The popularity of SUVs is undeniable, but with rising vehicle costs, finding a new, affordable SUV can feel like a daunting task. If you’re wondering if there are still budget-friendly options available in 2024, the answer is a resounding yes. While “affordable” can be subjective, we’ve compiled a list of SUVs with starting prices around $24,000, effectively making them half the price of the average new car.
Dominating this affordable segment are brands like Hyundai and Kia, but you might be surprised to see a strong presence from General Motors with Chevrolet and Buick models. Interestingly, Ford is notably absent from this list of sub-$30,000 SUVs. This guide will walk you through the least expensive SUVs in America for 2024, ranked from the higher end of “affordable” to the absolute lowest price points. All prices listed include destination charges, which generally hover around $1,350, though Buick and Chevrolet have lower fees at $1,095, and Jeep’s destination charge is the highest at $1,595.
20. Subaru Forester: $28,440
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
With a new generation Forester on the horizon for 2025, keep an eye out for potential deals on the outgoing 2024 model, which could bring that $28,440 starting price down even further. The base Subaru Forester boasts a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the standard EyeSight driver assist technology suite, and, as expected from Subaru, all-wheel drive is included. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower.
19. Kia Niro Hybrid: $28,315
Alt: The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid in white, a fuel-efficient and affordable SUV option for eco-conscious drivers.
Fuel Economy: 48 MPG
For buyers prioritizing both affordability and fuel efficiency, the Kia Niro Hybrid is a standout choice. It’s the only hybrid SUV on this list, and unsurprisingly, it offers the best fuel economy by a significant margin. This second-generation model, which debuted in 2023, offers a 139-horsepower 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain driving the front wheels. Standard features at this price point include an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features such as emergency braking and blind spot detection.
18. Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG
Similar to the Forester, the Chevrolet Equinox is also anticipating a next-generation model for 2025, promising a larger size and more advanced technology. While the new model will likely come with a higher price tag, opting for the current 2024 Equinox provides a more affordable entry point. It features a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, you’ll find a 7.0-inch touchscreen, along with essential driver assists like auto emergency braking, a rear camera, and lane-keep assist.
17. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: $27,790
Alt: The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2023 in red, a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive and modern features.
Fuel Economy: 26 MPG
Mitsubishi presents two affordable SUVs under the $30,000 mark, with the Eclipse Cross being the first. 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, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warnings are also included as standard features. Even in the base trim, you benefit from LED headlights and taillights.
16. Jeep Compass: $27,495
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG
For those prioritizing power in an affordable SUV, the Jeep Compass stands out. It’s the only vehicle in this price range boasting 200 horsepower, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive comes standard, paired with 17-inch aluminum wheels. The interior features a large 10.1-inch touchscreen. While it offers fewer standard driver-assistance systems compared to some competitors, it includes essential features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, blind-spot warning, and forward collision mitigation at the base price.
15. Buick Encore GX: $26,895
Alt: The 2024 Buick Encore GX in white, showcasing its stylish design and premium features in the affordable SUV category.
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
The first of two budget-friendly Buicks on this list, the Buick Encore GX features a button-heavy interior with an 8.0-inch touchscreen centrally located. The base trim is equipped with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a CVT. Standard driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a rear view camera.
14. Subaru Crosstrek: $26,540
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
Priced a couple of thousand dollars below the Forester in Subaru’s lineup, the Subaru Crosstrek is a smaller and arguably more stylish option. It matches the Forester in ground clearance and offers the same EyeSight driver assist technology and standard all-wheel drive. However, it has slightly less power with a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine.
13. Mazda CX-30: $26,370
Alt: The 2024 Mazda CX-30 in grey, a sporty and affordable SUV known for its engaging driving dynamics and stylish design.
Fuel Economy: 29 MPG
Buyers seeking a sporty and affordable crossover SUV might be drawn to the Mazda CX-30. Its sleek design houses a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, providing a fun driving experience. All-wheel drive is standard, as is an 8.8-inch touchscreen integrated into a minimalist cabin. It also comes with a robust suite of driver-assistance features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear 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 available for an additional $1,500). The base model features 17-inch aluminum wheels and arguably the most aesthetically pleasing interior in the small SUV segment. Honda has also included a comprehensive suite of driver assists, including hill-descent control.
