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$25,000 is the new budget ceiling for SUVs in America. As of the 2024 model year, you can only buy one new SUV for under $20k, making the $20k – $25k bracket the affordable price range for those searching for a new crossover. There are many enticing vehicles in this category, and although you have to sacrifice performance, space, features, or a combination of these, most of these crossovers will suit the needs of students or a young couple. Let’s look at the best SUVs for under $25,000 in more detail.

1 Kia Soul

Not only is the Kia Soul one of the most affordable crossovers on sale, but it’s also one of the most cheerful, with distinctive boxy styling that frees up a good amount of interior space. Starting at just over $20k, the Soul has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. That’s not much, but the relatively light Soul feels sprightly enough around the city. It has close to 40 inches of second-row legroom, and passengers will also appreciate the comfortable ride. It’s possible to get the range-topping Soul EX for under $25k too, and that introduces features like a power sunroof, more stylish alloy wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control. This is our favorite new SUV under $25,000.

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Expert Opinion

“The Kia Soul isn’t just a good car, it is our favorite in the sub-compact SUV segment. With the CVT, the 2.0-liter feels adequately powered, and the continuously variable transmission is one of the more bearable we’ve driven thanks to programming that lets it fake shifts a moment before the engine’s drone gets too annoying.”

2 Mazda CX-30

2024 Mazda CX-30

Base MSRP

$24,995

Fuel Economy

26/33 MPG

Horsepower

191-250 hp

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Gas

If you want a budget SUV that doesn’t feel like a budget SUV, the Mazda CX-30 is a great choice. The upmarket styling is reminiscent of more expensive Mazdas like the CX-5, and the classy interior is highlighted by posh materials and a handsome design. Only the base CX-30 comes in at below $25k, and only just; it costs $24,995. For that price, it has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine making 191 hp, so it’s more powerful than most other SUVs here. Manual air conditioning, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8.8-inch center display, and blind-spot monitoring are equipped at this level. Besides that, the CX-30 handles sharply, but do bear in mind that it’s not the most spacious small SUV around. Still, it’s probably the best 2024 SUV for under $25,000 if you want something enjoyable to drive.

3 Toyota Corolla Cross

Slotting in below the immensely popular RAV4, the Corolla Cross starts at just $23,860. Its 2.0L engine can only manage 169 hp, but most buyers in this category will be more interested in being able to achieve over 30 mpg in city driving. The only Corolla Cross trim at under $25k is the L; it has an eight-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker sound system, and adaptive cruise control. The Corolla Cross isn’t remotely exciting, but it promises to be reliable and will get you to your destination in comfort. Keener drivers will prefer the Mazda CX-30, though.

4 Kia Seltos

2024 Kia Seltos

Base MSRP

$24,490

Fuel Economy

28/34/31 mpg (2.0L/FWD) | 27/31/29 mpg (2.0L/AWD) | 25/27/26 mpg (1.6T/AWD)

Horsepower

146 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

Positioned above the Soul, the Kia Seltos starts at $24,490 for the LX trim. Its 2.0L four-cylinder engine produces 146 hp and is mated to an intelligent variable automatic transmission. At 26.6 cubic feet, it has a decently sized cargo area behind the second row, but you do have to sacrifice some of the best features if you go for the LX. For example, it’s the only Seltos without a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED interior lighting, and the larger of the two touchscreens. Still, the Seltos is well worth a test drive if you’re looking for an affordable crossover.

5 Buick Envista

2024 Buick Envista

Base MSRP

$22,400

Fuel Economy

28/32/30 mpg

Horsepower

137 hp

Engine

1.2-liter Turbo 3-cylinder Gas

One of the only coupe-style SUVs in this price range, the Buick Envista starts at just $22,400. In all honesty, the Buick looks more expensive than it is, but the tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine quickly – or should we say, not so quickly – reminds you of the car’s positioning. Producing just 137 hp, it’s not quick in anyone’s language, but the six-speed automatic transmission is at least smooth. The base Preferred trim has big-car features like an 11-inch touchscreen and digital driver’s display, and you can add the Advanced Safety Package while still coming in at below $25k.

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6 Honda HR-V

2024 Honda HR-V

Base MSRP

$24,600

Fuel Economy

26/32 MPG

Horsepower

158 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

As far as safe bets go in this class, the Honda HR-V is right up there. It has a generous suite of driver-assistance features, a simple 2.0L engine, and a practical interior. It’s not as economical as the Corolla Cross, however, and the HR-V’s outputs severely limit its performance. It only produces 158 hp, so acceleration is lazy. It’s a pity considering that the Honda handles quite well – a more powerful engine could move this crossover several notches up in this segment. If you aren’t in a hurry, though, the HR-V is hard to fault.

7 Volkswagen Taos

2024 Volkswagen Taos

Base MSRP

$23,995

Fuel Economy

28/36 MPG

Horsepower

158 hp

Engine

1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

VW’s smallest crossover in the United States is the Taos, which starts at just under $24k for the 2024 model year. Like many other entrants in this class, the VW is down on power at just 158 hp. It also has rather bland styling and isn’t as enjoyable to drive as the CX-30. That said, the Taos is roomier than the average subcompact crossover, with good second-row space and a spacious cargo area. For the 2024 model year, VW also added more standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with steering assist and rear cross-traffic alert. This is a polished, if unexciting, crossover from VW.

