Here is a information flash: All the things is much more costly now! And that positively goes for brand spanking new SUVs, with costs that preserve nudging greater and better. Truly “nudging” may be too mushy of an outline for his or her movement. “Skyrocketing” might be extra correct.
Whereas greater costs and hefty rates of interest have seemingly knocked lots of people out of the brand new automotive market solely, there are nonetheless fairly a number of low-cost SUV selections. Higher nonetheless, they are not horrible! Removed from it, in truth. Whereas the bottom value SUVs was once drab, sorry affairs greatest left to the a number of Avis and Funds, that’s positively not the case immediately. Not solely are there legitimately interesting low-cost SUV selections, they provide real variations in character, functionality and design. It isn’t only a sequence of nameless packing containers with completely different badges.
Beneath you will not simply discover a easy checklist of the most affordable SUVs obtainable. We are literally declaring one of the best ones. They’re listed from least costly to costliest, with none exceeding a beginning value of $30,000. Most are subcompacts, however a number of of our high 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 slightly than simply reusing fairly carmaker-provided images of the most costly trim ranges. That is what the automobiles will truly appear to be.
Kia Soul
Why it stands out: Ample house and plentiful options for the cash; distinctive type; sturdy turbo engine improve
Might be higher: All-wheel drive will not be obtainable
Beginning Worth: $21,315
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Soul Overview
The Kia Soul positively 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 technology with quite a few automobiles of comparable form and dimension which can 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 apparatus and house for its value and dimension, an agreeable driving demeanor, and an much more highly effective engine improve than the Kona’s. We additionally suppose 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 obtainable all-wheel drive. That there are extra such automobiles 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 gas financial system; well-executed security tech
Might 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 in regards to the Kicks. It does 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 pretty 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 automobile its dimension, comes with a wealth of security options for a automobile with its modest value, and does not really feel like a penalty field to take a seat 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; large house for the cash; quiet and refined driving expertise; punchy and environment friendly engine; well-equipped
Might be higher: All-wheel drive is unavailable; armrests are a bit laborious; technically sluggish acceleration (even when it does not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Overview
The Buick Envista is among the greatest, best and most related automobiles to come back 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 journey consists and inside noise ranges low. It seems to be 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 shortage of all-wheel drive could also be a sticking level for some, however we predict anybody searching 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; large cargo space; sturdy energy and gas financial system
Might be higher: Bland to drive; seems to be extra rugged than it’s
Beginning Worth: $25,345
Our full Volkswagen Taos Overview
Of a budget SUVs on this checklist, the Taos is probably the most family-friendly because of a again seat that is shockingly large enough 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. The truth is, the Taos has extra inside house than fairly a number of compact SUVs which can be bigger on the skin. When you will get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller automobile (higher maneuverability and gas financial system, a lower cost), 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 format. Even its “could possibly be betters” listed above are hardly what we might name deal breakers. It is a winner.
Hyundai Kona
Why it stands out: Nice tech; fairly enjoyable to drive; elective all-wheel drive; obtainable electrical mannequin; extra space with new technology
Might 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 technology 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 approach: It’s nonetheless a discount. There’s additionally the Kona Electrical, and whereas positively costlier than the bottom fuel model, it is nonetheless some of the inexpensive EVs.
Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Stunning house; acceleration from Turbo fashions; class-leading tech; distinct design particulars
Might 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 style. 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 a few of the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the worth down. It additionally seems to be fairly good, and the obtainable turbocharged engine produces stunning acceleration for this section. Mainly, it gives much more worth past Kia’s standard extra-long options checklist 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 controls
Might be higher: Gradual 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 in every single place this section 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 ok to raised many automobiles that have been constructed from scratch to be a small SUV. In addition to that floor clearance, the Crosstrek has develop into a darling of the out of doors journey set for its manageable dimension, 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 provides a extra highly effective engine possibility satisfies a long-held grievance amongst house owners that the bottom engine was simply too darn sluggish.
Mazda CX-30
Why it stands out: Luxurious inside; best-in-class driving dynamics; beauty
Might 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 gives ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and elegance, the Mazda CX-30 gives driving enjoyable and luxurious. We truly think about it a wiser purchase than luxurious subcompacts just like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3, and never simply due to its lower cost. Its inside does not actually surrender something to them when it comes to luxurious or options, and it could possibly truly be extra partaking to drive, particularly with the turbo engine. Regardless of all this luxurious speak, although, the CX-30 value nonetheless begins within the low $20,000s, and crests $35,000 when absolutely loaded. Mainly, 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 obtainable); slick design; surprisingly spacious; class-leading tech
Might 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 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’ll keep on with the hybrid (though know the plug-in hybrid and all-electric variations are additionally actually good). In addition to getting one of the best gas financial system on this checklist by an extended shot (49-53 mpg mixed relying on trim stage), the Niro gives stunning inside house, distinctive infotainment and security tech, and engaging 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 would go along with the Niro and be fairly glad.
All three, the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV make the most of 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 fantastic for those who’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 finally proof that you just needn’t drive round a miserly trying automotive to seize top-shelf effectivity, so if you would like one of the best inexperienced possibility attainable within the midcompact section, head straight right here.
Kia Sportage LX
Why it stands out: Monumental house for an SUV underneath $30,000; cheaper than its compact SUV opponents; obtainable hybrid; class-leading infotainment and security tech
Might be higher: Gradual and unrefined gas-only engine; you may 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 whenever you have in mind the obligatory vacation spot cost. The Kia Sportage, alternatively, 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 stage is finally 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 slightly blah gas-only engine. Of all of the automobiles to this point, this might ship probably 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 opponents; class-leading infotainment and security tech
Might be higher: Gradual and unrefined gas-only engine; you may 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 accident copy and paste all the 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 positively a disgrace, though it is best to positively think about it for those who can swing the upper month-to-month cost. In any other case, the Tucson’s sluggish gas-only engine that is often a con is finally simply fantastic on this firm given simply how far more SUV you are getting to your cash. Just like the Sportage, the Tucson is large, 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.
