Here is a information flash: The whole lot is much more costly now! And that undoubtedly goes for brand spanking new SUVs, with costs that hold nudging greater and better. Really “nudging” is likely to be too delicate of an outline for his or her movement. “Skyrocketing” might be extra correct.
Whereas greater costs and hefty rates of interest have probably knocked lots of people out of the brand new automotive market fully, there are nonetheless fairly a number of low cost SUV selections. Higher nonetheless, they don’t seem to be horrible! Removed from it, in reality. Whereas the bottom value SUVs was once drab, sorry affairs greatest left to the plenty of Avis and Finances, that’s undoubtedly not the case at present. 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 bins with totally different badges.
Under you will not simply discover a easy record of the most cost effective SUVs accessible. We are literally mentioning one of the best ones. They’re listed from least costly to most costly, with none exceeding a beginning value of $30,000. Most are subcompacts, however a number of of our prime selections within the compact SUV section snuck on.
Lastly, please excuse the crummy picture high quality. We sought out consultant trim ranges of the costs in query reasonably than simply reusing fairly carmaker-provided photographs of the most costly trim ranges. That is what the vehicles will truly appear like.
Kia Soul
Why it stands out: Ample house and considerable options for the cash; distinctive model; sturdy turbo engine upgradeCould be higher: All-wheel drive isn’t accessible
Beginning Worth: $21,315
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Soul Overview
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 are 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 apparatus and house for its value 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 dearth of obtainable all-wheel drive. That there are extra such autos within the section, 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 value; best-in-class gasoline financial system; well-executed security techCould be higher: It is actually sluggish; no all-wheel drive
Learn our most up-to-date Nissan Kicks Overview
We would not blame you for not getting excited concerning the Kicks. It would not have a lot horsepower, it is not precisely enjoyable to drive, and its tall hatchback physique continues to be fairly gawky regardless of a horny styling replace for 2021. That stated, the Kicks does a very nice job on the fundamentals. It provides a large quantity of house for a automobile its measurement, comes with a wealth of security options for a automobile with its modest value, and would 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 in search of an environment friendly, cheap city runabout that may swallow sufficient stuff for a weekend getaway, it simply makes loads 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 sluggish acceleration (even when it would not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Overview
The Buick Envista is without doubt one of the greatest, best and most related vehicles to come back out of Basic Motors in a very long time. It’s wildly spectacular and actually shocking. It has a modest, fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine, but feels completely potent and refined when driving round city. The experience consists and inside noise ranges low. It seems costly, but stickers for properly south of $30,000. That additionally value places it properly within the coronary heart of this subcompact section regardless of exterior dimensions and a again seat that rivals compacts. The dearth of all-wheel drive could also be a sticking level for some, however we expect anybody searching for a small, inexpensive SUV can be sensible 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 extra rugged than it’s
Beginning Worth: $25,345
Our full Volkswagen Taos Overview
Of a budget SUVs on this record, 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 an enormous cargo space that solely falls in need of the Bronco Sport, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Actually, the Taos has extra inside house than fairly a number of compact SUVs which are bigger on the surface. When you may get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller automobile (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 “might 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; moderately enjoyable to drive; optionally available all-wheel drive; accessible electrical mannequin; extra space with new generationCould be higher: No wi-fi smartphone reference to improve system; no tax credit score for EV
Beginning value: $25,435
Learn our 2024 Hyundai Kona Overview
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 if you happen to spring for one of many punchier fashions. It’s nonetheless full of usable, well-thought-out tech. And it’s nonetheless small — albeit rather a lot much less so than beforehand. Its place on the decrease finish of Hyundai’s lineup additionally helps the worth proposition stick. Put one other approach: It’s nonetheless a discount. There’s additionally the Kona Electrical, and whereas undoubtedly costlier than the bottom gasoline model, it is nonetheless one of the 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 value: $25,715
Our most up-to-date Kia Seltos Overview
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each operate and vogue. Its value and exterior dimensions fall in between the subcompact and compact SUV segments, but it boasts extra inside quantity than is anticipated 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 fairly good, and the accessible turbocharged engine produces stunning acceleration for this section. Principally, it supplies much more worth past Kia’s standard extra-long options record and guarantee. Just like the Envista, we might truly think about the Seltos earlier than most of the compact SUVs that did not make the reduce above.
