Since the outbreak of the pandemic, car prices have been on the rise, especially for one of the most popular segments in the automotive market, SUVs. With some SUV models from certain brands approaching or even exceeding six figures, what are some affordable SUV options still available on the market?
In 2023, global SUV sales reached 36.72 million units, setting new sales records and achieving the highest market share in history. Between 2022 and 2023, SUV sales increased by 16%, accounting for nearly 47% of the total global passenger car sales in the previous year.
This growth is mainly attributed to Tesla’s success in the SUV sector (increasing by 62%) and the growing demand in Europe, India, the Middle East, and the Eurasian continent. China, the United States, and Canada remain the largest markets for SUVs, making up 54% of the total global volume.
Although the data for 2024 is not yet available, the trend of SUV popularity is expected to continue. Due to the higher price point of SUVs compared to regular sedans, it is essential for budget-conscious drivers to seek affordable SUV options. “U.S. News & World Report” compiled a list of the best SUVs starting at under $25,000. Of course, most of these models are subcompact and compact SUVs, as larger SUVs typically come at a much higher price.
Here are 12 best SUVs priced below $25,000.
Starting at $20,290.
The 2025 Kia Soul offers a range of standard features, the best handling in its class, and a spacious and comfortable cabin. It is almost identical to the 2024 model, which was named the Best Value Compact SUV of 2024.
The Soul does have some drawbacks, including a somewhat weak engine and a lack of all-wheel drive. However, it has received high safety ratings and good predicted reliability scores.
Starting at $24,590.
The 2025 Kia Seltos provides a near-perfect combination of user-friendly technology, balanced driving dynamics, a spacious luxurious interior, and exciting optional engines.
The only real downside of the Seltos is the base engine being somewhat lacking in power. The optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a better choice.
Starting at $21,830.
The Nissan Kicks has been fully redesigned for 2025 and is one of the best choices in its class. It boasts a premium cabin, ample standard features, and the best fuel economy estimates in its class.
The drawbacks of the Kicks include a sluggish engine and lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Another advantage of the Kicks is the availability of all-wheel drive.
Starting at $24,995.
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 offers comfortable driving dynamics, the most attractive interior in its class, making this affordable SUV highly popular.
However, Mazda models do have issues such as limited legroom in the second row, stiff suspension, and smaller cargo space compared to competitors.
Starting at $23,700.
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos is a powerful, versatile subcompact SUV with good fuel economy. It offers a relatively spacious interior compared to other models in its class and the option for all-wheel drive, which is not common in the subcompact SUV segment. Unfortunately, the Taos suffers from poor interior material quality.
Starting at $24,350.
The 2025 Buick Envision has a design more reminiscent of a crossover than an SUV, great fuel economy estimates, an easy-to-use infotainment system, relaxed driving dynamics, a low price, and strong features. Sadly, the lack of engine power and low cargo capacity are downsides of the Envision.
Starting at $20,400.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is also a subcompact SUV and one of the most sought-after vehicles in the market. The Kona offers a spacious and comfortable interior, impressive fuel economy figures, and a range of standard features.
Starting at $19,900.
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is one of the largest cargo-carrying vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment, with a high-end interior, making it a high-value SUV.
Unfortunately, the Trax has a weak engine and lacks optional all-wheel drive.
Starting at $23,100.
The 2025 Hyundai Venue offers a lot of technology and value at an affordable price. The Venue has one of the most budget-friendly starting prices in the market and provides excellent fuel efficiency and intuitive tech features.
Although the base engine of the Venue is weaker, urban fuel consumption is 29 miles per gallon, and highway fuel consumption is 32 mpg. Limited cargo space is not surprising for a subcompact SUV.
Starting at $23,860.
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV with a spacious interior and user-friendly infotainment system. The new 1.2-liter engine allows the Trailblazer to use E85 fuel, with city fuel consumption estimated at 30 mpg and highway fuel consumption estimated at 31 mpg.
Unfortunately, the performance of the Trailblazer lags behind its competitors. The base engine is unremarkable, and the handling is not as good. However, Chevrolet’s aesthetics make it an attractive SUV for budget-conscious individuals.
Starting at $23,695.
Since its debut in 2022, the Toyota Corolla Cross has offered intuitive technology, a range of standard features, and comfortable driving dynamics. The 2024 Corolla Cross also boasts the best fuel economy in its class, with city road fuel consumption at 31 mpg and highway fuel consumption at 33 mpg.
However, the noise and slow performance of the Toyota engine are significant drawbacks. The interior of the Corolla Cross reflects affordability with a lot of hard plastics and a cheap feel.
Starting at $23,695.
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a subcompact SUV equipped with standard all-wheel drive and a long warranty, making it one of the most affordable vehicles in the market.
While this Mitsubishi vehicle may not have the most powerful engine or the most attractive interior, it has received a four-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.