11. Kia Seltos: $25,865
Alt: The refreshed 2024 Kia Seltos in blue, showcasing its updated design and modern features as an affordable SUV option.
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
Refreshed for 2024, the Kia Seltos comes standard with all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient 146-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine. It boasts a stylish design and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior is digitally focused, featuring 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 received a fresh design for 2024, accompanied by impressive standard features for its price point. A 12.3-inch center display merges seamlessly with a digital driver screen, creating a modern cockpit feel. The base 2.0-liter, 146-horsepower engine is capable, and the exterior features 17-inch aluminum wheels and LED lights. Driver assists are abundant, including rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring with auto braking and lane-keep assist as primary systems.
9. Volkswagen Taos: $25,420
Alt: The 2024 Volkswagen Taos in white, highlighting its German engineering and affordable price in the compact SUV market.
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
Volkswagen enthusiasts looking for an affordable SUV will find the Taos as their only option under $30,000. The base Taos is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. Driver assists are somewhat limited, with blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking being the most prominent. However, it features a sophisticated 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 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the most affordable SUV offering standard all-wheel drive, and it includes LED lights as well. However, these features come with some trade-offs. 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, paired with a CVT.
7. Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,960
Alt: The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross in green, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability in the compact SUV segment.
Fuel Economy: 32 MPG
The Toyota Corolla Cross, introduced for the 2022 model year, remains a strong contender thanks to its combination of good fuel economy, adequate performance, and a generous list of standard equipment. This includes Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist suite, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and nine airbags. It’s equipped with a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with a CVT, and while front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available as an option.
6. Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,395
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
A recent refresh has given the Chevrolet Trailblazer attractive styling and a digital interior, featuring a standard 11.0-inch touchscreen and a wide array of driver-assistance features. At the base price, it 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
Alt: The 2024 Buick Envista in red, a stylish and value-packed SUV offering premium features at an affordable price point.
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
Did you know Buick offers an SUV for under $25,000? The new Buick 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 engine (shared with the Encore, Chevy Trailblazer, and the Chevy Trax), powering the front wheels. In terms of driver-assistance systems, it offers a middle-of-the-road selection 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 sports a dynamic look, but it’s powered by a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s exclusively front-wheel drive across all trims, but its focus on features compensates for its performance. Even the base S trim comes with a wide range of driver assists, including rear cross-traffic alert, auto braking front and rear, and lane departure warnings, among others. The infotainment system with a 7.0-inch screen includes Siri Eyes Free and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With a combined 33 MPG rating, it’s the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid affordable SUV in the US.
3. Kia Soul: $21,565
Alt: The 2024 Kia Soul in blue, a uniquely styled and budget-friendly SUV known for its spacious interior and value.
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Kia Soul received a modest refresh for the 2023 model year. Offering 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 includes emergency braking and lane-keep technology as standard equipment.
2. Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG
Following its recent refresh, the Chevrolet Trax presents a stylish subcompact SUV for budget-conscious buyers, offering modest power from its 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter engine. The base trim includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, though its driver-assistance features are somewhat basic, primarily consisting of auto emergency braking and lane keep assist.
1. Hyundai Venue: $21,135
Alt: The 2024 Hyundai Venue in grey, crowned as the most affordable SUV, emphasizing its compact size and exceptional value.
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG
The Hyundai Venue is the only SUV in America with a base price dipping below $20,000 – starting at $19,800 before destination charges bring it just over $21,000. For this price, you get a 1.6L four-cylinder engine producing 121 hp, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a respectable array of driver-assist technologies. While it’s not designed to be a performance powerhouse, it’s exceptionally kind to your wallet, making it the most affordable SUV on the market in 2024.
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Cheapest SUVs Of 2024
- Hyundai Venue: $21,135
- Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
- Kia Soul: $21,565
- Nissan Kicks: $22,400
- Buick Envista: $23,495
- Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,395
- Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,960
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,140
- Volkswagen Taos: $25,420
- Hyundai Kona: $25,435
- Kia Seltos: $25,865
- Honda HR-V: $25,950
- Mazda CX-30: $26,370
- Subaru Crosstrek: $26,540
- Buick Encore GX: $26,895
- Jeep Compass: $27,495
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: $27,790
- Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995
- Kia Niro Hybrid: $28,315
- Subaru Forester: $28,440
