This is a information flash: All the pieces is much more costly now! And that undoubtedly goes for brand spanking new SUVs, with costs that maintain nudging greater and better. Truly “nudging” is perhaps too mushy of an outline for his or her movement. “Skyrocketing” might be extra correct.
Whereas greater costs and hefty rates of interest have doubtless knocked lots of people out of the brand new automotive market completely, there are nonetheless fairly a couple of low-cost SUV selections. Higher nonetheless, they don’t seem to be horrible! Removed from it, the truth is. Whereas the bottom worth SUVs was drab, sorry affairs greatest left to the numerous Avis and Finances, that’s undoubtedly not the case in the present day. Not solely are there legitimately interesting low-cost SUV selections, they provide real variations in character, functionality and design. It is not only a sequence of nameless packing containers with totally different badges.
Beneath you will not simply discover a easy checklist of the most affordable SUVs obtainable. We are literally mentioning the very best ones. They’re listed from least costly to costliest, with none exceeding a beginning worth of $30,000. Most are subcompacts, however a couple of of our high selections within the compact SUV phase snuck on.
Lastly, please excuse the crummy photograph high quality. We sought out consultant trim ranges of the costs in query quite than simply reusing fairly carmaker-provided images of the costliest trim ranges. That is what the automobiles will truly seem like.
Kia Soul
Why it stands out: Ample house and ample options for the cash; distinctive fashion; sturdy turbo engine upgradeCould be higher: All-wheel drive will not be obtainable
Beginning Worth: $21,315
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Soul Evaluate
The Kia Soul undoubtedly did not begin off as a small SUV, and the time period “crossover” might be higher utilized to it. Nonetheless, what began life as an undefinable funky tall hatchback now finds itself in its third era with quite a few autos of comparable form and measurement which might be dubbed “small SUV” or “small crossover.” If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck … Name it what you’ll, however the Soul delivers the products with tons of kit and house for its worth and measurement, an agreeable driving demeanor, and an much more highly effective engine improve than the Kona’s. We additionally assume it is fairly cool. The entire above helped it win our subcompact SUV comparability take a look at. Now, if there’s one space the place the Soul doesn’t fulfill a typical SUV requirement, it is the shortage of accessible all-wheel drive. That there are extra such autos within the phase, together with our subsequent entry, solely appears to additional safe the Soul’s membership into the membership.
Nissan Kicks
Beginning Worth: $22,155
Why it stands out: Tons of house and options for a low worth; best-in-class gasoline financial system; well-executed security techCould be higher: It is actually gradual; no all-wheel drive
Learn our most up-to-date Nissan Kicks Evaluate
We would not blame you for not getting excited concerning the Kicks. It does not have a lot horsepower, it isn’t precisely enjoyable to drive, and its tall hatchback physique continues to be fairly gawky regardless of a gorgeous styling replace for 2021. That mentioned, the Kicks does a very nice job on the fundamentals. It provides a large quantity of house for a car its measurement, comes with a wealth of security options for a car with its modest worth, and does not really feel like a penalty field to sit down in or drive. The inside is good-looking and well-equipped with spectacular supplies in higher trim ranges. For these looking for an environment friendly, cheap city runabout that may swallow sufficient stuff for a weekend getaway, it simply makes a number of sense.
Buick Envista
Why it stands out: Compelling design; big house for the cash; quiet and refined driving expertise; punchy and environment friendly engine; well-equippedCould be higher: All-wheel drive is unavailable; armrests are a bit arduous; technically gradual acceleration (even when it does not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Evaluate
The Buick Envista is among the greatest, best and most related automobiles to return out of Basic Motors in a very long time. It’s wildly spectacular and really stunning. It has a modest, fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine, but feels completely potent and refined when driving round city. The trip consists and inside noise ranges low. It seems to be costly, but stickers for effectively south of $30,000. That additionally worth places it effectively within the coronary heart of this subcompact phase regardless of exterior dimensions and a again seat that rivals compacts. The shortage of all-wheel drive could also be a sticking level for some, however we predict anybody purchasing for a small, inexpensive SUV can be clever to take a look at the Envista (in addition to the mechanically associated and cheaper Chevrolet Trax).
