In recent years, there has been a significant increase in preference for SUVs among automobile enthusiasts. This can be largely attributed to their desire to get more utility out of their vehicles. While several brand-new SUVs can be expensive, fortunately, there are affordable alternatives for potential buyers on a budget. Besides cost savings, these SUVs offer a mix of features like advanced technology and ample space, making them suitable for meeting various needs.
1. Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
This SUV is priced at $24,395 (inclusive of a $1,295 destination fee). Since its launch, the Chevrolet Trailblazer has delighted automobile lovers worldwide because of its affordability and the host of available features. It has a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg highway/city. Equipped with the 1.2-liter turbocharged, three-cylinder engine, this subcompact SUV yields 137 hp. It comes with an automatic continually variable transmission with standard front-wheel drive. Alternatively, buyers can choose the nine-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel-drive system.
Beyond this, this affordable machine has a bundle of standard functional technology attributes like Wireless Android Auto and AppleCarPlay integration, along with safety features such as steering assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
2. Hyundai Venue
Available for $21,135, this SUV offers good value for money. Although it may look tiny from the outside, its roomy interiors that provide ample comfort to occupants. Its base price starts under $20,000. But, with destination charges, the price can climb to $21,135. Even then, it can be considered among the few pocket-friendly compact SUVs.
The vehicle has a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that yields 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. It records 29 mpg on city roads and 33 mpg on the highways. Beyond this, the SUV has an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The automobile also has a bundle of driver-assistance and safety attributes that give occupants much-needed peace of mind when driving.
3. Chevrolet Trax
Selling for $21,495, the Chevrolet Trax is a good-looking SUV that has been revamped recently. It still wonderfully suits the pocket of budget-minded buyers seeking a compact crossover but sharp SUV. The car is powerful with its 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, which yields 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The fuel economy is decent for its class, at 30 mpg combined.
In the base trim, Trax offers an eight-inch touchscreen that comes standard. It has safety attributes like lane-keeping assist and an emergency braking system. These help avoid collisions and make the driver feel calm when driving.
4. Kia Soul
Selling for $21,565, the Kia Soul recently underwent a revamp, offering a host of driver-assistance features and a larger touchscreen. But the latest model of the SUV has the same power-packed 2.0-liter engine as its predecessor, yielding 146 horsepower driving the front wheels. This subcompact SUV has a suite of tech and safety features, such as an eight-inch touchscreen display in the middle. Beyond that, it also offers standard lane-keeping assistance and emergency braking functionality. The vehicle records 27 mpg on city roads and 33 mpg on the highways, yielding a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg.
5. Nissan Kicks
With a market price of $22,400, this fashionable but affordable subcompact crossover SUV comes has a sporty design. Its four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine produces 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, which is impressive in its segment. The automobile comes in three trim levels. Even with the base trim, Nissan Kicks S, the buyers can access various driver assistance features, including auto braking on the rear and front, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more.
It has a seven-inch infotainment system along with Siri Eyes Free feature. It is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Moreover, the vehicle is one of the cheapest fuel-efficient SUVs in the country, recording 36 mpg on the highways, 31 mpg in cities, and 33 mpg combined.
6. Buick Envista
Offering a refined interior, distinctive design, and intuitive technology at just $23,495, the Buick Envista is undoubtedly one of the top affordable SUVs to consider buying. The vehicle includes a standard eight-inch display and an 11.0-inch center touchscreen. Its combined fuel economy is 30 mpg.
The turbocharged, 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine of this SUV yields 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Envista also has several safety assist features, such as a rear camera, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
7. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Selling for $28,220, the SUV seamlessly combines hybrid functionality and Corolla’s utility and simplicity with the crossover format. It is suitable for daily commuters and offers them abundant cargo space. In addition, its fuel economy is excellent for its class. The materials used inside the cabin ensure occupant comfort.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S trim is the base model that comes with a bunch of valuable features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, and standard cloth seats. The variant also has a host of driver-assistance features, such as lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, road sign assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Its cargo capacity is 21.5 cubic feet. However, with the seats down, the capacity expands to 61.8 cubic feet.