Here’s a headline: Prices are rising across the board! This trend hasn’t spared new SUVs, whose costs seem to be on an upward trajectory. “Skyrocketing” might even be a more fitting term for the pace at which prices are increasing. With both higher prices and hefty interest rates, many potential buyers are struggling to keep up with the new car market. However, there are still affordable SUV options available, and they’re impressively competent.
Unlike the drab and uninspiring cheap SUVs of yesteryears, the current crop offers a variety of choices brimming with character, capability, and style. Long gone are the days of anonymous boxes with slapped-on badges—today’s affordable SUVs are well-rounded and feature-rich.
Below, we highlight the best affordable SUVs, listed from the least to the most expensive, all under $30,000. While most are subcompacts, a few compact SUV options have managed to make the cut, showcasing their value. We’ve included representative trim levels, ensuring you know what these vehicles will actually look like on the road.
Kia Soul
Why it Stands Out:
- Ample space and features for its price
- Unique style
- A potent turbo engine option
Could be Better:
- No all-wheel drive (AWD) option
Starting Price: $21,315
The Kia Soul has evolved from its quirky beginnings into a competitively priced SUV. It offers abundant equipment and space for its price, a smooth driving experience, and a robust turbo engine option. Despite its lack of AWD, its combination of features and affordability secured its victory in our subcompact SUV comparison test.
Nissan Kicks
Starting Price: $22,155
Why it Stands Out:
- Vast interior space and features for a low price
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Effective safety technology
Could be Better:
- Slow acceleration
- No AWD option
The Nissan Kicks may not be the most thrilling SUV to drive, but it excels at the basics. Offering a spacious cabin, a wide array of safety features, and an efficient urban driving experience, it provides excellent value for anyone needing a practical, budget-friendly vehicle.
Buick Envista
Why it Stands Out:
- Stylish design
- Generous space for its price
- Quiet and refined driving experience
- Efficient and punchy engine
Could be Better:
- No AWD option
- Hard armrests
- Relatively slow acceleration
Read our full 2024 Buick Envista Review
The Buick Envista is one of the standout offerings from General Motors in recent years. Its efficient three-cylinder engine feels more powerful than it is, and it boasts composed handling and a quiet interior. The Envista is a real bargain, providing far more than what you’d expect for a sub-$30,000 price tag.
Volkswagen Taos
Starting Price: $25,345
Why it Stands Out:
- Family-friendly with ample back seat space
- Large cargo area
- Strong power and fuel economy
Could be Better:
- Uninspiring to drive
- Appears more rugged than it is
The Volkswagen Taos stands out as one of the most family-friendly options due to its spacious back seat and large cargo area. It offers the maneuverability and fuel economy benefits of a smaller vehicle with the interior space of a larger one, making it a practical choice for families on a budget.
Hyundai Kona
Why it Stands Out:
- Excellent technology
- Fun to drive
- Optional AWD
- Available electric model
- More space with the new generation
Could be Better:
- No wireless smartphone integration with the upgraded system
- No tax credit for the EV
Starting price: $25,435
The 2024 Hyundai Kona retains the attributes that made its predecessor a hit. It offers a fun driving experience, is packed with technology, and has increased interior space. The Kona remains an attractive option for those seeking a value-packed SUV, especially with the all-electric version available.
Kia Seltos
Why it Stands Out:
- Spacious interior
- Impressive turbo engine
- Class-leading technology
- Distinctive design
Could be Better:
- Some cheap interior materials
Starting price: $25,715
The Kia Seltos offers significant interior volume, powerful turbocharged engine options, and some of the best tech in its class. Its distinctive design and functionality make it a standout choice among affordable SUVs, despite a few budget-oriented interior elements.
Subaru Crosstrek
Why it Stands Out:
- Standard AWD
- High ground clearance
- User-friendly controls
Could be Better:
- Slow base engine
- CVT transmission
- Rolly-polly handling
- No roof rails on base model
Starting price: $26,290
The Subaru Crosstrek impresses with its AWD and high ground clearance, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Its compact size and straightforward interior controls enhance its appeal, despite the slow base engine and a few other minor drawbacks.
Mazda CX-30
Why it Stands Out:
- Luxurious interior
- Best-in-class driving dynamics
- Attractive design
Could be Better:
- Limited interior space
- Chunky plastic fenders
- Non-touchscreen tech interface
Starting price: $26,360
The Mazda CX-30 offers a luxurious experience and engaging driving dynamics, rivaling even luxury subcompacts like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3. Despite its smaller interior space, it manages to provide a high level of refinement and sophistication at a more accessible price point.
Kia Niro
Why it Stands Out:
- Hybrid powertrain (with plug-in and EV options)
- Slick design
- Ample space
- Class-leading tech
Could be Better:
- No AWD
- Somewhat slow
- Limited color options on lower trims
Starting price: $28,165
The Kia Niro excels with its hybrid powertrain, stylish design, and spacious interior. Despite lacking AWD and having a limited color palette in lower trims, its efficiency and technology make it a compelling option among affordable SUVs, especially for those seeking green alternatives.
