SUVs continue to dominate the automotive market, offering versatility and space that many drivers crave. However, with rising car prices, finding a new SUV that fits your budget can be challenging. If you’re looking for a capable and affordable vehicle, you might be surprised to learn that there are still excellent options available without breaking the bank. These cheap SUVs of 2024 prove that you don’t have to compromise on quality or features when searching for an economical ride. With starting prices significantly lower than the average new car, these models deliver value and practicality for budget-conscious buyers.
Here are the top 20 least expensive SUVs in America for 2024, ranked from the higher end of “cheap” to the absolute most affordable, including destination charges to give you the true bottom line.
20. Subaru Forester: $28,440
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
The Subaru Forester, with a starting price of $28,440, is positioned at the higher end of our cheap SUVs list but justifies its spot with standard all-wheel drive and impressive features. As a new generation Forester is anticipated for 2025, savvy buyers might find appealing deals on the outgoing 2024 model. The base Forester boasts a substantial 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable in various terrains. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology is included standard, enhancing safety and convenience. Powered by a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Forester balances performance and efficiency, making it a solid choice for those seeking a capable and affordable SUV.
19. Kia Niro Hybrid: $28,315
Fuel Economy: 48 MPG
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency alongside affordability, the Kia Niro Hybrid, starting at $28,315, is a standout option. It’s the sole hybrid SUV on this list of cheap SUVs, delivering an exceptional 48 MPG. This second-generation model, updated for 2023, offers a contemporary design and advanced features. The Niro Hybrid features a 139-horsepower 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain driving the front wheels. An 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including emergency braking and blind-spot detection, are standard, making it a technologically advanced and cheap SUV choice.
18. Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG
The Chevrolet Equinox, priced at $27,995, provides a comfortable and spacious option in the cheap SUVs category. While a next-generation Equinox is on the horizon for 2025, the current model offers excellent value. It’s powered by a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Inside, you’ll find a 7.0-inch touchscreen with essential driver assists like auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The Equinox is a practical and cheap SUV, especially attractive to buyers looking for a bit more space without a hefty price tag.
17. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: $27,790
Fuel Economy: 26 MPG
Mitsubishi offers the Eclipse Cross as another contender in the cheap SUVs segment, with a starting price of $27,790. The base ES trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, a turbocharged 1.5-liter 152-horsepower engine, and a CVT. An 8.0-inch touchscreen, auto emergency braking, and lane-departure warnings are also standard, providing a good mix of features for the price. LED headlights and taillights add a touch of modern styling to this affordable SUV.
16. Jeep Compass: $27,495
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG
If power is a priority in your search for cheap SUVs, the Jeep Compass, starting at $27,495, delivers with a robust 200 horsepower – the highest in this price range. This is thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Standard all-wheel drive and 17-inch aluminum wheels enhance its appeal. Inside, a large 10.1-inch touchscreen is a highlight. While standard driver assists are basic, the Compass focuses on providing a powerful and capable driving experience at an accessible price point in the cheap SUV market.
15. Buick Encore GX: $26,895
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
The Buick Encore GX, starting at $26,895, introduces a touch of Buick’s premium feel to the cheap SUVs category. Its interior features a button-rich design with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The base model is equipped with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a CVT. Standard driver assists include automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, making the Encore GX a comfortable and feature-rich cheap SUV option.
14. Subaru Crosstrek: $26,540
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
The Subaru Crosstrek, priced at $26,540, offers Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive capability in a smaller, more affordable package within the cheap SUVs landscape. Sharing the same ground clearance and EyeSight driver assist tech as the Forester, the Crosstrek is powered by a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Its appealing design and Subaru’s reputation for reliability make the Crosstrek a popular choice for those seeking a capable and cheap SUV.
13. Mazda CX-30: $26,370
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
For drivers seeking a sporty and stylish cheap SUV, the Mazda CX-30, starting at $26,370, is a compelling option. Its sleek design houses a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, providing engaging performance. Standard all-wheel drive and an 8.8-inch touchscreen in a minimalist cabin enhance the driving experience. A comprehensive suite of driver assists, including blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking, adds to the CX-30’s appeal as a fun-to-drive and safe cheap SUV.
12. Honda HR-V: $25,950
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG
Honda’s most affordable SUV, the HR-V, starts at $25,950 and offers a well-rounded package in the cheap SUVs category. It delivers 158 horsepower to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive available. The base model features 17-inch aluminum wheels and a refined interior that stands out in the small SUV segment. Honda’s commitment to safety is evident with a full suite of driver assists, including hill-descent control, making the HR-V a practical and cheap SUV with a touch of sophistication.
11. Kia Seltos: $25,865
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
Refreshed for 2024, the Kia Seltos, starting at $25,865, offers standard all-wheel drive and fuel efficiency in a stylish cheap SUV package. Its 146-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine is economical, achieving 31 MPG. The Seltos rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features a modern digital interior with an 8.0-inch center screen and a 4.2-inch driver display. Standard auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist provide essential safety features, making the Seltos a well-equipped and cheap SUV.
