Top 10 Affordable SUVs
By Dante Holloway | Published: 2025-04-20 | Category: Cheapest Suvs For Sale
About Cheapest Suvs For Sale
This category features Sport Utility Vehicles prized for their low entry-level pricing, often prioritizing value and practicality. These vehicles typically offer elevated ride height and flexible cargo space compared to sedans, making them popular choices for budget-conscious buyers.
How We Evaluated
Vehicles were evaluated based on starting MSRP, standard features, fuel efficiency, safety equipment, and overall value proposition within the budget SUV segment. Ratings reflect a blend of objective data and subjective assessment of each vehicle's strengths and weaknesses.
Rating Criteria
- → Value
- → Standard Features
- → Fuel Economy
- → Safety
- → Practicality
The Best Cheapest Suvs For Sale
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross L
A practical and reliable small SUV based on the popular Corolla sedan, offering efficiency and standard safety.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 169 hp
- MPG (Combined): 32 MPG (FWD)
- Drivetrain: FWD (AWD Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (includes Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control) (Standard)
- 🛡️Automatic High Beams (Standard)
Pros
- + Excellent fuel economy
- + Comprehensive standard safety features
- + Reputation for reliability
- + Comfortable ride
Cons
- - Unexciting driving dynamics
- - Engine noise under hard acceleration
- - Less cargo space than some rivals
Verdict
"The Toyota Corolla Cross is a sensible, efficient, and safe choice in the affordable SUV segment, leveraging the Corolla's reputation for dependability."
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Base
A rugged and capable small SUV with standard AWD and a reputation for safety and reliability.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L 4-Cylinder Boxer
- Horsepower: 152 hp
- MPG (Combined): 29 MPG
- Drivetrain: AWD
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (includes AEB, Lane Keep, Adaptive Cruise) (Standard)
- 🛡️High Beam Assist (Standard)
Pros
- + Standard All-Wheel Drive
- + Excellent safety scores and features
- + Comfortable ride quality
- + Good off-road capability for its class
Cons
- - Base engine is underpowered
- - CVT can be noisy under acceleration
- - Infotainment on base model is basic
Verdict
"The Subaru Crosstrek is a top choice for those needing standard AWD and strong safety credentials in an affordable package, ideal for adventurous lifestyles."
2024 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S
A subcompact SUV delivering a premium feel, engaging driving dynamics, and standard AWD at a competitive price.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.5L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 191 hp
- MPG (Combined): 29 MPG
- Drivetrain: AWD
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Smart Brake Support (AEB) (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane Departure Warning System (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane-keep Assist (Standard)
- 🛡️Mazda Radar Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go (Standard)
- 🛡️Blind Spot Monitoring (Standard)
Pros
- + Upscale interior design and materials
- + Standard AWD
- + Enjoyable handling
- + Strong standard engine
Cons
- - Less cargo space than some rivals
- - Rear seat space is tight
- - Infotainment controller isn't for everyone
Verdict
"The Mazda CX-30 offers a near-luxury experience and standard AWD for a non-luxury price, prioritizing driving enjoyment and style over maximum utility."
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
A stylish small SUV offering more space than the Trax, available AWD, and updated tech features.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 137 hp
- MPG (Combined): 31 MPG (FWD)
- Drivetrain: FWD (AWD Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Automatic Emergency Braking (Standard)
- 🛡️Front Pedestrian Braking (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane Keep Assist w/ Lane Departure Warning (Standard)
- 🛡️Forward Collision Alert (Standard)
Pros
- + Attractive exterior design
- + Available AWD
- + User-friendly infotainment with larger screen
- + Decent passenger and cargo space
Cons
- - Base engine feels underpowered
- - Ride can be firm
- - AWD requires optional engine upgrade
Verdict
"The Chevy Trailblazer offers a compelling mix of style, available AWD, and updated tech slightly above the Trax's price point, making it a versatile small SUV choice."
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport S
An aging but affordable subcompact SUV known for its available AWD and straightforward approach.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 148 hp
- MPG (Combined): 26 MPG (FWD)
- Drivetrain: FWD (AWD Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Forward Collision Mitigation w/ Pedestrian Detection (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane Departure Warning (Standard)
- 🛡️Automatic High Beams (Standard)
Pros
- + Low starting price
- + Available All-Wheel Drive
- + Good warranty coverage
Cons
- - Outdated design and technology
- - Poor fuel economy for the class
- - Unrefined driving experience
- - Weak base engine
Verdict
"The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's main draws are its low price and available AWD, but it lags behind competitors in refinement, features, and fuel efficiency."
