The Best Affordable CUVs and SUVs For 2022

The best crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are cars with an adventurous aesthetic and features that provide comfort and safety for the entire family.

Many CUVs and SUVs on the market offer optional all-wheel-drive systems. This means that, although they’re not very capable off-road vehicles, they can tackle slippery terrain such as rain or snow without issues.

If you’re thinking of buying a new car in 2022, we’re confident you have considered an SUV to some extent—after all, these vehicles are now filling our streets and highways, and not just in North America. Therefore, in this article we bring you our selection of the best CUVs and SUVs for 2022, including models with various styles and prices.

#1: 2022 Hyundai Santa FE

Via: La Jornada.

Important Info Base price: $27,200–42,660 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds Fuel Economy: City 25 mpg / Hwy 28 mpg Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles Our Rating: 8.6 / 10

OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: A practical SUV with modern styling and a more refined vibe than some competitors Pros: Optional turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive improves driving confidence, plenty of available features Cons: The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, room for only five passengers, could use more tech features

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is a well-rounded value proposition. It boasts a more imposing style and improved aspects than the previous generations, such as an enhanced cabin and a reinforced chassis for more nimble handling.

However, since there aren’t many changes compared to the 2021 model, we can expect the 2022 model to have the same acceptable performance, fuel economy, good comfort, and reliable safety features.

The steering in this model feels precise. At the same time, the body incorporates parts capable of reducing noise and vibrations to increase the feeling of refinement. In addition, the Santa Fe offers two powertrains: a 2.4-liter that makes 185 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 235 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

The interior features a center console raised and sloped for easier handling and a button control gear selector. It also includes an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen, accompanied by Hyundai’s in-house digital instrument panel, which features a configurable 12.3-inch display.

#2: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Via: Ventos

Important Info Base price: $29,000 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: 7 seconds Fuel Economy: City 41 mpg / Hwy 38 mpg Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles Our Rating:  8.6 / 10

OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The RAV4 offers superb fuel efficiency with great comfort and plenty of safety and comfort features Pros: Affordable electrified SUV, solid powertrain, all-wheel-drive is standard Cons: Clumsy infotainment system, not the roomiest cargo space, road and engine noise can be annoying

The Toyota RAV4 is a forerunner of the SUV segment. Its current lineup includes hybrid mechanics that makes the RAV4 one of the most exciting options on the market.

The hybrid version of the RAV4 combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by NiMh type batteries. The total output of the RAV4 hybrid is 219 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Inside, you’ll find a very straightforward design with a convenient arrangement of buttons and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia interface. Unlike its ornate exterior design, the cabin offers a more orderly image and more subtle features.

In terms of features, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid offers many driving aids and safety technology like autonomous emergency braking with recognition of pedestrians and cyclists, adaptive cruise control, recognition of traffic signs, lane departure warning, 360º vision camera, Full-LED interior illumination, and others.

The hybrid RAV4 offers efficient fuel consumption, and the combination of both engines allows for some sportiness.

#3: 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

Via: Soy Motor.

Important Info Base price: $27,290 Updates: Major 0-60 mph: 8.2 seconds Fuel Economy: 26 mpg City / 30 mpg Hwy Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 Our Rating: 8.4 / 10

OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The Outlander’s extensive makeover helps it become relevant again, but the powertrain still disappoints. Pros: Astounding exterior design, modern and refined cabin, seats up to 7 passengers Cons: Underpowered, CVT transmission tight third row

The fusion between the style of the X-Trail, with which it shares a platform, and the Mitsubishi DNA results in a beautiful 2022 Outlander, with the promise of more comfortable and pleasant driving. The independent rear suspension and the electric double-pinion steering deliver a linear and direct behavior, with agile cornering and a high degree of comfort in a straight line.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a simulated eight-shift CVT automatic transmission and FWD on the base model and optional AWD versions.

The instrument panel has a 12.3-inch display, and a new 9-inch infotainment screen and head-up display are integrated into the windshield, taking up a total surface of 10.8 inches.

Some equipment features include three-zone automatic climate control, rear window blinds, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, 11 airbags, and a wide variety of driving aids such as the MI-PILOT Assist system (which is essentially the same as the Nissan ProPILOT).

#4: 2022 KIA Sorento

Via: KIA.

Important Info Base price: $30,665 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds Fuel Economy: City 21 mpg / Hwy 26 mpg Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles Our Rating: 8.2 / 10

OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The 2022 Sorento is a very compelling midsize SUV with polished driving manners and comes loaded with tech and safety features Pros: The available turbocharged engine feels more engaging, upscale interior, several trim levels available Cons: The third row is not adult-friendly, stiff ride, small cargo hold with the third row up

The 2022 Sorento is built on KIA’s specialized modular platform with a mixture of high-strength steel and aluminum, making it 5.6% lighter and offering 12.5% ​​greater torsional stiffness.