Volkswagen Taos
Why it stands out: Most household pleasant but with segment-leading again seat house; big cargo space; sturdy energy and gasoline economyCould be higher: Bland to drive; seems to be extra rugged than it’s
Beginning Worth: $25,345
Our full Volkswagen Taos Evaluate
Of a budget SUVs on this checklist, the Taos is essentially the most family-friendly because of a again seat that is shockingly sufficiently big to suit rear-facing automotive seats with out scrunching these up entrance into the sprint. There’s additionally a large cargo space that solely falls in need of the Bronco Sport, which is nothing to be ashamed of. The truth is, the Taos has extra inside house than fairly a couple of compact SUVs which might be bigger on the surface. When you will get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller car (higher maneuverability and gasoline financial system, a cheaper price), that is known as a win-win. We additionally like that the Taos is not as conservatively styled, in and out, than different current made-for-America Volkswagens and has VW’s older, extra user-friendly inside controls as a substitute of the maddening ID.4 and GTI structure. Even its “may very well be betters” listed above are hardly what we might name deal breakers. This can be a winner.
Hyundai Kona
Why it stands out: Nice tech; fairly enjoyable to drive; optionally available all-wheel drive; obtainable electrical mannequin; extra space with new generationCould be higher: No wi-fi smartphone reference to improve system; no tax credit score for EV
Beginning worth: $25,435
Learn our 2024 Hyundai Kona Evaluate
Whereas the Kona could also be new for 2024, it hasn’t misplaced the important thing attributes that made us like the primary era a lot. It’s nonetheless nice to drive, even enjoyable for those who spring for one of many punchier fashions. It’s nonetheless full of usable, well-thought-out tech. And it’s nonetheless small — albeit loads much less so than beforehand. Its place on the decrease finish of Hyundai’s lineup additionally helps the worth proposition stick. Put one other method: It’s nonetheless a cut price. There’s additionally the Kona Electrical, and whereas undoubtedly dearer than the bottom fuel model, it is nonetheless one of the crucial inexpensive EVs.
Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Stunning house; acceleration from Turbo fashions; class-leading tech; distinct design detailsCould be higher: Some low-cost inside bits
Beginning worth: $25,715
Our most up-to-date Kia Seltos Evaluate
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each operate and vogue. Its worth and exterior dimensions fall in between the subcompact and compact SUV segments, but it boasts extra inside quantity than is predicted and an abundance of particular design particulars all through that efficiently counter among the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the value down. It additionally seems to be fairly good, and the obtainable turbocharged engine produces stunning acceleration for this phase. Principally, it supplies much more worth past Kia’s normal extra-long options checklist and guarantee. Just like the Envista, we might truly take into account the Seltos earlier than lots of the compact SUVs that did not make the lower above.
Subaru Crosstrek
Why it stands out: Commonplace all-wheel drive; best-in-class floor clearance; easy controlsCould be higher: Gradual base engine; CVT transmission; roly-poly dealing with; no roof rails on base mannequin
Beginning worth: $26,290
Our full 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Evaluate
The Crosstrek proves simply how all over this phase is. It is principally simply an Impreza hatchback with some styling tweaks and a large carry (its 8.7 inches of floor clearance is far more than most crossovers), however that is truly adequate to higher many autos that have been constructed from scratch to be a small SUV. In addition to that floor clearance, the Crosstrek has grow to be a darling of the out of doors journey set for its manageable measurement, easy-to-use inside, sturdy and simply reached roof rails and a comfort-oriented driving expertise that serves it effectively on longer drives. That it lastly provides a extra highly effective engine possibility satisfies a long-held criticism amongst homeowners that the bottom engine was simply too darn gradual.