8 Nissan Kicks

2024 Nissan Kicks

Base MSRP

$21,050

Fuel Economy

31/36 MPG

Horsepower

122 hp

Engine

1.6L Inline-4 Gas

The Nissan Kicks is older than several other small SUVs in this price range, but it still looks good. Its 122-hp 1.6-liter engine and CVT aren’t a match made in heaven, but the Kicks focuses on efficiency. You can also upgrade to the SV and SR trims without exceeding $25k, adding features like larger alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, and automatic climate control along the way. With its slow acceleration and lack of an all-wheel-drive option, there are more appealing alternatives to the Nissan in this segment.

9 Hyundai Kona

2024 Hyundai Kona

Base MSRP

$24,250

Fuel Economy

30/35 MPG

Horsepower

147 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

A new Hyundai Kona debuted for the 2024 model year, introducing a larger body and more features. In SE guise, the Kona starts at $24,250, which gets you the 147-hp 2.0L engine. FWD is standard and AWD is available. The Kona drives well and looks the part, while the interior has a modern look and better space utilization. It also has an impressive feature count, even in SE guise, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and blind-spot collision-avoidance warning all being standard.

10 Chevrolet Trax

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Base MSRP

$20,400

Fuel Economy

28/32 MPG

Horsepower

137 hp

Engine

1.2L Turbo 3 Cylinder Gas

The Chevrolet Trax returns for the 2024 model year with butch styling and a 137-hp three-cylinder engine. With a longer wheelbase than before, Chevy has been able to free up more space for rear-seat passengers, while also boosting cargo capacity. Although the interior features many harder plastics, the design is thoroughly modern, including a standard eight-inch touchscreen. Despite the below-average acceleration of this Chevy, it’s a high-value package at a starting price of $20,400.

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11 Best Of The Rest

These are the other SUVs under $25,000 that can be considered.

2024 Hyundai Venue

Base MSRP

$19,900

Fuel Economy

29/33/31 mpg

Horsepower

121 hp

Engine

1.6L Inline-4 Gas

Characteristics Of The Top-Rated SUVs Under $25k

Because of the low price, it may seem like new SUVs under $25,000 aren’t a good choice for buyers, but the truth is that some of the most reliable, practical, and even fun-to-drive SUVs don’t cost all that much. If you’re looking for one of the best SUVs of 2024 under $25k, this is what you can expect:

• Powertrain: Small three- or four-cylinder engines and an automatic gearbox are the most common powertrain setups in the segment as they offer sufficient power to move along without costing a fortune at the pumps. Front-wheel drive is generally standard, and while this power- and drivetrain combination does benefit mpg ratings, it means one would have to spend more to upgrade to all-wheel drive for improved traction.
• Performance: Whether hybrid or gas, the power plants under the hoods of SUVs in this category are, most often, designed for casual, everyday use. Leisurely acceleration is common, but these cars are suitable for use in the city and for shorter trips.
• Features: As manufacturers continue to try to outdo each other in providing the best SUV for the money, consumers benefit in that the majority of new cars come relatively well-equipped with safety and convenience basics. You’re likely to find cruise control, blind-spot assist, and parking sensors as standard on models in this price bracket, with some offering even more. The same applies to luxuries like higher-end sound systems and top-quality materials used in the cabins.
• Quality and reliability: The fact that many of the vehicles in this price bracket come from manufacturers that have earned reputations for reliability, dependability, and solid build quality is a boon. Sure, these tend to have less status than some German brands, for example, but you’re getting class-leading warranties, excellent fit and finish, and durable components from automakers that have perfected the art of developing affordable, quality SUVs.

What To Consider Before Buying

If you’ve got the money to spend on an SUV for around $25k or less, here are some of the things to keep in mind:

Pros

• Frugal engines
• Low purchase price
• Practical interiors with more cargo space than small sedans
• Appealing maintenance costs
• Multiple choices from trusted brands

Cons

• AWD and/or 4WD is not always available
• Slow acceleration
• Less luxury and opulence than more expensive rivals
• You may have to budget a bit more for extra features on top of the MSRP
• Safety tech may be more comprehensive on the upper, more expensive trims

Related

Best SUVs Of 2024 Under $40k

From efficient hybrids to more luxurious mid-size models, there’s a diverse range of sub-$40k SUVs in America.

What is the best SUV for no problems?

No car is perfect, but many SUVs on this list can be considered reliable. The Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V have strong reliability records, and both have non-turbocharged engines that should last a long time. We also recommend SUVs that have been on sale for longer, such as the Nissan Kicks. Being produced over a longer period of time often allows manufacturers to iron out any early issues.

Do dealerships allow for trade-ins of pre-owned SUVs?

Yes, many dealerships will accept fair trade-in deals for used automobiles, usually for a reduced cost on a second-hand offering.

Are less expensive SUVs still as good as the pricier versions?

Although you often pay for what you get, some SUVs in this price category match or surpass those in the class above.