Shopping for a new SUV on a tight budget doesn't mean you have to settle for a bare-bones vehicle from a bygone era. Today's most affordable SUVs offer a surprising amount of modern technology, safety features, and practicality wrapped in stylish packages. For many drivers, these compact and subcompact crossovers are the perfect solution, blending the higher seating position and flexible cargo space of an SUV with the easy-to-drive nature and fuel efficiency of a small car. They represent a smart compromise, giving buyers the utility they need for daily errands, weekend trips, and even small families, without the high price tag and running costs of a larger vehicle.
As you explore the cheapest SUVs on the market, you'll notice a few key themes. Many, like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks, prioritize excellent fuel economy and a low starting price, making them ideal for city commuting. Others, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Volkswagen Taos, focus on maximizing passenger and cargo space, offering practicality that rivals vehicles in the next class up. You'll also find that features like large touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and advanced driver-assistance systems are increasingly standard, even on entry-level trims. While some models are front-wheel drive only, several offer all-wheel drive (AWD), providing extra confidence for shoppers in snowy climates.
Note: These 10 cheapest crossover SUVS are sorted by their overall CarGurus rating rather than by price, but we've also included their base prices, accounting for destination fees. The most expensive vehicle on this list is the 2026 Volkswagen Taos, at $27,975. The least expensive is the 2026 Hyundai Venue, at $22,150.
The 10 Cheapest SUVs on Sale Today
- 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer: $25,095
- 2026 Chevrolet Trax: $23,495
- 2026 Hyundai Kona: $27,100
- 2026 Buick Envista: $26,495
- 2026 Kia Seltos: $25,285
- 2026 Nissan Kicks: $23,975
- 2026 Volkswagen Taos: $27,975
- 2026 Hyundai Venue: $22,150
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross: $27,785
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1. Chevrolet Trailblazer
Base price with destination: $25,095
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Underwhelming base engine |
| Spacious | Fairly pedestrian performance |
| Easy-to-use technology |
If you're shopping among the cheapest SUVs on sale, the Chevrolet Trailblazer earns its keep by stretching your dollars in the places that matter day to day: passenger room, usable cargo space, and easy tech. Even though it's a subcompact SUV, adults fit comfortably in the second row, and there's enough legroom for family duty—including the kind of space that can help with a rear-facing child seat. Behind the rear seats, the Trailblazer provides up to 25.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is a big deal for grocery runs, strollers, and weekend gear in a small-footprint SUV.
Value is also helped by a low starting MSRP of $24,395 (including destination), plus fuel economy that stays competitive whether you choose the base turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder (137 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque) or step up to the turbo 1.3-liter three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft of torque). The bigger story for many shoppers is usability: the updated 11-inch touchscreen is standard across trims and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the cabin layout keeps controls straightforward. Safety credentials are reassuring, too, with a 5-star overall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rating and "good" Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crashworthiness scores, along with standard automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist (with available blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, depending on options).
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Chevrolet Trailblazer checks all of the necessary boxes for performance, efficiency, price, and capability. It also manages to exceed expectations for passenger space, cargo capacity, style, and ease of use." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Chevrolet Trailblazer review
2. Chevrolet Trax
Base price with destination: $23,495
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 21.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | All-wheel drive not available |
| Great handling | Poor ergonomic design |
| Impressive technology | Advanced safety features are not standard |
The Trax earns its spot among today's cheapest SUVs by being the least expensive new vehicle Chevrolet sells in the U.S., yet it still brings modern styling and a surprisingly grown-up feel for an entry-level crossover. Power comes from a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (FWD) only—no AWD option if you're shopping for snow-belt traction. On the road, it's tuned more like a small car than a tall SUV, with eager low-speed response and composed handling, even if body roll and road noise remind you it's built to a price.
