The popularity of SUVs continues to surge, but with rising vehicle costs, finding a new and affordable SUV might seem challenging. However, the good news is that the market still offers a range of budget-friendly SUVs in 2024. If “affordable” to you means keeping your budget under $30,000, you’re in luck. These SUVs come in at roughly half the price of the average new car, proving you don’t have to break the bank to get a versatile and practical vehicle.
While brands like Hyundai and Kia frequently lead in the value segment, you might be surprised by the variety of manufacturers offering affordable SUV options. General Motors, for example, has a strong presence with multiple models from Chevrolet and Buick. Interestingly, Ford is notably absent from this list, highlighting the shifting landscape of the affordable SUV market.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the least expensive SUVs available in America for 2024, ranked from the highest to lowest price. All prices include destination charges, which typically range around $1,350, although Buick and Chevrolet have lower fees at $1,095, and Jeep’s destination charge is the highest in this group at $1,595.
20. Subaru Forester: $28,440
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
With a next-generation model on the horizon for 2025, the 2024 Subaru Forester presents a potential opportunity for deals. Even at its starting price, the base Forester offers a substantial 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, and standard all-wheel drive – a hallmark of the brand. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower.
19. Kia Niro Hybrid: $28,315
Fuel Economy: 48 MPG
For buyers prioritizing both affordability and fuel efficiency, the Kia Niro Hybrid stands out. As the only hybrid SUV on this list, it delivers exceptional gas mileage. The Niro Hybrid is a relatively recent model, having entered its second generation for the 2023 model year. At this price point, you get a 139-horsepower 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain driving the front wheels, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and a suite of driver assistance features including emergency braking and blind spot detection.
18. Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG
Similar to the Forester, Chevrolet is preparing a next-generation Equinox for 2025, promising a larger size and more advanced technology. While the new model is expected to be pricier, the current 2024 Chevrolet Equinox remains an affordable option. It features a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, a 7.0-inch touchscreen is included, along with essential driver assists such as auto emergency braking, a rear camera, and lane-keep assist.
17. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: $27,790
Fuel Economy: 26 MPG
Mitsubishi offers two SUVs under the $30,000 mark, starting with the Eclipse Cross. The base ES trim combines a 152-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. An 8.0-inch touchscreen, auto emergency braking, and lane-departure warnings are also standard, and even the base trim includes LED headlights and taillights.
16. Jeep Compass: $27,495
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG
If power is a key consideration, the Jeep Compass is the most potent option in this price range. It’s the only SUV here to offer 200 horsepower, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is standard, paired with 17-inch aluminum wheels. The interior features a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, but the base Compass has a more basic set of standard driver assists, primarily anti-lock brakes, stability control, blind-spot warning, and forward collision mitigation.
15. Buick Encore GX: $26,895
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
The first of two affordable Buicks on this list, the Encore GX features a button-heavy interior with an 8.0-inch touchscreen centrally located. The base trim includes a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a CVT. Key driver assists include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a rear view camera.
14. Subaru Crosstrek: $26,540
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
Slightly more affordable than the Forester, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a smaller, arguably more stylish package. It matches the Forester’s ground clearance and EyeSight driver assist tech, and also features standard all-wheel drive. However, it has a less powerful 2.0-liter engine producing 152 horsepower.
13. Mazda CX-30: $26,370
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
For those seeking a more engaging driving experience in an affordable SUV, the Mazda CX-30 is a compelling choice. Its sleek design houses a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering satisfying performance. All-wheel drive is standard, along with an 8.8-inch touchscreen within a minimalist cabin. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of driver assists, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alerts, and auto emergency braking.
12. Honda HR-V: $25,950
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG
Honda’s most affordable SUV, the HR-V, delivers 158 horsepower to the front wheels (all-wheel drive is optional for an additional cost). The base model features 17-inch aluminum wheels and a well-regarded interior design within the small SUV segment. Honda also equips the HR-V with a full suite of driver assists, including hill-descent control.
