10 Cheapest SUVs in 2025

by Carter MacLeod |
2025 Hyundai Venue
2025 Hyundai Venue / Credit: Hyundai

We ranked these SUVs from least expensive to most expensive based on their base MSRP.

How We Rank Vehicles


1. 2025 Hyundai Venue

2026 Hyundai Venue
2026 Hyundai Venue / Credit: Hyundai
  • Price: $20,100

  • Pros: Straightforward interior controls, relatively spacious cabin, solid fuel economy, easy to drive and park

  • Cons: Not available with AWD, dull, unrefined engine, harsh ride quality, low-quality interior

The Venue separates itself from other subcompact SUVs with its roomy interior, good fuel economy, intuitive tech features, and standard safety features. However, the Venue standard engine is underpowered and feels coarse under hard acceleration. This small SUV also has a harsh ride over rough surfaces that can make it uncomfortable for passengers. And unlike most of its competitors, the Venue isn’t available with AWD, limiting its all-weather capabilities. The Venue also has a low-quality interior with hard plastics.

Hyundai Venue ReviewHyundai Venue For Sale


2. 2025 Kia Soul

2025 Kia Soul
2025 Kia Soul / Credit: Kia
  • Price: $20,290

  • Pros: Outstanding cargo room, nimble driving dynamics, many standard features

  • Cons: Just one engine, wind and road noise at highway speed

The Kia Soul offers plenty of cargo space and two rows of spacious seating, all for a low starting price. The standard 8″ infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is nestled in the middle of a clean, modern dash design. There is no AWD, but a terrific 10-year/100,000-mile warranty backs the front-wheel-drive (FWD) powertrain. There are a couple of shortcomings to know about: The Soul’s boxy silhouette leads to wind and road noise while traveling on the highway, and its single-engine lineup doesn’t give buyers much choice regarding powertrains; some rivals offer a more varied engine lineup.

Kia Soul ReviewKia Soul For Sale


3. 2025 Chevrolet Trax

2026 Chevrolet Trax
2026 Chevrolet Trax / Credit: Chevrolet
  • Price: $20,400

  • Pros: Generous cargo capacity, affordable price, attractive cabin

  • Cons: So-so passing power, no AWD

The Trax is one of the most affordable new SUVs on the market, starting at just over $20K. You’d never guess based on how its cabin looks. The upscale interior looks like it belongs in a vehicle costing thousands more. This SUV has more cargo room than most other subcompact SUVs. However, the Trax doesn’t excel in all areas. Acceleration is OK but not exceptional, and all-wheel drive (AWD) isn’t available.

Chevrolet Trax ReviewChevrolet Trax For Sale


4. 2025 Nissan Kicks

2025 Nissan Kicks
2025 Nissan Kicks / Credit: Nissan
  • Price: $21,830

  • Pros: Lots of standard driver aids, low base price, roomy cabin, plenty of cargo room

  • Cons: Underwhelming engine, no available AWD

The Kicks starts at just over $20K, which will suit shoppers on a budget. This Nissan delivers a smooth ride for the money, and if you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can upgrade to AWD. Nissan equips the Kicks with a long list of driver aids designed to keep you safe on the road. This SUV also offers outstanding cargo room. The Kicks falls short in a couple of areas. Acceleration is tepid; rivals have livelier powertrains. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional, while many rivals offer them as standard equipment.

Nissan Kicks ReviewNissan Kicks For Sale


5. 2025 Buick Envista

2026 Buick Envista
2026 Buick Envista / Credit: Buick
  • Price: $22,900

  • Pros: Relatively low price, sleek design

  • Cons: Small engine, no AWD

The Envista offers ample value, with a host of standard equipment. Its sleek exterior makes this Buick look a lot more expensive than it is, with sculpted lines and an athletic stance that help this SUV stand apart. Despite its small footprint, the Envista offers plenty of room for passengers. Whether you’re sitting up front or in back, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs. In addition, this SUV has a straightforward infotainment system that’s responsive and easy to use. There are a couple of deficits to consider. The Envista has limited cargo room with all seats in place. Also, all-wheel drive (AWD) isn’t available.

