR-V and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with 5 recalls listed; IIHS lists no Top Safety Pick award for it. KBB prices the EX-L at $29,400, the TrailSport at $30,800 and the Elite at $31,900.
Go ifThe same 4.6 owner score as the CR-V in a midsize body, with a 5-star NHTSA rating
Skip ifYou want an IIHS award or a price well under $30,000
Why #2 over #3: Its 4.6 owner reliability score beats the Tucson’s 4.3.
3
2023 Hyundai Tucson (NX4)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe low-price award winner.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,950 for the Tucson SE (originally $28,235) up to $24,000 for the Limited (originally $37,495); the SEL is $21,600Owner reliability (KBB): 4.3 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 4 stars overall; 2 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2023 Tucson is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 4.3 owner reliability score, 4 stars from NHTSA overall and 2 recalls listed. KBB prices it from $18,950 for the SE to $24,000 for the Limited.
Go ifA Top Safety Pick+ from $18,950
Skip ifYou want a 5-star NHTSA overall rating
Why #3 over #4: Its $18,950 starting price sits below the Telluride’s $24,600 at the same 4.3 score and award.
4
2023 Kia Telluride (ON)
Photo: deathpallie325 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe big-family pick.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,600 for the Telluride LX (originally $37,255) and $26,400 for the S (originally $39,155); the EX is $30,200 and the top SX-Prestige X-Pro is $32,600Owner reliability (KBB): 4.3 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 6 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 7 - 8
The 2023 Telluride is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 4.3 owner reliability score, a 5-star NHTSA rating, 6 recalls listed and seating of 7 - 8. KBB prices the LX at $24,600 and the S at $26,400, while the EX is $30,200 and the SX-Prestige X-Pro is $32,600.
Go ifSeating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating
Skip ifYou want the EX or SX trims under $30,000
Why #4 over #5: Its Top Safety Pick+ beats the CX-50’s Top Safety Pick at the same 4.3 score.
5
2023 Mazda CX-50
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newer Mazda.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $20,100 for the CX-50 2.5 S (originally $28,925) up to $26,000 for the Turbo Premium Plus (originally $43,675)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.3 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety PickNHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 2 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2023 CX-50 has a 4.3 owner reliability score, an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with 2 recalls listed. KBB prices it from $20,100 for the 2.5 S to $26,000 for the Turbo Premium Plus.
Go ifA 5-star NHTSA rating with every trim under $26,500
Skip ifYou want the Top Safety Pick+ upgrade
Why #5 over #6: Its 4.3 owner reliability score beats the Pathfinder’s 4.2.
6
2023 Nissan Pathfinder (R53)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe low-recall three-row.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $25,700 for the Pathfinder S (originally $36,655) up to $32,200 for the Platinum (originally $51,525); the SL is $27,700Owner reliability (KBB): 4.2 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 1 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 6 - 7
The 2023 Pathfinder is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 4.2 owner reliability score, a 5-star NHTSA rating and seating of 6 - 7, with just 1 recall listed. KBB prices it from $25,700 for the S to $32,200 for the Platinum, with the SL at $27,700.
Go ifSeating for 6 - 7 with a Top Safety Pick+ and only 1 NHTSA recall listed
Skip ifYou want the Platinum trim under $30,000
Why #6 over #7: Its 4.2 owner reliability score beats the Ascent’s 4.1.
7
2023 Subaru Ascent (WM)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe Subaru three-row.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,600 for the Ascent (originally $35,120) up to $29,300 for the Touring (originally $49,420); the Limited is $27,900Owner reliability (KBB): 4.1 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 4 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 7 - 8
The 2023 Ascent is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 4.1 owner reliability score, a 5-star NHTSA rating, 4 recalls listed and seating of 7 - 8. KBB prices it from $24,600 for the base Ascent to $29,300 for the Touring, with the Limited at $27,900.
Go ifSeating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ and every trim under $29,500
Skip ifYou want a reliability score above 4.1
Why #7 over #8: Its 4.1 owner reliability score beats the Sorento’s 4.0.
