Yahoo Autos Cheapest SUVs for 2024 & 2025
While SUVs are almost always more expensive than their sedan or hatchback counterparts, there are plenty of affordable options out there. Sometimes, a manufacturer's cheapest car is a budget-friendly crossover. Because SUVs command such a large segment of the market, there's plenty of variety, too. These are the cheapest SUVs for 2024 and 2025.
2024 Hyundai Venue
Price: $21,275
With a base price of just over $21,000 for the base SE model, the 2024 Hyundai Venue holds the crown for cheapest new SUV on the market today. It has compact dimensions, a surprisingly airy cabin, and a pleasant driving experience, but it doesn't offer extras such as all-wheel drive.
Under the hood of the Venue is a small 1.6-liter inline-four making 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque, paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. While that's sufficient for low-speed city driving, we'd think twice about passing semis on two-lane roads.
Venue is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy, period
2025 Chevrolet Trax
Price: $21,495
The Chevy Trax experienced a glow-up for 2024, with more space inside and a new, more mature look. It's the most affordable crossover in GM's lineup, and it delivers good value and up to 32 mpg on the highway according to the EPA.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three engine making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. That's enough for an 8.8-second sprint to 60 mph. The Trax also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifts and makes the Trax less noisy than many of the other CVT-equipped crossovers in this price range.
2024 Kia Soul
Price: $21,565
The Soul was once the butt of many jokes in the automotive world, but it has grown into a fun and affordable choice in the subcompact-SUV segment. The Kia Soul has more charm than the vast majority of its competitors, and its low starting price makes it attractive for buyers on a budget.
A 147-hp inline-four paired to a standard CVT and front-wheel drive means you won't be carving corners or making passes swiftly, but this powertrain provides plenty of grunt for getting around town and commuting.
The Soul is one of the smallest cars on sale right now
2024 Nissan Kicks
Price: $22,440
The Nissan Kicks is the company's cheapest SUV, undercutting many rivals in price while providing smart looks and a host of standard driver-assistance features. A new Kicks is on the way for the 2025 model year, but it will likely cost a bit more.
No matter which trim you opt for, the Kicks comes standard with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-four making 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. Performance is predictably average, with a 0-60 time of 9.7 seconds.
It's one of the cheapest new cars you can buy
2025 Buick Envista
Price: $23,995
Easily the best-looking car on this list, the Envista marks a turning point for Buick. While you probably think of Buick as a brand catering mostly to the elderly, the Envista's stylish looks and attractive pricing make it appealing for a whole new audience.
The Envista is a car that looks like it could cost double its starting MSRP, and comes standard with turbocharged power. The tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder under the hood makes 136 hp. That's not much, but it's enough for puttering around town and commuting.
Here's everything you need to know about the Envista
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price: $24,395
The Chevy Trailblazer was updated for 2024, adopting a refreshed front end that makes it look like a mini version of the Blazer mid-size SUV. And we like the new look.
The Trailblazer offers a choice of two tiny turbocharged three-cylinder engines, neither of which is particularly powerful. The bigger 1.3-liter makes 155 hp, and can be had with optional all-wheel drive. Select it, and you get a 60 mph time of 9.4 seconds.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Price: $25,210
As the name suggests, the Toyota Corolla Cross is the Corolla of crossovers. Like the compact sedan and hatch, it comes in at a very affordable price point, providing the same dependability we've come to expect from the Japanese brand.
The only engine choice in the Corolla Cross is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 169 hp, paired to a CVT. Thankfully there's all-wheel drive available for those who live in snow-belt states.
It's one of the most popular crossovers under $30,000
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Price: $25,305
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one of the older cars on this list, sporting an aging design and a lackluster interior. What it does have, though, is a solid warranty, standard AWD, and two engine options.
The larger of the two engine choices, the 2.4-liter inline-four, makes just 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, though. That's enough to get the Mitsubishi to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds.
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Price: $25,420
If the Volkswagen Golf is too small for your needs but the larger Tiguan SUV is too big, the Taos is the car for you. It's sort of like a mini Tiguan, sporting similar looks in a smaller, more efficient package.
As we expect from a Volkswagen, you get a more refined driving experience than many other cars in the segment, along with 158 hp from a standard turbocharged engine. There's even optional AWD.
2024 Hyundai Kona
Price: $25,625
Perhaps the most futuristic-looking vehicle on this list, the Hyundai Kona proudly displays the company's new design language. Its distinctive singular light strip runs across the nose of this rugged-looking crossover.
There are naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and electric drivetrains to choose from. While the Kona EV will likely work best for those with at-home chargers, we're most interested in the optional turbo motor found in N-Line and Limited trims, rated at 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
