Want an Affordable New SUV? These Are Your Best Bets

SUVs are the sought-after vehicles on the market these days. They’ve moved beyond their trail-conquering roots and subsumed just about every market segment, from inveterate family hauler to high-performance monster. That includes affordable cars now, too. Buyers who once would have been limited to sedans and econoboxes can now buy a new crossover.

Cheap SUVs are not world-beaters; they typically have underpowered base engines, and they won’t overwhelm you with interior quality. But they can deliver some ride height, cargo space and capability. And several newer ones even bring some sleek exterior style.

Here are the cheapest SUVs you can buy in 2024. (Note: a vehicle had to have all-wheel drive available to meet our definition of “SUV,” which precluded some vehicles like the Hyundai Venue.)

Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet Trailblazer

In 2019, Chevy revived the moribund Trailblazer nameplate for a new subcompact crossover. It is the cheapest crossover on sale in America that offers all-wheel-drive.

Specs

Powertrain	Turbocharged 1.3-liter I3
Horsepower	155
Torque	174 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy	26 mpg city, 30 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Steals some of the larger Blazer's good looks
• Solid amount of cargo space for its size

Cons

• Slow off the line
• Not especially fun to drive

• Cargo Space: 25.3 cubic feet (54.4 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches
• Starting MSRP: $23,100

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport is Mitsubishi’s entry-level compact crossover that slots below the Outlander and the Eclipse Cross. It’s one of the more dated cars on the market but remains one of the most affordable crossovers.

Specs

Powertrain	2.4-liter I4
Horsepower	168
Torque	167 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy	23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Outstanding 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Surprisingly decent 8.5-inch ground clearance

Cons

• Underwhelming powertrain options
• Can't hit 30 mpg on the highway

• Cargo Space: 21.7 cubic feet (49.5 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches
• Starting MSRP: $23,695

Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota

Toyota Corolla Cross

The Toyota Corolla Cross is, as the name suggests, a Corolla turned into a crossover. It’s not the sexiest or sportiest crossover on the road but aims to provide a practical crossover at a reasonable price point.

Specs

Powertrain	2.0-liter I4
Horsepower	169
Torque	150
EPA Fuel Economy	29 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Comfortable ride quality over bumpy pavement
• More total cargo space than some larger compact crossovers

Cons

• One of the slowest new cars you can buy
• Second row is a bit tight for passengers

• Cargo Space: 24 cubic feet (66 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches
• Starting MSRP: $23,860

Hyundai Kona

Hyundai Kona

The Kona is Hyundai’s subcompact crossover. It’s offered in both gas and electric variants and offers a compelling mix of retro-futuristic style and practicality for its affordable price point.

Specs

Powertrain	Turbocharged 1.6-liter I4
Horsepower	190
Torque	195 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy	26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Comes with ample tech for the price point
• Cargo space on par with larger compact crossovers

Cons

• Better engine costs a premium
• Distinctive styling may be polarizing

• Cargo Space: 25.5 cubic feet (63.7 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
• Starting MSRP: $24,100

Kia Seltos

Kia

Kia Seltos

The Seltos is Kia’s subcompact crossover. It just received a refresh with exterior and interior styling enhancements, a more powerful turbocharged engine and a brawny new X-line trim.

Specs

Powertrain	Turbocharged 1.6-liter I4
Horsepower	195
Torque	195 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy	25 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Stylish interior
• Great cargo space for the segment

Cons

• Entry-level model is a bit spartan
• Not the most refined or sporty driving dynamics

• Cargo Space: 26.6 cubic feet (62.8 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 7.3 inches
• Starting MSRP: $24,490

Honda HR-V

Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is Honda’s smallest entry-level crossover. It aims to be like a Civic in crossover form, combining Honda handling and durability with practicality.

Specs

Powertrain	2.0-liter I4
Horsepower	158
Torque	138
EPA Fuel Economy	25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Upscale-feeling interior
• Excellent handling

Cons

• Engine feels underpowered
• Not the sexiest car on the road

• Cargo Space: 24.4 cubic feet (55.1 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 7.3 inches
• Starting MSRP: $24,600

Mazda CX-30

Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is Mazda’s entry-level subcompact crossover that comes in standard and turbo variants. It combines Mazda’s elevated feel and sophisticated driving dynamics in an affordable package.

Specs

Powertrain	2.5-liter I4
Horsepower	191
Torque	186
EPA Fuel Economy	26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Well-tuned handling and steering
• Interior feels premium for the price

Cons

• Less cargo space than competitors
• Engine doesn't feel that quick without turbo

• Cargo Space: 20.2 cubic feet (45.2 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches
• MSRP: $24,995

Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru

Best Small Crossover

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is Subaru’s subcompact crossover. It offers the Outback’s combination of capability and practicality in a smaller package. And that makes it one of the best value cars on the market.

Specs

Powertrain	2.0-liter boxer-four / 2.5-liter boxer-four
Horsepower	152 / 182
Torque	145 lb-ft / 178 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy	27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway / 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
Seats	5

Pros

• Impressive off-roader in base and Wilderness trim
• Unintimidating cabin with physical buttons

Cons

• CVT can be a buzzkill
• No more manual transmission option

• Cargo Space: 20.8 cubic feet (55.3 cubic feet total)
• Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
• MSRP: $25,195

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