For everyday usability, the Trax makes strong sense in a budget-friendly SUV context: the cabin is competitively roomy, rear-seat legroom is a highlight in this class, and cargo space measures 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats (54.1 cubic feet with them folded). Tech is another value win, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and an available 11-inch setup on higher trims plus wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, though the driver-angled screen and control placement can frustrate passengers. The main cautions for bargain hunters are safety transparency—full ratings aren't published yet, and IIHS results include a "Poor" updated moderate overlap score—and the reality that some desirable driver-assist features require moving up trims or adding packages, while fuel economy is a decent-but-not-class-leading 29 mpg combined.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Blending elements of compact cars and crossover SUVs, the Trax hits a sweet spot of utility and affordability. It's also pleasant to drive and offers impressive infotainment tech, but a lack of solid safety ratings and the unavailability of all-wheel drive are the tradeoffs." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Chevrolet Trax review
3. Hyundai Kona
Base price with destination: $27,100
CarGurus expert rating: 8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plenty of cargo space | Fairly pedestrian performance |
| Standard advanced safety features | Potentially polarizing design |
| Spacious |
For shoppers focused on a low entry price, the Kona's lineup starts at $24,550 (excluding destination) in SE trim, and its value stays strong as you move up the range—especially in SEL Convenience, which bundles in-demand features like heated front seats, a larger digital instrument display, built-in navigation, wireless phone charging, digital key, and Highway Driving Assist for just over $28,000. There's also a reassuring ownership angle: Hyundai backs the Kona with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plus a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 5 years of roadside assistance.
Even in an affordable subcompact SUV, the Kona keeps daily life easy. Cargo space is a practical 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded, and rear-seat legroom measures 38.2 inches, which helps it work as a small family hauler. The base 2.0-liter engine makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque and is tuned more for efficiency than urgency (31 mpg combined in FWD form), while upper trims swap in a 1.6-liter turbo with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed automatic. Tech is a strong point across the board with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and every trim comes with a long list of advanced safety features; the Kona has also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
The CarGurus Verdict: "That there are no major changes beyond a couple of new trim levels for the 2025 Hyundai Kona is neither a surprise nor a bad thing. Not a surprise because this second-generation model only made its debut one year ago, making it too soon to expect any major updates. And not a bad thing because, frankly, this second-generation Kona was already a great subcompact SUV." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our most recent Hyundai Kona review
4. Buick Envista
Base price with destination: $26,495
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 23.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | AWD not available |
| Comfortable | Not much cargo space |
| Excellent value for money | Poor ergonomic design |
The Buick Envista is an entry-level small SUV priced like a budget runabout, but it leans into a more upscale vibe with "crossover coupe" styling and a quieter, more relaxed demeanor than you might expect at the low end of the market. Every Envista uses a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (137 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic and FWD; there's no AWD option, which is an important consideration for shoppers in snow-belt states. Fuel economy is a strong fit for cheap-SUV duty at an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (28 city/32 highway).
Inside, the Envista brings a lot of everyday tech for the money, with an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster standard, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (and available wireless charging). Passenger space benefits from a longer wheelbase than the old Encore, though the sloping roofline trims rear headroom a bit, and cargo room is modest at 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats (42 cubic feet with them folded). Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist, with features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available; at the time of the drive, IIHS and NHTSA crash-test ratings weren't yet available.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Envista upgrades its donor platform to something a little bit more than basic without compromising value. It also stretches the crossover template further than any vehicle in its segment, creating a decent alternative to the small sedans and hatchbacks Buick and many other brands have abandoned. It's a small, sensible car that gives buyers something extra. - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Buick Envista review
5. Kia Seltos
Base price with destination: $25,285
CarGurus expert rating: 7.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of helpful standard safety features | Base engine feels underpowered |
| Functional cabin with intuitive technology | Optional turbo engine suffers from low-speed turbo-lag |
| AWD standard on base trim level |
If you're shopping for one of the cheapest SUVs on sale, the Kia Seltos earns its keep by packing a lot into a low entry price. The base Seltos starts at $24,290, and importantly for budget buyers in snowy states, the LX trim includes AWD as standard equipment. Kia also backs the Seltos with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, which can help keep long-term ownership costs more predictable.
