Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by Victor A
We are used to finding fast SUVs at relatively-high prices, however, automakers understand that everyone should have access to fun and speedy SUVs, and here we show you the fastest SUVs under $40,000.
Note that in the past years, prices have increased considerably in the automobile industry, and many past fast SUVs cannot enter this list as their prices have gone above $40,000.
If you’d like to know which SUVs are the fastest under $30,000, we have another article for you, while we also have for SUVs under $50,000.
1) 2023 Hyundai Kona N (276 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.3 sec)
Hyundai’s N division is known for creating interesting and quick cars that are meant to take standard models to the next level by improving its performance.
The Hyundai Kona N is the perfect example of this, as this compact crossover SUV packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four to pump out 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
This translates to a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of 5.3 seconds.
The Kona N is only available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and starts at an MSRP price of $34,950, this SUV is not only the fastest on the list but is also one of the most affordables.
In terms of reliability, Hyundai was ranked as the third most reliable brand in 2022.
2) 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo (250 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.8 sec)
The Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium does a great job of delivering a solid design, good quality, and competent performance.
To get the most performance below $40,000 you will have to go for the CX-30 Turbo trim, as it uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft.
It can speed up from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.8 seconds, making it the second fastest SUV below $40,000 on the list.
Pricing of the CX-30 Turbo Premium starts at $33,800 and it’s only available in all-wheel drive (AWD).
3) 2023 Volvo XC40 (247 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.1 sec)
The only hybrid in the list is the Volvo XC40 with the B5 engine option, which mates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit with an electric motor to produce a combined 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Note that the CX40 comes standard with the B4 engine (only available in FWD), however for $2,000 more you can upgrade to the more powerful B5 engine which comes with AWD standard.
The acceleration of the Volvo is quite good for a hybrid SUV, it can go from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.1 seconds.
This mild hybrid SUV will set you back at a starting price of $39,645 (with the B5 AWD option selected).
4) 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i (241 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.2 sec)
The entry-level SUV of the Bavarian automaker recently received a facelift that did wonders in modernizing its design, while it also comes with good performance.
The X1 xDrive 28i uses a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-four with 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The BMW SUV can speed up from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.2 seconds and comes standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive.
The BMW X1 starts at an MSRP price of $39,100.
5) 2023 Chevrolet Blazer (228 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.3 sec)
The Blazer sports the sleekest and most modern design out of all the Chevrolet SUVs, it’s also a fast SUV.
Packing a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that pumps out 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Blazer can go from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.3 seconds.
When it comes to price, the Blazer starts at an MSRP of $36,495 and the entry-level version is only available in FWD.
6) 2023 Honda Pilot FWD (285 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.5 sec)
The Pilot is one of the best-sellers in the US, it’s reliable and fast for a mid-size SUV that can fit three-rows seating.
It packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, and its acceleration times are rated at 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.5 seconds.
The Japanese SUV starts at $35,950 and it comes standard in FWD, its great acceleration and powerful engine makes is one of the fastest SUVs under $40,000.
7) 2023 Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC (221 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec)
The GLA is the main competitor of the BMW X1, they both compete in a similar price range and come with similar specs.
Although the X1 is faster and less pricey, the Mercedes is quite competent with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
When it comes to acceleration, the GLA 250 4MATIC can go from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.6 seconds.
It starts at $39,500, and since it’s a 4MATIC model it uses an AWD system.
8) 2023 Nissan Pathfinder S (284 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.7 sec)
The Pathfinder is a very competent off-roader that uses a 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque.
If you want the fastest version of this SUV below 40k you should go for the Pathfinder S 4WD version which can achieve a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time in 6.7 seconds.
Pricing for the Nissan Pathfinder S 4WD starts at an MSRP price of $37,100.
9) 2023 Ford Bronco (330 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.7 sec)
The Bronco is a popular SUV that is proving to be a success for the American automaker. It looks great, comes with a lot of power, is a capable off-roader, and it comes with an interesting color offering.
In terms of engines, you could either choose between the standard 2.3-litre EcoBoost inline-four with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, or pay around $1,829 more to upgrade to the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The only issue with going for the second option is that you will also need to add the 10-speed automatic transmission, which will cost you $3,490 more, but it won’t make the car cost more than $40,000.
Going for the V6 means that the Bronco can go from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.7 seconds.
Pricing for the Ford Bronco with the V6 and the 10-speed automatic transmission starts at an MSRP of $39,880.
10) 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport (285 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.9 sec)
The last SUV on the list is the Jeep Wrangler Sport, which is also the least costly SUV below 40k, it packs a bunch of interesting features, and a wide list of great colors.
The popular off-roader comes with many different engine options, but if you want the most performance for the least price you should look at the 3.6-liter V6 which pumps out 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The boxy SUV can speed up from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.9 seconds and comes standard as a 4×4.
The Jeep Wrangler Sport can come in a more affordable price tag if you go for the two-door version with the V6 engine which costs $37,240, while the four-door version will set you back at a starting price of $41,240, therefore you should limit yourself to the two door version.
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