SUVs continue to dominate the automotive market, capturing the hearts of drivers with their versatility, space, and commanding presence on the road. However, with new car prices reaching unprecedented heights, many budget-conscious consumers are left wondering if the dream of owning a new SUV is still within reach. The good news is that despite the overall price surge, there are still incredibly affordable SUV options available in 2024. These models prove you don’t have to break the bank to get behind the wheel of a capable and comfortable SUV.
For those diligently searching for the Most Affordable Suv 2024, the market offers a surprising array of choices that deliver excellent value without compromising on essential features. While luxury brands and high-end models command premium prices, numerous automakers are catering to the demand for budget-friendly SUVs. This article dives into the top 20 least expensive SUVs available in America this year, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the market and find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Prepare to be surprised by the diverse selection of most affordable SUVs for 2024 that offer a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and modern features, all at prices that are genuinely accessible.
20. Subaru Forester: $28,440
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
Kicking off our list is the Subaru Forester, a perennial favorite known for its reliability and off-road capability. With a starting price of $28,440, the 2024 Forester offers significant value, especially considering its standard all-wheel drive – a hallmark of the Subaru brand. As the 2024 model year gives way to a next-generation Forester in 2025, savvy buyers might find attractive deals on the outgoing model. The base Forester boasts an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it more capable than many competitors when venturing off the beaten path. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology is also standard, adding an extra layer of safety. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower, providing adequate performance for daily driving and weekend adventures.
19. Kia Niro Hybrid: $28,315
Fuel Economy: 48 MPG
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing SUV practicality, the Kia Niro Hybrid emerges as a compelling option. Priced at $28,315, it’s the sole hybrid SUV on our list of most affordable SUVs, and its fuel economy of 48 MPG is truly exceptional. The Niro Hybrid is a relatively recent model, having entered its second generation in 2023, meaning it offers modern styling and features. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain generating 139 horsepower, driving the front wheels. The base model is well-equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a suite of driver-assistance features, including emergency braking and blind spot detection, making it a smart and safe choice in the most affordable suv 2024 category.
18. Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG
The Chevrolet Equinox, priced at $27,995, is another solid contender in the affordable SUV segment. Similar to the Forester, a next-generation Equinox is on the horizon for 2025, potentially making the 2024 model an even more attractive value proposition. The current Equinox offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. It features a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, auto emergency braking, a rear camera, and lane-keep assist, providing essential technology and safety features at a competitive price point for a most affordable suv 2024.
17. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: $27,790
Fuel Economy: 26 MPG
Mitsubishi offers two SUVs under the $30,000 mark, with the Eclipse Cross starting at $27,790. Even in its base ES trim, the Eclipse Cross comes standard with all-wheel drive, a feature often optional or unavailable in this price range. It’s powered by a 152-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine mated to a CVT. An 8.0-inch touchscreen, auto emergency braking, and lane-departure warnings are also standard, along with LED headlights and taillights, giving it a modern and well-equipped feel for an affordable suv in 2024.
16. Jeep Compass: $27,495
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG
If you prioritize power in your most affordable suv 2024 search, the Jeep Compass stands out. It’s the most powerful vehicle in this price bracket, boasting 200 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is standard, a must-have for many SUV buyers. The Compass also features a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, enhancing its interior appeal. While it might be less generous with standard driver-assistance systems compared to some rivals, the robust engine and standard AWD make it a compelling choice for those seeking performance and capability in an affordable package.
15. Buick Encore GX: $26,895
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
Buick enters the most affordable suv 2024 conversation with the Encore GX, priced at $26,895. The Encore GX offers a more premium feel than some competitors, particularly in its interior, which features a button-rich layout and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The base model uses a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a CVT. Standard driver assists include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a rear-view camera, balancing features and affordability.
14. Subaru Crosstrek: $26,540
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
Subaru’s second entry on the list, the Crosstrek, comes in at $26,540, positioning itself as a slightly smaller and more budget-friendly alternative to the Forester. The Crosstrek maintains Subaru’s core values, offering standard all-wheel drive and the same 8.7 inches of ground clearance as the Forester. It also includes Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology. Power is provided by a 2.0-liter engine producing 152 horsepower. For those seeking a capable and compact affordable suv in 2024, the Crosstrek is a strong contender.
13. Mazda CX-30: $26,370
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
For buyers who prioritize sporty driving dynamics in their most affordable suv 2024, the Mazda CX-30 is worth considering. Starting at $26,370, the CX-30 boasts a sleek and stylish design and a more engaging driving experience than many in its class. It’s powered by a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive is standard. The interior features a minimalist design with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and a generous suite of driver assists, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto emergency braking, comes standard.