The 2024 refresh brings upgraded tech and light styling tweaks, including an available dash-spanning digital display with a 10.25-inch instrument panel and 10.25-inch touchscreen on most trims, plus physical knobs and buttons that make day-to-day use easier. Space is another practical win: you get 26.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with them folded. Power comes from either a 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder (132 lb-ft of torque) or an available turbo 1.6-liter making 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, while standard safety tech includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, and automatic high beams.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small-crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it's largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavor to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience." - George Kennedy
Read our most recent Kia Seltos review
6. Nissan Kicks
Base price with destination: $23,975
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Underwhelming base engine |
| Fuel-efficient | No power seat adjustment |
| Excellent value for the money | Uncomfortable wind buffeting |
The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks leans hard into affordable-SUV basics—low entry price, strong feature content, and easy daily usability—while feeling far less like a "penalty box" than the previous version. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), making 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque; it's still not quick, but the tuning is calmer and the cabin is noticeably better insulated. Fuel economy is also a key part of the cheap-SUV appeal, with EPA estimates of 31 mpg combined with FWD or 30 mpg combined with AWD.
For shoppers trying to maximize space and tech per dollar, the Kicks makes smart packaging moves: Nissan claims up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space (23.9 cubic feet with AWD), and up to 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, plus a more usable second row than before. Safety and convenience equipment is a highlight, with Safety Shield 360 standard and available upgrades like ProPilot Assist and a 360-degree camera system—features that can feel "big-car" in this price range—though seats are manual-only, and the cabin can suffer from severe wind buffeting with just the driver's window down. Pricing starts at $21,830, and AWD is available across the lineup for $1,500, while Nissan also includes three oil changes in the first two years/24,000 miles under Nissan Maintenance Care.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2025 Nissan Kicks is poised to put rivals on notice with its fantastic value, great standard features, and premium options." - Cherise Threewitt
Read our most recent Nissan Kicks review
7. Volkswagen Taos
Base price with destination: $27,975
CarGurus expert rating: 6.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Irritating, underpowered drivetrain |
| Spacious | Infotainment system user experience |
| Plenty of cargo space | Questionable value for the money |
If you're shopping for one of today's cheapest SUVs, the Volkswagen Taos is worth a look because it's VW's most affordable crossover and brings the elevated driving position and everyday practicality that have pushed small crossovers to replace compact cars. It's notably roomy for the class (especially for four adults), and it backs up that space with real utility: cargo volume is 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with them folded in FWD models (AWD 4Motion versions drop to 24.9 and 60.2 cubic feet). You can also find the Taos with available AWD, a plus for buyers in snow states who still want a smaller, easier-to-park SUV.
The tradeoff is that "cheap SUV" doesn't always mean "best value," and the Taos illustrates that tension. All models use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the review notes an underpowered feel plus unpredictable response—especially with the dual-clutch automatic in AWD models—along with wind and road noise at highway speeds. On the upside, 2023 models add more standard safety features, and higher trims bring helpful tech (wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SE/SEL), though the native infotainment interface can be frustrating; many owners will prefer running smartphone mirroring instead.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Offering available all-wheel drive, a higher driving position, a roomy interior for four people, and plenty of utility, entry-level SUVs pay dividends in exchange for their higher price tags. Volkswagen introduced its new, most affordable crossover in 2022, and the 2023 Taos adds more standard safety features and equipment. Otherwise, aside from a lack of engine power and drivetrain refinement, it remains an appealing choice in the small SUV segment." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Volkswagen Taos review
8. Hyundai Venue
Base price with destination: $22,150
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 27.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Sluggish performance |
| Impressive technology | Cramped back seat |
| Excellent value for money | Not much cargo space |
The Hyundai Venue delivers a new-car warranty and modern features at an accessible price point, with a starting price of $22,150 (including destination). Every trim uses a 121 hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 113 lb-ft of torque and FWD, and it's happiest doing the kind of real-world work budget SUVs often see most: tight-city parking, short commutes, and errands where its small footprint and excellent outward visibility make life easier. Fuel economy is rated at 31 mpg combined, and while it's not a powerhouse at highway speeds, the CVT helps it make the most of what it has when you're merging or climbing grades.
The Venue's low-cost appeal is backed up by day-to-day usability and ownership perks. It seats four adults comfortably (five in a squeeze) and offers 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space when loaded to the roof, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded—enough for groceries, small strollers, or weekend luggage if you pack smart. An 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, and Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance tech (including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist) comes on every model; importantly for long-term value, Hyundai also includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plus three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
The CarGurus Verdict: "One of the best things about the Venue is the value it provides. You get a long warranty with roadside assistance, complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, and with the top trim level, lifetime access to connected services. Affordable to buy and own, the 2024 Hyundai Venue is a budget-friendly choice." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Hyundai Venue review
9. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Base price with destination: $26,955
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Few SUVs can match the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport on price, and that's always been the point. One of the most affordable options in the subcompact crossover class, it undercuts many versions of rivals like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Corolla Cross—and since 2023, every trim comes standard with AWD, which most competitors charge extra for. The current lineup spans from an accessible base price into the mid-$20,000 range, and the used market is even more compelling: recent model years can be found well below their original MSRP thanks to the Outlander Sport's characteristically weak resale values. Used buyers win here.