10. Hyundai Kona: $25,435
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Hyundai Kona, priced at $25,435, is another newly updated model for 2024, bringing fresh styling and impressive standard features to the cheap SUVs market. A standout feature is the 12.3-inch center display paired with a digital driver screen. The base 146-horsepower 2.0-liter engine is efficient, and the Kona includes 17-inch aluminum wheels and LED lights. A generous array of driver assists, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, positions the Kona as a feature-rich and cheap SUV.
9. Volkswagen Taos: $25,420
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
For fans of German engineering seeking cheap SUVs, the Volkswagen Taos, starting at $25,420, is the only option under $30,000. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. The Taos features a handsome digital cockpit with an 8.0-inch driver display and a 6.5-inch center screen. While driver assists are basic, including blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking, the Taos offers a taste of German refinement in the cheap SUV category.
8. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,140
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, priced at $25,140, is the most affordable SUV with standard all-wheel drive on this list, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers needing AWD in a cheap SUV. It also includes LED lights as standard. However, trade-offs include a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen, limited driver assists, and 16-inch steel wheels on the base model. A 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a CVT powers the Outlander Sport, offering essential features at a very competitive price within the cheap SUVs segment.
7. Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,960
Fuel Economy: 32 MPG
Debuting for the 2022 model year, the Toyota Corolla Cross continues to be a strong contender in the cheap SUVs market, starting at $24,960. It combines excellent fuel economy with a wealth of standard equipment, including Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist suite, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and nine airbags. A 169-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with a CVT provides decent performance, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The Corolla Cross is a reliable and well-equipped cheap SUV, leveraging Toyota’s reputation for quality.
6. Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,395
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Chevrolet Trailblazer, starting at $24,395, receives a fresh update, bringing appealing aesthetics and a modern digital interior to the cheap SUVs category. It features a standard 11.0-inch touchscreen and a wide range of driver assists. The base model is powered by a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a CVT. The Trailblazer offers a stylish and tech-forward option in the affordable SUV market.
5. Buick Envista: $23,495
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
Did you know Buick offers a crossover for under $25,000? The Buick Envista, starting at $23,495, is a new addition, positioned as a more upscale version of the Chevrolet Trax in the realm of cheap SUVs. It boasts a standard digital interior with an 11.0-inch center screen and an 8.0-inch driver display. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder, powering the front wheels. Driver assist systems are adequate, including auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist, making the Envista a stylish and value-oriented cheap SUV.
4. Nissan Kicks: $22,400
Fuel Economy: 33 MPG
The Nissan Kicks, priced at $22,400, offers sporty looks and impressive fuel economy in the cheap SUVs segment, although performance is modest with a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s exclusively front-wheel drive, but even the base S trim is well-equipped with driver assists, including rear cross-traffic alert and auto braking. The infotainment system includes Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. With a combined 33 MPG rating, the Kicks is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cheap SUV available.
3. Kia Soul: $21,565
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Kia Soul, starting at $21,565, received a refresh for the 2023 model year and offers a distinctive, boxy design, leaning more towards a hatchback than a traditional SUV in the cheap SUVs category. It shares the same 146-horsepower 2.0-liter engine as the Seltos, driving the front wheels. An 8.0-inch touchscreen and standard emergency braking and lane-keep assist are included, making the Soul a funky and functional cheap SUV.
2. Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
The Chevrolet Trax, priced at $21,495, is freshly updated and presents a handsome, subcompact option for budget-conscious buyers looking for cheap SUVs. It’s powered by a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter engine. The base trim features an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with auto emergency braking and lane keep assist as primary driver assists. The Trax combines style and affordability in the entry-level SUV market.
1. Hyundai Venue: $21,135
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
Topping our list of cheap SUVs in 2024 is the Hyundai Venue, with a starting price of just $21,135. It’s the only SUV in America with a base price under $20,000 before destination charges. For this incredibly accessible price, you get a 121-horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a surprising array of driver-assist technology. The Venue is a testament to affordability in the SUV market, proving you can get a new SUV without emptying your wallet.
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Cheapest SUVs Of 2024 – Ranked
- Hyundai Venue: $21,135
- Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
- Kia Soul: $21,565
- Nissan Kicks: $22,400
- Buick Envista: $23,495
- Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,395
- Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,960
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,140
- Volkswagen Taos: $25,420
- Hyundai Kona: $25,435
- Kia Seltos: $25,865
- Honda HR-V: $25,950
- Mazda CX-30: $26,370
- Subaru Crosstrek: $26,540
- Buick Encore GX: $26,895
- Jeep Compass: $27,495
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: $27,790
- Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995
- Kia Niro Hybrid: $28,315
- Subaru Forester: $28,440
