With the rising prices of everyday goods and services, more and more middle-class individuals are beginning to be more careful with their expenses. One significant purchase for many is buying a car, and as the new year begins, industry experts have recommended five high-value SUV models for 2025 to consider if you’re planning to purchase a vehicle.
As part of the American middle class, people aspire to live relatively comfortable lives. However, with the significant increase in costs over the past few years, the income standard defining the middle class has also risen to reflect the current income levels of most Americans.
According to the Pew Research Center, the definition of middle-income is about two-thirds to double the median income of a region. As per the latest data from 2022, the median average household income in the United States is $73,914, indicating that the income range for the American middle class is approximately between $49,271 and $147,828. However, a survey conducted by The Washington Post shows that most Americans believe middle-class annual income should fall between $75,000 and $100,000.
For middle-class families with varying income levels, car budgets will vary as well. Regardless of your budget, there are still high-value car models on the market that cater to different income brackets.
Sean Miller, a senior writer at Modified Rides, told Gobankingrate that middle-class buyers looking for SUVs in 2025 should focus on vehicles that combine affordability, reliability, and modern features.
Here are five 2025 SUV models recommended by Gobankingrate for the middle class to consider purchasing, allowing them to choose a vehicle within their budget.
Average Suggested Retail Price Starting at $28,000
According to Miller’s estimation, the Subaru Outback is a well-rounded performance SUV that combines spacious interior, top-tier fuel efficiency, and upgraded safety systems.
“Its hybrid powertrain option offers impressive mileage, reducing fuel costs, which is a key factor for budget-conscious families,” said Miller.
Average Suggested Retail Price Starting at $32,000
If you are looking for a spacious SUV that can accommodate the whole family with three rows of seats, the Kia Sorento is one of the best options. As a hybrid model, Miller emphasizes that the Sorento can provide ample power while saving fuel.
The 2025 Kia Sorento excels in powertrain configurations, equipped with both 2.5L and 2.5T engines, producing maximum powers of 191 horsepower and 281 horsepower respectively. In terms of transmission, they are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, providing a strong and smooth driving experience. Additionally, the new model also offers a 1.6T hybrid fuel version with a combined power of 227 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to meet diverse consumer needs.
“Kia’s industry-leading warranty ensures long-term value, making maintenance costs manageable,” commented Miller.
The 2025 Kia Sorento has put efforts into soundproofing, effectively suppressing interior noise during high-speed driving, creating a tranquil and comfortable driving environment for both the driver and passengers.
Average Suggested Retail Price Starting at $40,000
As an iconic hardcore off-road vehicle under Toyota, the all-new 4Runner shares the TNGA-F architecture with the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck but at a lower price than Toyota’s latest Land Cruiser by nearly $16,000.
According to John Yohana, CEO of Blue Diamond Auto Glass, this all-wheel-drive SUV can accommodate up to 8 passengers and is renowned for its top-notch safety ratings.
“It comes with a lot of standard features, making it a great choice for families seeking reliability, safety, practicality, and competitive prices,” Yohana said. “Toyota offers in-house financing options to make it more accessible for more people to purchase.”
The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance package is a standard feature of this SUV, covering a range of advanced functions such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, along with Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
Average Suggested Retail Price Starting at $40,000
This model not only combines stylish design, practical space, and strong power but also possesses excellent off-road capabilities, positioning it higher than the Honda CR-V. In terms of power, the Passport is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine with a maximum power of 285 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The whole system runs smoothly, delivering powerful performance.
The new Honda Passport features a rugged and stylish exterior design, resembling the old Toyota Land Cruiser in the front end, with a full and broad hood and a central thin black grille connecting to the mid-grille, enhancing brand recognition.
The interior central control console of the new Honda Passport has a straight overall design, a large 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel paired with a 10.2-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating infotainment screen, enhancing the sense of technology. The new car supports smartphone connectivity and intelligent voice recognition control for easy operation.
According to Miller, the 2025 Passport combines outstanding off-road capabilities with the comfort brought by its spacious cabin.
This car is also affordable for some middle-class families, and for those who don’t intend to drive this car for a long period, Miller stated, “Although the price is slightly higher, its excellent resale value and long-term reputation offset the initial investment costs.”
Average Suggested Retail Price Starting at $49,000
According to Yohana’s professional opinion, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC is highly suitable for middle-class families seeking a balance between “affordability, practicality, and high-end features.”
As pointed out by Yohana, the high-end features of the Mercedes GLC include “stylish design, a high-tech 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and advanced safety technologies like Lane Keeping Assist and DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.”
Mercedes-Benz redefines what true “luxury” means with its century-old brand charm and exquisite craftsmanship. The design aesthetics and internal comfort of the GLC SUV are the best examples of this concept. This model has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,977 mm, a 61.69% axle length ratio, ensuring ample interior space while optimizing body proportions, making the vehicle look more elongated and elegant from an exterior design perspective.
Equipped with the third-generation MBUX intelligent human-machine interaction system, which features the high-quality 8295 intelligent cockpit chip, the new car offers excellent computing power supported by robust hardware, providing a smoother operating experience.