4 Sporty SUVs for Under $45,000

Edmunds recommends four practical and fun-to-drive SUVs that won't break the bank.

February 25th, 2020

Just about every luxury automaker offers a high-performance version of one of its SUVs these days. But not everyone can afford a $70,000 Porsche Cayenne, let alone a $200,000 Lamborghini Urus. To serve more mainstream buyers, some non-luxury brand automakers have begun to offer sporty SUVs as well. These are the models you'll want to consider if you want a sports car but life dictates you have to own a SUV.

Edmunds' testing and review experts have put together a list of four relatively new or recently updated SUVs with high fun potential and suggested retail pricing of under $45,000. These SUVs typically have special trim levels that have high-horsepower engines for quick acceleration and sport-tuned suspensions and gripper tires for enhanced handling potential.

4 Sporty SUVs for Under $45,000

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Starting price (including destination fee):
$27,220
Horsepower:
175
Fuel economy:
27-30 mpg combined
2020 Hyundai Kona Limited
Subcompact SUVs are becoming more popular, but most are a bit too underpowered to be considered sporty. Hyundai fixes that problem with its 2020 Kona. Starting with the Limited trim level, the Kona comes with a strong 175-horsepower turbocharged engine and a… quick-shifting transmission that help the Kona accelerate quickly. The Kona is also light and nimble when going around turns. As is typical for Hyundai, the Kona comes with an impressive number of features for the price. On the Limited, you'll find LED headlights, leather upholstery and a sunroof, for instance. Because it's a subcompact SUV, the Kona has a fairly small rear seat and cargo area, but it is still a practical vehicle compared to a typical sport sedan.
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Starting price (including destination fee):
$36,180
Horsepower:
250
Fuel economy:
24-28 mpg combined
2020 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve
Mazda has a reputation for building cars that are engaging and enjoyable to drive. For proof, look no further than the CX-5. It's not quite as roomy as similar small SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, but in return the CX-5 has composed ride and handling abilities… that make it fun to pilot around town as well as along a twisty road. The CX-5 is also one of the quickest small SUVs you can buy if you get the optional 250-horsepower turbocharged engine that's standard starting on the Grand Touring Reserve trim. You don't really need it to enjoy the CX-5's sporty character, but if you do choose to spend more you'll also get an upscale, near-luxury experience. The Mazda is filled with premium materials, an excellent sound system and comfortable seats.
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Starting price (including destination fee):
$42,250
Horsepower:
301
Fuel economy:
26 mpg combined
2020 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman All4
As with other small SUVs we've chosen for this list, handling is a real strength of the Countryman. In any trim, this diminutive SUV will prove adept at tackling your favorite curvy road with precision and athleticism. Notably, Mini is making the most powerful… Countryman ever for 2020, offering a 301-horsepower engine. It comes in the sport-tuned John Cooper Works version. There are a few downsides. Even though it's already bigger than you might expect a Mini to be, the Countryman is relatively small for an SUV. It can also get pricey. While prices start under $30,000, they can push $50,000 if you want a loaded-up John Cooper Works. Yet optioning up a Countryman can be part of the appeal -- few other non-luxury automakers let you customize with special colors and accessories as much as Mini does.
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Starting price (including destination fee):
$44,360
Horsepower:
335
Fuel economy:
21 mpg combined
2020 Ford Edge ST
The Edge is Ford's midsize SUV. It's the biggest model on our list, which means it's not as nimble or quick to dive into turns. But it's fair to say that the Edge ST more than makes up for that deficiency. Armed with a turbocharged V6 making 335 horsepower,… the Edge ST is quicker to accelerate than most other rival SUVs. It also comes with a sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes and unique styling changes. Negatives include a firm ride quality and less-than-ideal outward visibility. The ST is also the Edge's most expensive trim level. But you do get a lot of features on the ST besides the sporty upgrades, such as a hands-free liftgate, leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control and a premium sound system.
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Edmunds says:

You don't need to buy a luxury-branded SUV to get performance. Plenty of affordable options can provide you with a fun and engaging driving experience. They'll satisfy your sports car cravings while delivering the practicality and versatility you expect from a crossover SUV.