Reliable and affordable

There’s no denying that choosing new sedans and SUVs can be overwhelming. However, as CR analysts recently pointed out, a little data research can help you narrow down your choices to those with the performance, safety features, and price points that are just right for your needs.

To help you make a smart and informed buying decision, automotive analysts at consumer reports recently created a new list of their 2022 sedan and SUV recommendations under $30,000 to help you find the most reliable vehicles at the best price.

Using data from their proprietary annual automotive surveys, they’ve ranked the models listed below based on their predicted reliability scores and road test analyses. This also includes models that have the latest modern safety features that smart consumers are looking for in their new car purchases.

That said, here’s a summary of CR’s latest report.

Please note the abbreviations of the following security functions used:

• FCW — forward collision warning
• BSW — blind spot warning
• AEB — automatic emergency braking

BEST SUVS UNDER $30,000 TODAY

1. Chevrolet Trail Blazer 2022
Price range: $21,800 – $27,400
CR MPG: Overall 27 / City 19 / Highway 37 mpg
Rated #3 of 14 Subcompact Sport Utility Vehicles
Safety Features: Standard active safety features include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, while Blind Spot Warning (BSW) is optional.
Expected Reliability Rating: 5/5 with a recall with the following warning: “The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner’s manual, may fracture during use.”

2.Toyota Prius Prime 2022
Price range: $28,220 – $34,000
CR MPG: Overall 69 / City 56 / Highway 81 mpg
Rated #3 of 8 Compact Cars
Safety Features: While FCW and AEB with Pedestrian Detection are standard, only Limited is available with BSW.
Predicted Reliability Rating: 5/5 with a recall with the warning that “…in certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles…the engine control unit (ECU) software may mistakenly detect an error and shutting down the hybrid system, resulting in a loss of driving power.”

3.Toyota Prius 2022
Price range: $24,625 – $32,920
CR MPG: Overall 52 / City 43 / Highway 59 mpg
Rated #2 of 8 Compact Cars
Safety Features: FCW, AEB with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) are standard. BSW is standard on all but the base trim.
Predicted Reliability Rating: 5/5 with a recall with the warning that “…in certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles…the engine control unit (ECU) software may mistakenly detect an error and shutting down the hybrid system, resulting in a loss of driving power.”

4. Mazda MX-5 Miata 2022
Price range: $27,300 – $38,200
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 25 / Highway 42 mpg
Rated #1 of 4 Roadsters
Safety Features: FCW, AEB and BSW are standard.
Predicted Reliability Rating: 5/5 without additional recall data

5. 2022 Honda Insight
Price range: $25,760 – $29,790
CR MPG: Overall 54 / City 44 / Highway 62 mpg
Rated #1 of 8 Compact Cars
Safety Features: FCW, AEB and BSW are included as standard equipment.
Predicted Reliability Rating: 5/5 with a recall with the warning that “Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second row center seat belt assembly may incorrectly deactivate, which may result in an unsecured child restraint system. »

6. Subaru Crosstrek 2022
Price range: $22,645 – $35,845
CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Highway 39 mpg
Rated #1 of 14 Subcompact Sport Utility Vehicles
Safety Features: FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection are standard with the automatic transmission, but not offered with the manual transmission, and BSW is optional.
Predicted reliability index: 5/5 with no recall or failure data available.

7. 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport
Price range: $24,760 – $30,890
CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 19 / Highway 34 mpg
Rated #2 of 14 Subcompact Sport Utility Vehicles
Safety Features: FCW, AEB and BSW are standard.
Predicted reliability index: 5/5 with no recall or failure data available.

And finally…

For additional articles on CR’s recommended vehicles for 2022, here are some recent picks to consider:

• Recommended compact cars with the most spacious and comfortable interiors based on Consumer Reports testing

• SUVs with the most spacious and comfortable interiors according to Consumer Reports tests

• Consumer Reports Best Used Vintage Cars Under $10,000 You Can Buy Right Now

• The worst deals on new cars are dominated by this popular brand

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced in early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for better performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news on new and used vehicles.

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