8
2023 Kia Sorento (MQ4)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap three-row.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $20,200 for the Sorento LX (originally $31,765) up to $28,900 for the SX-Prestige; the X-Line SX-Prestige is $27,400Owner reliability (KBB): 4.0 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety Pick (applies only to vehicles with specific headlights)NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 4 stars overall; 3 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 7
The 2023 Sorento has a 4.0 owner reliability score and seating of 7, with 4 stars from NHTSA overall and 3 recalls listed. Its Top Safety Pick applies only to vehicles with specific headlights, and KBB prices it from $20,200 for the LX to $28,900 for the SX-Prestige.
Go ifSeating for 7 from $20,200
Skip ifYou want a 5-star NHTSA overall rating
Why #8 over #9: Its 4.0 owner reliability score beats the RAV4’s 3.9.
9
2023 Toyota RAV4 (XA50)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe name-brand compact.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $26,100 for the RAV4 LE (originally $31,010) up to $33,500 for the Limited (originally $39,315); the XLE is $29,700Owner reliability (KBB): 3.9 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety PickNHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 3 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2023 RAV4 has a 3.9 owner reliability score, an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with 3 recalls listed. KBB prices it at $26,100 for the LE and $29,700 for the XLE, with the Limited at $33,500.
Go ifA 5-star NHTSA rating on the best-known compact SUV badge
Skip ifYou want a used price well under $30,000 on the higher trims
Why #9 over #10: Its 3.9 owner reliability score beats the Bronco Sport’s 3.6.
10
2023 Ford Bronco Sport
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe rugged small SUV.
Used price (KBB, 2023 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $21,700 for the Bronco Sport (originally $30,810) up to $30,300 for the Heritage Limited (originally $46,250); the Badlands is $26,700Owner reliability (KBB): 3.6 out of 5IIHS (2023): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2023, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 14 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2023 Bronco Sport is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 5-star NHTSA rating, but its 3.6 owner reliability score is the lowest here and 14 recalls are listed. KBB prices it from $21,700 for the Bronco Sport to $30,300 for the Heritage Limited, with the Badlands at $26,700.
Go ifA Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating from $21,700
Skip ifYou want the fewest recalls listed
How we ranked these
We ranked 2023 model-year SUVs, none of them the models or years on our cheaper used SUV pages, each with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price that starts under $30,000, as read in October 2026. The order is the KBB owner reliability rating first, then the IIHS 2023 award, then the lowest starting used price. NHTSA overall ratings and recall counts are shown for each model but do not change the order, and they do not always agree with owner scores: the Bronco Sport has a 3.6 owner score and 14 recalls listed. KBB prices are national averages that vary with mileage, condition and location, and the higher trims of several picks cost more than $30,000 as marked. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best used SUV under $30,000?
The 2023 Honda CR-V: KBB owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 for reliability, IIHS gives the 2023 model a Top Safety Pick+, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $24,800 to $27,900.
Which used SUV here is cheapest?
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson starts lowest at $18,950 on KBB, followed by the 2023 Mazda CX-50 at $20,100 and the 2023 Kia Sorento at $20,200.
Which of these seat more than five?
KBB lists seating of 6 - 7 for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, 7 for the 2023 Kia Sorento and 7 - 8 for the 2023 Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent.
Which of these has no IIHS award?
IIHS lists no Top Safety Pick award for the 2023 Honda Passport.
Kelley Blue Book owner reliability rating, 2023 model year (out of 5) at a glance
2023 Ford Bronco Sport3.6 /5
2023 Toyota RAV4 (XA50)3.9 /5
2023 Kia Sorento (MQ4)4 /5
2023 Subaru Ascent (WM)4.1 /5
2023 Nissan Pathfinder (R53)4.2 /5
2023 Hyundai Tucson (NX4)4.3 /5
2023 Kia Telluride (ON)4.3 /5
2023 Mazda CX-504.3 /5
2023 Honda CR-V (RS)4.6 /5
2023 Honda Passport EX-L4.6 /5
Kelley Blue Book owner reliability rating, 2023 model year (out of 5), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