The third row on the 2022 KIA Sorento is not comfortable both on the legs and headroom. In addition, the cargo hold capacity is minimum. However, the interior offers soft elements in almost every corner and a solid assembly and build quality.

The new Sorento comes with an infotainment system with 10.25-inch display. The home screen is divided into three modules to access maps, music, or other information, without having to navigate through different menus. The interface is straightforward, and it’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The powertrain on the base Sorento is a 2.5-liter engine that produces 197 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This 2022 KIA Sorento is an accomplished SUV in all areas. It’s practical and roomy and comes packed with advanced features.

#5: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Via: Mi Bolsillo.

Important Info Base price: $27,190 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: 9 seconds Fuel Economy: City 23 mpg / Hwy 29 mpg Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles Our Rating: 8.2 / 10

OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: Modern appearance, nimble handling and good ride quality loaded with comfort and tech features Pros: Versatility for extended trips or urban driving, plenty of space for an entire family, powertrain optimized for fuel economy Cons: Could use more power, cramped third-row seat, not great for pulling loads

Volkswagen cars are not showstoppers by any means; still, somehow, they manage to appeal to buyers of various tastes and ages. The 2022 Tiguan is an excellent example of this.

Apart from its modern yet sober design, the 2022 Volkwagen Tiguan offers a good level of comfort and the correct dimensions to make it a brilliant family SUV. Moreover, its innovative technology and efficient handling make it one of the most complete models in one of the most competitive segments.

Features include luggage rails in anodized aluminum, LED headlights with a “Coming & Leaving Home” function, dimmed LED tail lights, 19-inch aluminum wheels, and a panoramic roof. It also comes with a remote and virtual pedal trunk opening for those who usually carry large objects or many bags.

The new Tiguan promises comfortable and stable trips, thanks to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG. In addition, it features Servotronic electromechanical steering, 4MOTION traction, and a good level of fuel efficiency.

#6: 2022 GMC Terrain

Via: Gossip Vehiculo.

Important Info Base price: $29,000 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds Fuel Economy: City 25 mpg / Hwy 30  mpg Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles Our Rating: 8.1 / 10

OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The 2022 Terrain boasts an attractive look but disappoints when compared to segment leaders Pros: Comfortable refined interior, touchscreen interface and connectivity, plenty of features Cons: Sluggish acceleration, less cargo space compared with competitors, the price tag gets higher than average for the class when outfitted with options

The 2022 GMC Terrain reaches the middle of its generational life cycle, and with it comes the time for an upgrade. The brand’s smallest SUV catches up on technology, shakes off the years with a new face, and debuts a new version of the off-road character.

The redesign comes with a squarer fascia and a more prominent grille, which grows along with the headlights for a more imposing appearance. It also follows in the footsteps of other models in the range. In addition, it debuts the AT4 surname and replaces the chrome trim with a darker finish for a more adventurous look.

Inside, GMC announces slight upholstery and trim changes. Still, the improved infotainment system is the real novelty, which is now wirelessly compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and integrates Alexa (Amazon’s voice assistant). It also has an optional heads-up display.

The only confirmed powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbo engine, capable of generating 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque—sent to the front axle or, optionally, all four wheels—via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

#7: 2022 Jeep Renegade

Via: Jeep

Important Info Base price: $23,990 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: 8.7 seconds Fuel Economy: City 24 mpg / Hwy 32 mpg Basic Warranty:  3 years / 36,000 miles Our Rating:  8.1 / 10

OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The Renegade is an option to consider if you’re looking for a subcompact SUV with adventurous style and a practical cabin Pros: Agile handling, plenty of intuitive tech features, handsome Jeep looks Cons: Gets pricey with options, small cargo hold, tight back seat for adults

The 2022 Jeep Renegade Limited is noted for its striking design, practical interior, and serene handling. Although it has clear limitations to face high demand off-road driving, it stands out for offering a more adventurous style than its competitors.

It has a basic but complete infotainment system without the refinement and technological avant-garde of its superior models.

The digital experience revolves around the Uconnect system with its 8.4-inch screen, while necessary information about the car and the route is displayed on an instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT color screen. Using mobile devices is easy, thanks to its compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Among the available driving aids are ABS brakes, electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, and hill start assist.

The 2022 Renegade comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the car doesn’t stand out for its acceleration.

Still, it delivers enough power to make passes on the highway. Plus, it feels stable in most scenarios and ensures comfortable handling at low speeds.