12. Honda HR-V: $25,950
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG
Honda’s most affordable SUV, the HR-V, starts at $25,950. It offers 158 horsepower and front-wheel drive as standard (all-wheel drive is optional). The base model rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels and features a well-designed interior that’s considered one of the best in the subcompact SUV segment. Honda also equips the HR-V with a comprehensive suite of driver assists, including hill-descent control, making it a well-rounded and affordable suv for 2024.
11. Kia Seltos: $25,865
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Kia Seltos, refreshed for 2024 and priced at $25,865, offers standard all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient 146-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Its exterior styling is distinctive, and it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior is digitally focused, featuring an 8.0-inch center screen and a 4.2-inch driver display. Standard safety features include auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist, making the Seltos a stylish and safe most affordable suv in 2024.
10. Hyundai Kona: $25,435
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
Hyundai’s Kona, also refreshed for 2024 and priced at $25,435, brings a fresh design and impressive standard features to the affordable suv 2024 category. It boasts a large 12.3-inch center display integrated with a digital driver screen, creating a modern cockpit feel. The base 2.0-liter engine produces 146 horsepower, and exterior features include 17-inch aluminum wheels and LED lights. A generous array of driver assists, such as rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring with auto braking, further enhance its value.
9. Volkswagen Taos: $25,420
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Volkswagen Taos, starting at $25,420, is the sole German offering in the sub-$30,000 SUV segment. It features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While driver assists are more basic, including blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking, the Taos offers a refined digital cockpit with an 8.0-inch driver display and a 6.5-inch center screen for those seeking a touch of European engineering in their most affordable suv 2024.
8. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,140
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, priced at $25,140, is the cheapest SUV on this list with standard all-wheel drive. It also includes LED lights as standard. However, to achieve this price point, some trade-offs are made. The interior features a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen, driver assists are limited to forward collision mitigation and lane departure warnings, and it rides on 16-inch steel wheels. Power comes from a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a CVT. For buyers prioritizing AWD on a tight budget for their most affordable suv 2024, the Outlander Sport is an option.
7. Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,960
Fuel Economy: 32 MPG
Debuting for the 2022 model year, the Toyota Corolla Cross remains a popular choice, starting at $24,960, thanks to its combination of fuel efficiency, decent performance, and generous standard equipment. This includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist suite, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and nine airbags. It’s powered by a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with a CVT, and while front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available. The Corolla Cross is a well-rounded and reliable affordable suv in 2024.
6. Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,395
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
A recent refresh has given the Chevrolet Trailblazer, priced at $24,395, updated styling and a more modern interior. It features a standard 11.0-inch touchscreen and a wide range of driver assists. The base model uses a smaller turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, driving the front wheels through a CVT. The Trailblazer offers a stylish and tech-forward option in the most affordable suv 2024 category.
5. Buick Envista: $23,495
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
Buick further solidifies its presence in the affordable suv 2024 market with the Envista, starting at just $23,495. This new model, launched last year, essentially serves as a more upscale alternative to the Chevrolet Trax. The Envista boasts a standard digital interior with an 11.0-inch center screen and an 8.0-inch driver display. It shares GM’s turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with other models in this price range, powering the front wheels. Driver-assistance systems are reasonably equipped, including auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
4. Nissan Kicks: $22,400
Fuel Economy: 33 MPG
The Nissan Kicks, priced at $22,400, offers sporty styling and impressive fuel economy. While it produces only 122 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and is exclusively front-wheel drive, it compensates with features. Even the base S trim comes with a wide array of driver assists, including rear cross-traffic alert and auto braking. The infotainment system includes a 7.0-inch screen with smartphone integration. With a combined 33 MPG rating, the Kicks is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cheap SUV available in the US for 2024.
3. Kia Soul: $21,565
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Kia Soul, starting at $21,565, offers a unique, boxy design and hatchback-like versatility. Refreshed in 2023, it provides the same 146-horsepower 2.0-liter engine as the Seltos, driving the front wheels. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, along with emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The Soul is a characterful and practical most affordable suv 2024 option.
2. Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
The Chevrolet Trax, priced at $21,495, underwent a recent refresh, resulting in a handsome and budget-friendly subcompact SUV. It’s powered by a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter engine. The base trim includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but driver assists are somewhat basic, primarily auto emergency braking and lane keep assist. The Trax provides stylish and affordable suv motoring in 2024.
1. Hyundai Venue: $21,135
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
Topping our list as the most affordable suv 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 1.6L four-cylinder engine producing 121 hp, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a respectable array of driver-assist technology. While not the most powerful or spacious SUV, the Venue offers unbeatable value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a new SUV in 2024.
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
In conclusion, despite rising vehicle costs, the most affordable suv 2024 market remains vibrant with numerous options for budget-minded shoppers. From fuel-efficient hybrids to capable all-wheel-drive models, this list of 20 SUVs demonstrates that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromise. Whether you prioritize fuel economy, space, features, or off-road capability, there’s a budget-friendly SUV on this list ready to meet your needs in 2024.
