Here is a information flash: Every thing is much more costly now! And that positively goes for brand spanking new SUVs, with costs that hold nudging increased and better. Really “nudging” is perhaps too gentle of an outline for his or her movement. “Skyrocketing” might be extra correct.
Whereas increased costs and hefty rates of interest have probably knocked lots of people out of the brand new automotive market totally, there are nonetheless fairly a number of low cost SUV decisions. Higher nonetheless, they are not horrible! Removed from it, actually. Whereas the bottom worth SUVs was once drab, sorry affairs greatest left to the plenty of Avis and Price range, that’s positively not the case right this moment. Not solely are there legitimately interesting low cost SUV decisions, they provide real variations in character, functionality and design. It is not only a sequence of nameless containers with totally different badges.
Beneath you will not simply discover a easy listing of the most cost effective SUVs accessible. We are literally mentioning the most effective ones. They’re listed from least costly to costliest, with none exceeding a beginning worth of $30,000. Most are subcompacts, however a number of of our high decisions 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 moderately than simply reusing fairly carmaker-provided photographs of the most costly trim ranges. That is what the vehicles will really appear to be.
Kia Soul
Why it stands out: Ample area and considerable options for the cash; distinctive type; robust turbo engine upgradeCould be higher: All-wheel drive will not be accessible
Beginning Worth: $21,315
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Soul Evaluation
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 measurement 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 kit and area 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 dearth 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 area and options for a low worth; best-in-class gas economic system; well-executed security techCould be higher: It is actually sluggish; no all-wheel drive
Learn our most up-to-date Nissan Kicks Evaluation
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 lovely styling replace for 2021. That stated, the Kicks does a extremely nice job on the fundamentals. It provides an enormous quantity of area 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 take a seat 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 lots of sense.
Buick Envista
Why it stands out: Compelling design; big area 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 does not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Evaluation
The Buick Envista is without doubt one of the greatest, best and most related vehicles to return out of Basic Motors in a very long time. It’s wildly spectacular and actually stunning. 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 nicely south of $30,000. That additionally worth places it nicely 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 expect anybody searching for a small, reasonably priced SUV can be smart 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 area; big cargo space; robust energy and gas economyCould be higher: Bland to drive; seems extra rugged than it’s
Beginning Worth: $25,345
Our full Volkswagen Taos Evaluation
Of a budget SUVs on this listing, 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 wanting the Bronco Sport, which is nothing to be ashamed of. In truth, the Taos has extra inside area than fairly a number of compact SUVs which can be bigger on the surface. When you will get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller car (higher maneuverability and gas economic 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 latest 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 would name deal breakers. It is a winner.
Hyundai Kona
Why it stands out: Nice tech; fairly enjoyable to drive; non-compulsory all-wheel drive; accessible electrical mannequin; more room 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 Evaluation
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 in the event you spring for one of many punchier fashions. It’s nonetheless full of usable, well-thought-out tech. And it’s nonetheless small — albeit quite a bit much less so than beforehand. Its place on the decrease finish of Hyundai’s lineup additionally helps the worth proposition stick. Put one other means: 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 reasonably priced EVs.
Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Stunning area; 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 Evaluation
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each perform and vogue. Its worth 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 number of the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the worth down. It additionally seems fairly good, and the accessible turbocharged engine produces surprising acceleration for this section. Principally, it offers much more worth past Kia’s typical extra-long options listing and guarantee. Just like the Envista, we would really contemplate the Seltos earlier than most of the compact SUVs that did not make the minimize 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 worth: $26,290
Our full 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Evaluation
The Crosstrek proves simply how far and wide this section is. It is principally simply an Impreza hatchback with some styling tweaks and an enormous carry (its 8.7 inches of floor clearance is far more than most crossovers), however that is really ok to higher many automobiles that have been constructed from scratch to be a small SUV. Apart from that floor clearance, the Crosstrek has grow to be a darling of the outside 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 nicely on longer drives. That it lastly presents a extra highly effective engine possibility 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 area is extra hatchback than SUV; dopey plastic fenders; non-touchscreen tech interface
Beginning worth: $26,360
Our full 2024 Mazda CX-30 Evaluation
If the Bronco Sport offers ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and magnificence, the Mazda CX-30 offers driving enjoyable and luxurious. We really contemplate it a better 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 hand over something to them when it comes to luxurious or options, and it could actually really 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 totally loaded. Principally, it is a discount with out wanting 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 worth: $28,165
Our Kia Niro Evaluation
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 below $30,000, we will follow the hybrid (though know the plug-in hybrid and all-electric variations are additionally actually good). Apart from getting the most effective gas economic system on this listing by an extended shot (49-53 mpg mixed relying on trim degree), the Niro offers stunning inside area, distinctive infotainment and security tech, and enticing styling. Frankly, your hybrid decisions at this worth vary are minimal, with Toyota’s Prius (not an SUV) and Corolla Cross (not superb) actually your solely different choices. We might go together with the Niro and be fairly pleased.
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 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 does not supply all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is wonderful in the event you’re simply in it for the incredible effectivity and are pleased to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is in the end proof that you simply need not drive round a miserly wanting automotive to seize top-shelf effectivity, so if you would like the most effective inexperienced possibility potential within the midcompact section, head straight right here.
Kia Sportage LX
Why it stands out: Huge area for an SUV below $30,000; cheaper than its compact SUV rivals; accessible hybrid; class-leading infotainment and security tech Could possibly be higher: Sluggish and unrefined gas-only engine; you will get much less gear for the cash than different decisions right here
Beginning worth: $28,415
Our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Evaluation
Most compact SUVs now begin over $30,000 while you have in mind the obligatory vacation spot cost. The Kia Sportage, however, continues to be comfortably beneath that threshold regardless of providing comparable gear and higher area than the best-selling Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Sportage is not simply one among our favourite low cost compact SUVs, it is one among our favorites, interval. The LX trim degree is in the end the one which’s below $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 moderately blah gas-only engine. Of all of the vehicles thus far, this might ship probably the most bang in your buck.
Hyundai Tucson
Why it stands out: Huge area for an SUV below $30,000; cheaper than its compact SUV rivals; class-leading infotainment and security tech Could possibly be higher: Sluggish and unrefined gas-only engine; you will get much less gear for the cash than different decisions right here
Beginning worth: $28,585
Our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Evaluation
Wait, did we by chance copy and paste all the 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 increased than $30,000 for 2024. That is positively a disgrace, though it’s best to positively contemplate it in the event you 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 in the end simply wonderful on this firm given simply how far more SUV you are getting in your cash. Just like the Sportage, the Tucson is huge, with far more passenger and cargo area than the opposite SUVs listed above. You additionally get a higher-quality inside, glorious tech and powerful security credentials.