We haven't had a chance to put the Outlander Sport through its paces ourselves, but the buying guide picture is clear enough. Post-2020 models benefit from a freshened exterior with LED headlights, standard automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims — tech that was slow to arrive but is now well established. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is modest at 148 horsepower, and the interior leans on harder plastics than some shoppers may prefer, but the Outlander Sport has sorted out most of its early reliability kinks over its unusually long production run. For buyers who need AWD, want something easy to park and live with daily, and are working with a tight budget, it makes a straightforward case for itself.
10. Toyota Corolla Cross
Base price with destination: $27,785
CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use technology | Fairly pedestrian performance |
| Standard advanced safety features | Uncomfortable seats |
If you're shopping the cheapest SUVs on sale, the Corolla Cross is essentially Toyota's play for buyers who like the familiar Corolla formula but want a higher seating position and optional AWD. All versions use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque paired with a CVT; around town it responds well off the line thanks to a physical first gear, but on the highway the powertrain can drone and feels busy maintaining speed. AWD is optional across the lineup, and while the Corolla Cross has 8.2 inches of ground clearance (8.1 inches on XLE), it's aimed more at everyday weather confidence than trail use; towing tops out at 1,500 pounds.
Value-minded shoppers will likely focus on space and standard features. Cargo room is a strong point for the price: Toyota quotes 26.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats for FWD models (25.2 cubic feet with AWD), expanding to 66.8 cubic feet with the seats folded (65.5 with AWD). Tech is straightforward and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver-assist features are included on every trim; stepping up to the LE adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The trade-off is a cabin that feels basic for the class and seats that are firm enough to be a comfort complaint on longer drives.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Corolla Cross doesn’t excel in any specific area, but it provides decent utility and is competitively priced. A more spacious interior and available AWD will also likely appeal to new-car buyers looking to trade up from a Corolla hatchback but wanting to stay with Toyota." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Toyota Corolla Cross review
The 10 Cheapest SUVs on Sale Today FAQs
Which of these cheap SUVs offer all-wheel drive (AWD)? Several of the most affordable SUVs offer the security of all-wheel drive, which is a major plus for buyers in snowy or rainy climates. The Kia Seltos is a standout, as it includes AWD as standard equipment on its base LX trim. The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Volkswagen Taos, and Toyota Corolla Cross also offer AWD as an option. However, some of the cheapest models, like the Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envista, and Hyundai Venue, are available only with FWD.
What kind of fuel economy can I expect from an affordable SUV? Fuel efficiency is a strong point for this class. Most of these small SUVs deliver around 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving. For example, the Hyundai Venue is rated at 31 mpg combined, and the Buick Envista achieves 30 mpg combined. The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks also targets impressive figures, with an estimated 31 mpg combined for FWD models and 30 mpg for AWD versions. These numbers make them economical choices for daily commuting.
Are there any cheap SUVs with good cargo space? Yes, manufacturers have become very clever at maximizing interior space in these small vehicles. The Volkswagen Taos leads the pack for FWD models with an impressive 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Kia Seltos (26.6 cubic feet), Toyota Corolla Cross (26.5 cubic feet), and Chevrolet Trax (25.6 cubic feet) also offer generous cargo areas for their size, making them practical for hauling groceries, strollers, or luggage.
Do these budget-friendly SUVs come with modern safety features? Absolutely. Automakers are including more advanced safety technology as standard equipment, even on their most affordable models. For instance, every Hyundai Kona comes with a long list of advanced safety features and has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. The Nissan Kicks includes the Safety Shield 360 suite on all trims, and the Hyundai Venue provides automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist as standard. This means you don't have to move to a top-tier trim level to get important driver-assistance tech.
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Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
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