Mazda CX-30
Why it stands out: Luxurious inside; best-in-class driving dynamics; good looksCould be higher: Inside house is extra hatchback than SUV; dopey plastic fenders; non-touchscreen tech interface
Beginning worth: $26,360
Our full 2024 Mazda CX-30 Evaluate
If the Bronco Sport supplies ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and elegance, the Mazda CX-30 supplies driving enjoyable and luxurious. We truly take into account it a wiser purchase than luxurious subcompacts just like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3, and never simply due to its cheaper price. Its inside does not actually quit something to them when it comes to luxurious or options, and it might probably truly be extra partaking to drive, particularly with the turbo engine. Regardless of all this luxurious speak, although, the CX-30 worth nonetheless begins within the low $20,000s, and crests $35,000 when absolutely loaded. Principally, it is a cut price with out wanting or driving like one.
Kia Niro
Why it stands out: It is a hybrid (with pricier plug-in and EV choices obtainable); slick design; surprisingly spacious; class-leading techCould be higher: No AWD; a bit gradual; cool colours are solely on higher trim ranges
Beginning worth: $28,165
Our Kia Niro Evaluate
The Kia Niro comes with a robust lineup of three electrified powertrains in a single attractively designed package deal. As we’re speaking about low-cost SUVs, and particularly these underneath $30,000, we will persist with the hybrid (though know the plug-in hybrid and all-electric variations are additionally actually good). In addition to getting the very best gasoline financial system on this checklist by an extended shot (49-53 mpg mixed relying on trim stage), the Niro supplies stunning inside house, distinctive infotainment and security tech, and enticing styling. Frankly, your hybrid selections at this worth vary are minimal, with Toyota’s Prius (not an SUV) and Corolla Cross (not excellent) actually your solely different choices. We would go along with the Niro and be fairly blissful.
All three, the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV benefit from the Niro’s surprisingly spacious, tech-filled inside and snazzy exterior styling. The distinctive “aero blade” behind the rear doorways offers it a definite look, however even with out it, we love the hatchback form and tall LED taillights. One draw back of the Niro is that it does not supply all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is effective for those who’re simply in it for the unbelievable effectivity and are blissful to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is in the end proof that you just need not drive round a miserly wanting automotive to seize top-shelf effectivity, so if you need the very best inexperienced possibility doable within the midcompact phase, head straight right here.
Kia Sportage LX
Why it stands out: Monumental house for an SUV underneath $30,000; cheaper than its compact SUV rivals; obtainable hybrid; class-leading infotainment and security tech Could possibly be higher: Gradual and unrefined gas-only engine; you will get much less tools for the cash than different selections right here
Beginning worth: $28,415
Our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Evaluate
Most compact SUVs now begin over $30,000 while you take into consideration the obligatory vacation spot cost. The Kia Sportage, however, continues to be comfortably beneath that threshold regardless of providing comparable tools and higher house than the best-selling Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Sportage is not simply one in every of our favourite low-cost compact SUVs, it is one in every of our favorites, interval. The LX trim stage is in the end the one which’s underneath $30,000, though the second-run-up EX is simply throughout the brink. Fortunately, you even have the choice of going with the distinctive hybrid as a substitute of the quite blah gas-only engine. Of all of the automobiles thus far, this might ship essentially the most bang to your buck.
Hyundai Tucson
Why it stands out: Monumental house for an SUV underneath $30,000; cheaper than its compact SUV rivals; class-leading infotainment and security tech Could possibly be higher: Gradual and unrefined gas-only engine; you will get much less tools for the cash than different selections right here
Beginning worth: $28,585
Our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Evaluate
Wait, did we by chance copy and paste the entire Kia Sportage’s execs and cons into the Tucson’s entry? Nope, it wasn’t an accident. These mechanically associated small SUVs simply occur have the very same promoting factors, with one exception: the Tucson Hybrid begins greater than $30,000 for 2024. That is undoubtedly a disgrace, though you must undoubtedly take into account it for those who can swing the upper month-to-month fee. In any other case, the Tucson’s gradual gas-only engine that is normally a con is in the end simply effective on this firm given simply how rather more SUV you are getting to your cash. Just like the Sportage, the Tucson is massive, with far more passenger and cargo house than the opposite SUVs listed above. You additionally get a higher-quality inside, wonderful tech and powerful security credentials.