11. Kia Seltos: $25,865
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The refreshed 2024 Kia Seltos comes standard with all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient 146-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Its design is appealing, enhanced by 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior features a modern digital layout with an 8.0-inch center screen and a 4.2-inch driver display. Standard safety features include auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
10. Hyundai Kona: $25,435
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Hyundai Kona also receives a fresh design for 2024, accompanied by impressive standard features for its price. A 12.3-inch center display seamlessly integrates with a digital driver screen, creating a contemporary cockpit feel. The base 2.0-liter 146-horsepower engine is adequate, and exterior features include 17-inch aluminum wheels and LED lights. A wide array of driver assists are included, such as rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring with auto braking, and lane-keep assist.
9. Volkswagen Taos: $25,420
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
For fans of German engineering seeking an affordable SUV, the Volkswagen Taos is the only option under $30,000. The base Taos is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. Driver assists are more basic, with blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking as key features. However, it offers a stylish digital cockpit with an 8.0-inch driver display and a 6.5-inch center screen.
8. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,140
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG
The most affordable SUV with standard all-wheel drive is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which also includes LED lights as standard. However, these features come with compromises. The interior features a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen display, driver assists are limited to forward collision mitigation and lane departure warnings, and the base model rides on 16-inch steel wheels. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower, connected to a CVT.
7. Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,960
Fuel Economy: 32 MPG
Introduced for the 2022 model year, the Toyota Corolla Cross remains a strong contender thanks to its combination of good fuel economy, acceptable performance, and generous standard equipment. This includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist suite, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and nine airbags. A 169-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with a CVT powers the Corolla Cross, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional.
6. Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,395
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
A recent refresh brings updated styling and a digital interior to the Chevrolet Trailblazer, featuring a standard 11.0-inch touchscreen and a wide range of driver assists. The base price includes a smaller turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, driving the front wheels through a CVT.
5. Buick Envista: $23,495
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
Buick offers a crossover for under $25,000 – the new Envista, launched last year, essentially serves as a more upscale version of the Chevrolet Trax. The standard digital interior includes an 11.0-inch center screen and an 8.0-inch driver display. The base engine is GM’s turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder (shared with the Encore, Chevy Trailblazer, and Trax), powering the front wheels. Driver assist systems are adequate, with auto emergency braking, lane-keep and departure warnings, and a rear camera.
4. Nissan Kicks: $22,400
Fuel Economy: 33 MPG
The Nissan Kicks offers sporty styling but is powered by a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s exclusively front-wheel drive across all trims, but its focus is on features rather than outright performance. Even in the base S trim, it includes a wide array of driver assists like rear cross-traffic alert, auto braking front and rear, and lane departure warnings. The infotainment system features a 7.0-inch screen with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. With a combined 33 MPG rating, it’s the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cheap SUV in the US.
3. Kia Soul: $21,565
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Kia Soul received a minor refresh for the 2023 model year. With a more hatchback-like design compared to the larger Seltos, it shares the same 2.0-liter 146-horsepower engine driving the front wheels. It features an 8.0-inch touchscreen and standard equipment includes emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
2. Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
Following its recent redesign, the Chevrolet Trax presents a stylish subcompact SUV option for budget-conscious buyers. It offers modest power from a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter engine. The base trim includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but driver assists are somewhat basic, mainly auto emergency braking and lane keep assist.
1. Hyundai Venue: $21,135
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Hyundai Venue is the most affordable SUV in America, with a base price just over $21,000 including destination charges. For this price, you get a 1.6L four-cylinder engine producing 121 hp, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a decent set of driver-assist technologies. While not a powerhouse, the Venue is designed to be extremely budget-friendly.
In Conclusion
Despite rising vehicle prices, the 2024 model year still offers a surprisingly diverse range of affordable SUVs. From fuel-efficient hybrids like the Kia Niro to budget-friendly options like the Hyundai Venue, there’s an affordable SUV to meet various needs and preferences. This list demonstrates that you can find a practical and well-equipped SUV without exceeding a reasonable budget, making SUV ownership accessible to a wider range of buyers in 2024.
