Here Are the 5 Coolest SUVs Under $30K, According to Doug DeMuro
What comes to mind when you think of a cool car? You might envision a flashy sports car with the top down or a rugged Jeep careening through the wilderness. But outside of one or two exceptions like a G-Wagon, you’re a lot less likely to think of an SUV.
FYI: cool SUVs exist and they’re surprisingly affordable. Car enthusiast Doug DeMuro recently shared a YouTube video revealing his top five picks for cool SUVs priced under $30,000. The five vehicles include two performance SUVs, two off-road SUVs and one performance, off-road SUV.
Buckle up: These recommendations will change the way you look at SUVs forever.
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BMW F85 X5 M
DeMuro is referring to the second generation X5 M, which he said is a little newer and more modern than the original X5 M. This performance SUV also offers an incredible driving experience.
When he first started to think about what $30,000 buys you in the performance SUV space, DeMuro initially thought of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
“For the same money, I think this X5 M is a little bit more athletic than what you can buy dollar for dollar in the Cayenne Turbo world,” he said. “Given that you have a generation change for the X5, which really focused the car and gave it more driving prowess, I think that’s the one I would get if $30,000 was my hard cap.”
Just remember this is an aging BMW. If you do decide to buy one, you’ll need to really evaluate the SUV’s overall reliability and potential problems. Buyers who can take on the challenge of keeping the car reliable will be in awe of its capabilities.
2010-22 Lexus GX 460
The Lexus GX 460, in DeMuro’s opinion, is one of the greatest all-around, used, off-roader SUVs you can buy in existence. High praise indeed! The vehicle offers its drivers a luxurious interior while acting truckish enough to provide a real off-road capability.
Buyers receive plenty of bang for their buck since $30,000 buys a lot of GX 460.
“You get a luxury car on-road, a practical family car, a reliable car that’s never going to cause you problems, a car that is not depreciating significantly anymore and a really capable off-roader all in one vehicle,” DeMuro said.
“The fact that this car combines all this stuff into a $30,000 price point makes me wonder why we don’t all have GX 460s.”
Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV
The G-Wagon is extremely cool, even if $30,000 doesn’t buy you much of it. DeMuro said you might have to compromise with an earlier model, like those from 2002 — 2006 or seek out a two-door import.
No matter which G-Class SUV you get, you’ll end up with a car that does a lot of great things. These cars are cool, reliable (especially when it comes to their earlier models), luxurious and compact.
To the latter point, DeMuro recommends the G-Wagon for drivers residing in major cities. This SUV is fast enough to dart between traffic openings and small enough to park anywhere.
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
If you’re not familiar with this model, it’s an off-road performance SUV commonly sold throughout the late 1990s. DeMuro said the Pajero Evolution is a really cool car for $30,000, as it’s weird, quirky and off-road capable.
“If you want a special, cool SUV, the Pajero Evolution should be on your list.”
Tesla X Long Range
The Tesla X long range is not an off-road capable SUV, but DeMuro said it has 535 horsepower and 715 pound feet of torque.
The long range versions came out in 2019 and don’t have significant mileage, making it easy to find one for around $30,000 or less. (And a steal for the price since the new sticker prices hover around $100,000!)
“These cars have a 370-mile driving range, which, even if you account for some loss over the last six years, is a pretty serious number,” DeMuro said. “You can really go fast and still bring your family in a Model X.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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