Buick Envista ReviewBuick Envista For Sale


6. 2025 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer / Credit: Chevrolet
  • Price: $23,100

  • Pros: Lots of cargo space, roomy cabin, sleek exterior

  • Cons: Underwhelming powertrains, rivals have sportier handling

Though it looks petite from the outside, the Trailblazer has a roomy cabin. The front row is comfortable, and the rear seats have enough space for tall teens and adults. This subcompact SUV also offers ample cargo volume. Another plus is this SUV’s sleek, upscale exterior, which belies its affordable price. There are some drawbacks to keep in mind. While the optional power plant improves on the base engine, both Trailblazer’s available powertrains are underwhelming. This SUV is less sporty and engaging to drive than other models in its class.

Chevrolet TrailBlazer ReviewChevrolet TrailBlazer For Sale


7. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport / Credit: Mitsubishi
  • Price: $23,695

  • Pros: Standard AWD, outstanding warranty

  • Cons: Weak base engine, firm ride, unimpressive cabin

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes standard with AWD, making it a good choice for drivers who face lots of rain and snow. The Outlander Sport also impresses with its warranty coverage: Its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the best in its class. The Outlander Sport has some notable drawbacks to consider: Its weak base engine provides tepid acceleration, and its ride quality is firm. The cabin is unimpressive, with a dull design and low-rent materials.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ReviewMitsubishi Outlander Sport For Sale


8. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross / Credit: Toyota
  • Price: $24,035

  • Pros: Hybrid has a good balance of power and mpg, generous cargo room, many standard driver aids, low starting price

  • Cons: Base engine is weak, noisy engine, rivals offer more rear legroom

Drivers who value great gas mileage will appreciate what the Corolla Cross offers. Hybrid models are rated up to 42 mpg in combined driving, meaning this SUV can reduce fuel expenses for commuting and road trips. This Toyota also offers excellent cargo room, with up to 25.5 cubic feet of room with all seats in place, 66.8 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered. Toyota equips the Corolla Cross with a long list of standard driver-assist features. The Corolla Cross has a couple of deficits you should know about: Its gas engine gets noisy when passing traffic on the highway, and it has less backseat legroom than other models in its class.

Toyota Corolla Cross ReviewToyota Corolla Cross For Sale


9. 2025 Volkswagen Taos

2025 Volkswagen Taos
2025 Volkswagen Taos / Credit: Volkswagen
  • Price: $24,995

  • Pros: Strong fuel economy, lots of cargo space

  • Cons: Rivals have nicer cabins

The Volkswagen Taos offers roomy accommodations and excellent fuel economy, making it a great pick for drivers who want to save at the pump. All models have a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that provides capable acceleration in all kinds of driving situations. There are a couple of shortcomings to consider if you’re thinking about buying a Taos. Both of this SUV’s available transmissions can be slow to downshift, and its cabin design is underwhelming. Rivals offer more upscale interiors.

Volkswagen Taos ReviewVolkswagen Taos For Sale


10. 2025 Hyundai Kona

2026 Hyundai Kona
2026 Hyundai Kona / Credit: Hyundai
  • Price: $25,700

  • Pros: Packed with features, roomy cargo area, competitive fuel economy, distinctive exterior design

  • Cons: Underpowered base engine, harsh ride quality, competitors are more enjoyable to drive

The Kona separates itself from the pack with its distinctive styling, roomy seats, relatively large cargo area, wide range of powertrains, and an impressive roster of standard features. Keep in mind, though, it trails key rivals when it comes to engine performance, handling capability, and ride quality. It also has a harsh ride on rough roads that can become uncomfortable for passengers. And compared to some of its rivals in the subcompact class, the Kona doesn’t have sporty handling.

Hyundai Kona ReviewHyundai Kona For Sale


*We cite the EPA’s combined mpg range for each vehicle, which takes into account the mpg for both city and highway driving.

Vehicle prices may vary based on location and market conditions. Please contact your local dealer for the most up-to-date pricing.

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