2024 Buick Envista Preferred
A coupe-styled SUV offering a premium look and feel at an entry-level price point, sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 137 hp
- MPG (Combined): 30 MPG
- Drivetrain: FWD
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Automatic Emergency Braking (Standard)
- 🛡️Front Pedestrian Braking (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane Keep Assist w/ Lane Departure Warning (Standard)
- 🛡️Forward Collision Alert (Standard)
Pros
- + Sleek, upscale styling
- + Quiet and comfortable ride
- + Good standard technology features
- + Affordable entry price for the brand
Cons
- - Modest engine power
- - No AWD option
- - Sloping roofline impacts rear headroom and cargo
Verdict
"The Buick Envista brings premium design to the budget SUV class, offering a stylish and comfortable alternative, though it shares the Trax's powertrain limitations."
2024 Chevrolet Trax LS
Redesigned with sharp styling and increased size, the Trax offers impressive value and standard tech in the small SUV segment.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 137 hp
- MPG (Combined): 30 MPG
- Drivetrain: FWD
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Automatic Emergency Braking (Standard)
- 🛡️Front Pedestrian Braking (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane Keep Assist w/ Lane Departure Warning (Standard)
- 🛡️Forward Collision Alert (Standard)
Pros
- + Stylish exterior design
- + Spacious interior for its class
- + Good list of standard features
- + Attractive starting price
Cons
- - Modest engine power
- - No AWD option
- - Interior materials reflect cost-cutting
Verdict
"The redesigned Chevy Trax is a strong contender, offering style, space, and tech at a very competitive price, making it a top value choice."
2024 Nissan Kicks S
A stylish subcompact SUV emphasizing fuel efficiency, standard safety features, and a comfortable ride.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.6L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 122 hp
- MPG (Combined): 33 MPG
- Drivetrain: FWD
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Automatic Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian Detection (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane Departure Warning (Standard)
- 🛡️Rear Automatic Braking (Standard)
- 🛡️Blind Spot Warning (Standard)
Pros
- + Excellent fuel economy
- + Comprehensive standard safety suite
- + Comfortable front seats
- + Attractive styling
Cons
- - Slow acceleration
- - No AWD option
- - Basic interior materials
Verdict
"The Nissan Kicks excels in fuel efficiency and standard safety tech, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious commuters, despite its leisurely performance."
2024 Kia Soul LX
A uniquely styled boxy crossover offering surprising interior space and practicality for its low price.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 147 hp
- MPG (Combined): 30 MPG
- Drivetrain: FWD
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Auto Emergency Braking Technology (Optional on LX) (Optional)
- 🛡️Lane Keeping Assist (Optional on LX) (Optional)
- 🛡️Rear Occupant Alert (Standard)
Pros
- + Very affordable
- + Spacious cabin and cargo area for its size
- + Distinctive styling
- + User-friendly infotainment
Cons
- - Base model lacks some standard safety features
- - No AWD available
- - Engine can feel strained
Verdict
"The Kia Soul stands out with its design and practicality, offering impressive interior room at an attractive price point, but requires higher trims for key safety aids."
View Top Ranked Vehicle
Watch a short ad to unlock the details for the #1 ranked vehicle.
2024 Hyundai Venue SE
A subcompact SUV focused on value, maneuverability, and essential features for urban driving.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.6L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 121 hp
- MPG (Combined): 31 MPG
- Drivetrain: FWD
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Safety Features
- 🛡️Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection (Standard)
- 🛡️Lane Keeping Assist (Standard)
- 🛡️Driver Attention Warning (Standard)
Pros
- + Lowest starting price in its class
- + Good fuel economy
- + Generous standard safety tech
- + Easy to park and maneuver
Cons
- - Modest engine power
- - Limited rear passenger and cargo space
- - No AWD option
Verdict
"The Hyundai Venue is the quintessential budget SUV, offering incredible value and essential tech for city dwellers, though its small size and engine power limit its versatility."
Final Verdict
The affordable SUV market is packed with compelling options catering to various needs. Value leaders like the Hyundai Venue and Kia Soul offer rock-bottom pricing, while the Nissan Kicks excels in fuel economy and standard safety. The redesigned Chevy Trax and its stylish sibling, the Buick Envista, provide impressive space and modern tech for the money. For those seeking standard AWD and a more premium feel or rugged capability, the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek are strong contenders, albeit at slightly higher price points.