Shopping for an SUV requires taking into consideration tons of practical aspects, including rear legroom, cargo space, and safety ratings. If the promise of adventure and a little bit of driving excitement is added, it certainly sweetens the deal. Balancing their fast pace with amazing cargo space and packing a punch are these sportiest SUVs this year, all of which fall under the price tag of $30,000:

1. Jeep Cherokee
With a base price of $29,390, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee features two engine options, but the V6 with an HP of 280 provides the SUV with more power than even the best of the other compact SUVs in the market. The Trailhawk model, however, will make the price of the Cherokee go beyond $30,000. This is one of the top SUVs of 2020.

2. Ford Edge
The performance white hat of the Edge lineup from Ford is the 2020 Ford Edge ST, priced at $29,995. The base model of the sporty SUV features a turbocharged four-cylinder with an HP of 250 mated with an 8-speed automatic, offering seamless, quick shifts. The base model features a standard front-wheel drive.

3. Hyundai Kona Limited
Big on value and driving fun is the 2020 Hyundai Kona, priced at $25,550, making it utterly value-for-money. The nimble, smaller-sized SUV is perfect for those who don’t want to have large monsters parked in their driveways. The subcompact 2020 Hyundai Kona Limited is loaded with tech features, plenty of comfort, and a turbo-four giving an HP of 175 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is one of the top SUVs of 2020.

4. Ford Escape SE
Priced at $26,500, the 2020 Ford Escape SE comes out on top in the battle of the sporty SUVs. The popular compact SUV blends an expansive cargo space with quick reflexes and lots of rear legroom. Two engines – a base V4 2.5-liter one and a turbo-four 1.5-liter – result in a smooth ride and handling, while choices for front/all–wheel drives are mated to a smooth, 6-speed automatic transmission. What’s more, its fuel economy is superb.

5. Mazda CX-3
The sport-hatchback-SUV costs $20,390 and features amazing driving dynamics and superb handling. The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is powered by a V4 spewing an HP of 148 mated to a 6-speed automatic and features choices for front/all-wheel drives, three trim levels, and is fun to drive and cheap to buy. This is one of the top SUVs of 2020.

6. Mazda CX-5
With a starting price tag of $24,350, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a compact yet athletic SUV and is one hell of a riot to drive. Easily the best sporty SUV costing less than $30,000 on this entire list, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 has been bred to haul passengers as well as their cargo, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 exhibits sports behavior powered by a V4 engine providing an HP of 187, paired perfectly with its sharp steering and smooth ride.

Apart from the above, some other great sporty SUVs in the market costing less than $30,000 include the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport, the 2020 Subaru Forester, the 2020 Mini Cooper Countryman, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer, and the 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo.