For those on a tight budget, the market offers plenty of inexpensive entry-level crossover SUVs that won’t break the bank

Sport Utility Vehicles or SUVs outsold sedans for the first time in 2015. Fast forward to more recent times and by 2022, 80 percent of all new vehicles sold were trucks or SUVs. Clearly, this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and here are some of the top reasons why buyers are opting for these high-riding vehicles over conventional cars:

• Bigger And More Powerful: SUVs are perfect for individuals and families looking for a ride with generous headroom, legroom, and storage space. These hulking vehicles can transport more people or carry more luggage as needed.
• Active Lifestyle: If you are trying to achieve work-life balance by engaging in activities such as biking, camping, or overlanding, SUVs are your best friends. You can easily find cheap SUVs that are perfect for overlanding . Likewise, these vehicles won’t break a sweat if you need an SUV with the best towing capacity.
• Comfort, Luxury, And Safety: Aside from better ride height and having more space, SUVs today are loaded with features and are also packed with technologies to keep you safe and make your life on the road much easier.

But what if you are on the hunt for an SUV, but do not want to spend a fortune? Thankfully, there are plenty of options for the budget-conscious buyer. We’ve listed some of the most affordable new SUVs in the market today.

We gathered information from automakers, NHTSA, EPA, and other reputable websites to come up with a list of the most affordable SUVs you can buy today. Models have been arranged from the most expensive to the most affordable.

10 2024 Mazda CX-30

Starting MSRP: $24,995

The South Korean car manufacturer increased the pricing for the new model year Mazda CX-30. Mazda introduces new trims of the small SUV, the Carbon Turbo model, and the Sport trim. However, it keeps things affordable with an entry-level Mazda CX-30 that starts at $24,995. The 2.5 S trim has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated block that generates 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, returns an estimated fuel efficiency rating of 29 miles per gallon combined, or about 26 in the city and 33 on the highway.

Specifications

Engine	2.5-liters Inline-four
Horsepower	191 HP
Torque	186 LB-FT
Transmission	Six-Speed Automatic
Driveline	AWD
Towing Capacity	2,000 pounds
Fuel Economy (Estimated)	29 MPG Combined (26 City, 33 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Mazda)

Just like its 2023 CX-30 sibling, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 features an upscale exterior look. In the cabin, you’re treated to an 8.8-inch infotainment display. Safety features such as high beam control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, rear seat alert, and smart brake support come standard.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom:38.1/38.3 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Legroom: 41.7/36.3 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 55.6/53.6 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 54.6/53.2 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 20.2 cubic feet with second-row seats up
• Safety Rating: 5 of 5 Stars (Overall Safety Rating)

9 2024 Honda HR-V

Starting MSRP: $24,100

The HR-V is the smallest and most budget-friendly SUV in Honda’s fleet. The 2024 HR-V is elbowing it out with competitors such as the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, and the Mazda CX-30. For the latest model year, there are no significant design changes since the HR-V was redesigned in 2023 to sport a more European styling. However, the Japanese carmaker poured its efforts to give you a roomy and feature-rich cabin. Front and center are the seven-inch infotainment screen and digital instrument displays. Most drivers will also appreciate the tactility of the buttons and knob controls, something which is not common in a lot of vehicles today.

Specifications

Engine	2.0-Liter Inline-Four
Horsepower	158 HP
Torque	138 Lb-Ft
Transmission	CVT
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	Not recommended for towing
Fuel Economy	28 MPG Combined (26 CIty, 32 Highway) for the LX FWD trim

(Engine specifications sourced from Honda)

Under the hood of this small SUV, you’ll find a 2.0-liter inline-four that’s linked to a CVT automatic. The engine, which outputs 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, is standard in all trims. The ride shares its platform with its Honda Civic sibling, giving it a smooth ride quality, responsive steering, and good behavior on the road.

2024 Honda HR-V Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 39.4/38 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Legroom: 41.9/37.7 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 56.6/55.2 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 54/47.4 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Volume: 24.4 cubic feet (Standard), 55.1 cubic feet (Max)
• Safety Rating: 5 Stars (Frontal and Side Crash), TBD (Overall Rating)

8 2024 Volkswagen Taos

Starting MSRP: $23,995

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos is a small SUV with a good proposition for buyers looking for a daily driver and a ride for your weekend suburban getaway. Marrying the best qualities of the Tiguan and the Golf, the smallest SUV in the German carmaker’s lineup delivers a zippy and comfortable ride. The little SUV is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that cranks out 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to bring the Taos from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.8 seconds.

Specifications

Engine	1.5-Liter Inline-Four
Horsepower	158 HP
Torque	184 LB-FT
Transmission	Eight-Speed Automatic
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	Towing is not recommended
Fuel Economy	31 MPG Combined (28 City, 36 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Volkswagen)

Just like the 2023 VW Taos that was packed with features and technologies, the 2024 Taos won’t disappoint. All Taos comes standard with IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology, automatic headlights, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and more. You also get a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim you buy.

2024 Volkswagen Taos Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 40.7/39.8 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Legroom: 40.1/37.9 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 56.5/55.2 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: –
• Cargo Space: 27.9 to 65.9 cubic feet
• Safety Rating: 4 of 5 Stars (Overall Safety Rating)

7 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Starting MSRP: $23,695

Another subcompact SUV with an affordable tag price is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. On top of its value proposition is its competitive warranty that includes a limited powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles. While there’s nothing new or outlandish with the exterior or interior design of the Outlander Sport, the vehicle meets the basics and checks all the boxes for a decent ride that can seat a family of five comfortably. Under the hood of the Outlander Sport is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant that gives out 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. All available trims send their power to all four corners.

Specifications

Engine	2.0-Liter Inline-Four
Horsepower	148 HP
Torque	145 LB-FT
Transmission	CVT
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	–
Fuel Economy	27 MPG Combined (24 City, 30 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Mitsubishi)

The base model offers great value. Aside from the decent engine output for a daily rider, it also gets basic driver assistance features such as automatic high beam, emergency braking, and lane departure warning. You also get a seven-inch touchscreen and auto-dimming rearview mirror, among others.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 39.4/37.9 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Legroom: 41.6/36.3 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 56.2/55.5 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 52.1/51.6 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 21.7 to 49.5 cubic feet
• Safety Rating: 4 of 5 Stars (Overall Safety Rating)

6 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

Starting MSRP: $23,610

There are several things to consider when buying a new SUV. Aside from the sticker price, you will also need to consider factors such as seating capacity, cargo, fuel efficiency, and safety features. The 2023 Toyota Cross is an entry-level SUV that offers good value for your money and some more. The Corolla Cross, positioned just below the bigger RAV4 sibling, relies on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. This SUV that can accommodate five passengers is a good daily driver but capable enough if you need to go on a quick road trip beyond the city borders. It also boasts a 32 MPG combined fuel rating.

Specifications

Engine	2.0-Liter Inline-Four
Horsepower	169 HP
Torque	151 LB-FT
Transmission	CVT
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	1,500 Pounds
Fuel Economy	32 MPG Combined (31 City, 33 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Toyota)

The Corolla Cross comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six speakers, a tire pressure monitoring system, a hill start to assist control, nine airbags, and more. The Toyota Safety Sense, which comes with lane departure alert, and pre-collision system, among other driving safety technologies, is also standard for all trims.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 38.6/39 inches (First/Second Row without moonroof)
  • Legroom: 42.9/32 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 52.7/52.4 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 52.6/43.8 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 24 cubic-feet
• Safety Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for Frontal and Side Crash; TBD (Overall Safety Rating)

5 2024 Buick Envista

Starting MSRP: $23,495

The Buick Envista is a new nameplate for the brand and it is another affordable SUV that’s perfect for consumers looking for coupe-like utility vehicles. Positioned just below Buick’s Encore GX and the line of Envision SUVs, the Envista is a worthy newcomer offering a quiet ride and a fast roofline. The Envista is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.

Specifications

Engine	1.2-Liter Inline-Four
Horsepower	137 HP
Torque	162 LB-FT
Transmission	Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	–
Fuel Economy (Estimated)	30 MPG Combined (28 City, 32 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Buick)

While you cannot expect much from the engine’s output, the premium-looking Envista has an efficient layout that makes daily commutes comfortable. Buick ensures that you have a spacious cabin. It boasts a legroom of 41.90 inches in front and 38.7 inches in the second row. These numbers are comparable to measurements you’ll find in mid-size SUVs like the 2024 Land Rover Defender 110. Cargo space is around 21 cubic feet when the second-row seats are up, but you can expand it to 42 cubic feet when you stow the second-row seats.

2024 Buick Envista Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 39.4/37.30 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Legroom: 41.90/38.7 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 56/54.5 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 52.30/45.8 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 20.7 to 42 cubic feet
• Safety Rating: TBD

4 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Starting MSRP: $23,100

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer does not only come with a pocket-friendly price tag but also oozes with curb appeal. The American car manufacturer gives the trusted nameplate a new grille, lighting accents, and eye-popping screens on its dashboard. The ride looks cool and exciting, but don’t expect too much from its entry-level standard issue 1.2-liter turbocharged engine for the LS trim produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant is paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic gearbox that sends the power to the front wheels. A more potent 1.3-liter 155-horsepower engine comes as standard for the pricier RS and ACTIV trims.

Specifications

Engine	1.2-Liter Inline-Three (Entry-Level Trim)
Horsepower	137 HP
Torque	162 LB-FT
Transmission	9-Speed Automatic Transmission
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	1,000 pounds
Fuel Economy (Estimated)	31 MPG Combined (29 City, 33 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Chevrolet)

Inside the Trailblazer is a huge 11-inch touchscreen that comes standard in all trims. In terms of safety and driver assistance features, the affordable SUV rolls out of the factory with automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lander keep assist, front pedestrian braking, and more. With the success of the 2023 Trailblazer as a basis, the 2024 version might be worth considering.

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 40/38.4 inches (First/Second Row without sunroof)
  • Legroom: 40.9/39.4 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 55.4/53.8 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 52.3/50.39 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 25.3 to 54.4 cubic feet
• Safety Rating: 5 of 5 Stars (Overall Safety Rating)

3 2024 Nissan Kicks

Starting MSRP: $20,790

The Nissan Kicks is known for its agility and impressive fuel economy, making it a wise choice if you’re looking for an affordable SUV. The 2024 Nissan Kicks beats most of its competitors in the segment, not only with the lowest tag price but also with best-in-class fuel economy. The subcompact crossover from the Japanese brand has a 33 MPG combined fuel rating, or 31 when snaking around the city and 36 when cruising on the highway. These numbers translate to spending $1,650 annually on fuel or $2.71 per 25 miles of driving.

Specifications

Engine	1.6-Liter Inline-Four
Horsepower	122 HP
Torque	114 LB-FT
Transmission	Xtronic CVT
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	–
Fuel Economy (Estimated)	33 MPG Combined (31 City, 36 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Nissan)

The 2024 Nissan Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four engine that outputs 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Aside from its nimbleness on the road, the Kicks also has a generous interior space. The headroom and legroom are ample for adults, and its cargo space of up to 53.1 cubic feet is enough for every lifestyle.

2024 Nissan Kicks Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 40.4/38.5 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Legroom: 43.7/33.4 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 53/53.2 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 50.9/49.1 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 25.3 to 53.1 cubic feet
• Safety Rating: TBD

2 2024 Chevrolet Trax

Starting MSRP: $21,495

With a starting price below $21,000, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is one of the cheapest SUVs you can buy today. The 2024 Trax is bigger and more spacious after getting a total reengineering and redesign. It has more legroom and bigger cargo capacity compared to its predecessor. Under the hood is a turbocharged inline-three turbocharged block that is mated to an automatic transmission. The engine produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.

Specifications

Engine	1.2-Liter Inline-Three
Horsepower	137 HP
Torque	162 LB-FT
Transmission	Six-Speed Automatic
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	–
Fuel Economy (Estimated)	30 MPG Combined (28 City, 32 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Chevrolet)

On the outside, the Trax sports different looks, depending on the trim. The entry-level LS and LT come with clean and straightforward design lines. While the RS and Active trims feature more aggressive vibes. Inside, you have an 8-inch infotainment screen for the lowest tier of the Trax. You also benefit from a host of standard safety features such as automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, and lane departure warning.

2024 Chevrolet Trax Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 39.6/38.1 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Legroom: 41.9/38.7 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 55.7/54.3 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 52.1/45.8 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 25.6 to 54.1 cubic feet
• Safety Rating: TBD

1 2024 Hyundai Venue

Starting MSRP: $19,800

The 2024 Venue is the smallest SUV in Hyundai’s fleet. While it looks very compact, it comes with a good deal of practicality that it’s worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade from a regular sedan. For a compact SUV that starts below $20,0000, it provides excellent value for consumers. The entry-level trim, the Hyundai Venue SE, comes with a good list of advanced safety technologies such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert.

Specifications

Engine	1.6-Liter Inline Four
Horsepower	121 HP
Torque	113 LB-FT
Transmission	CVT
Driveline	FWD
Towing Capacity	–
Fuel Economy	31 MPG Combined (29 City, 33 Highway)

(Engine specifications sourced from Hyundai)

Under the hood of the Hyundai Venue is a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produces 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. You’ll find the Venue’s cabin roomy enough even for its small size. The design is pretty straightforward but well thought out, with an easily visible instrument cluster, crystal clear eight-inch infotainment system, and properly laid out knobs and buttons.

2024 Hyundai Venue Dimensions And Safety

• Seating Capacity: Five
• Interior Measurements:
  • Headroom: 39.4/38.6 inches (First/Second Row without sunroof)
  • Legroom: 41.3/34.3 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Shoulder Room: 53.9/53.7 inches (First/Second Row)
  • Hiproom: 52.1/43.5 inches (First/Second Row)
• Cargo Space: 18.7 to 31.9 cubic feet
• Safety Rating: 4 of 5 Stars (Overall Safety Rating)