Subaru Crosstrek
Why it stands out: Normal all-wheel drive; best-in-class floor clearance; easy controlsCould be higher: Sluggish base engine; CVT transmission; roly-poly dealing with; no roof rails on base mannequin
Beginning value: $26,290
Our full 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Overview
The Crosstrek proves simply how far and wide this section is. It is mainly simply an Impreza hatchback with some styling tweaks and a large elevate (its 8.7 inches of floor clearance is far more than most crossovers), however that is truly ok to raised many autos that had been constructed from scratch to be a small SUV. In addition to that floor clearance, the Crosstrek has turn out 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 properly on longer drives. That it lastly gives a extra highly effective engine choice satisfies a long-held grievance amongst homeowners that the bottom engine was simply too darn sluggish.
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 value: $26,360
Our full 2024 Mazda CX-30 Overview
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 think about it a better purchase than luxurious subcompacts just like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3, and never simply due to its cheaper price. Its inside would not actually hand over something to them when it comes to luxurious or options, and it might truly be extra partaking to drive, particularly with the turbo engine. Regardless of all this luxurious discuss, although, the CX-30 value nonetheless begins within the low $20,000s, and crests $35,000 when totally loaded. Principally, it is a discount with out trying or driving like one.
Kia Niro
Why it stands out: It is a hybrid (with pricier plug-in and EV choices accessible); slick design; surprisingly spacious; class-leading techCould be higher: No AWD; a bit sluggish; cool colours are solely on higher trim ranges
Beginning value: $28,165
Our Kia Niro Overview
The Kia Niro comes with a powerful lineup of three electrified powertrains in a single attractively designed package deal. As we’re speaking about low cost SUVs, and particularly these beneath $30,000, we will follow the hybrid (though know the plug-in hybrid and all-electric variations are additionally actually good). In addition to getting one of the best gasoline financial system on this record by a protracted shot (49-53 mpg mixed relying on trim degree), the Niro supplies shocking inside house, distinctive infotainment and security tech, and enticing styling. Frankly, your hybrid selections at this value vary are minimal, with Toyota’s Prius (not an SUV) and Corolla Cross (not excellent) actually your solely different choices. We might go along with the Niro and be fairly glad.
All three, the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV reap the benefits of the Niro’s surprisingly spacious, tech-filled inside and snazzy exterior styling. The distinctive “aero blade” behind the rear doorways provides 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 would not supply all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is effective if you happen to’re simply in it for the improbable effectivity and are glad to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is in the end proof that you just needn’t drive round a miserly trying automotive to seize top-shelf effectivity, so in order for you one of the best inexperienced choice attainable within the midcompact section, head straight right here.
Kia Sportage LX
Why it stands out: Monumental house for an SUV beneath $30,000; cheaper than its compact SUV rivals; accessible hybrid; class-leading infotainment and security tech May very well be higher: Sluggish and unrefined gas-only engine; you will get much less tools for the cash than different selections right here
Beginning value: $28,415
Our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Overview
Most compact SUVs now begin over $30,000 while you consider the obligatory vacation spot cost. The Kia Sportage, however, continues to be comfortably under 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 all our favourite low cost compact SUVs, it is one in all our favorites, interval. The LX trim degree is in the end the one which’s beneath $30,000, though the second-run-up EX is simply throughout the edge. Fortunately, you even have the choice of going with the distinctive hybrid as a substitute of the reasonably blah gas-only engine. Of all of the vehicles thus far, this might ship essentially the most bang on your buck.
Hyundai Tucson
Why it stands out: Monumental house for an SUV beneath $30,000; cheaper than its compact SUV rivals; class-leading infotainment and security tech May very well be higher: Sluggish and unrefined gas-only engine; you will get much less tools for the cash than different selections right here
Beginning value: $28,585
Our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Overview
Wait, did we by chance copy and paste the entire Kia Sportage’s professionals 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 think about it if you happen to can swing the upper month-to-month fee. In any other case, the Tucson’s sluggish gas-only engine that is often a con is in the end simply effective on this firm given simply how rather more SUV you are getting on your cash. Just like the Sportage, the Tucson is huge, with far more passenger and cargo house than the opposite SUVs listed above. You additionally get a higher-quality inside, wonderful tech and robust security credentials.