10 of the Cheapest SUVs for 2023
Here are several ways to get a high-riding position and practical cargo space on a tight budget.
Kia
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Small SUVs account for nearly half of the U.S. car market share these days. If you want a new one but need to keep the cost down, start by looking at these options.
We've included destination charges and rounded prices to the nearest thousand for all models.
Subaru | 2023 Crosstrek Limited
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Base: $25,000
The all-wheel-drive-only Crosstrek is the sole model on this list to offer a manual transmission, which comes standard on the lowest trim level. At this price point, buyers will find a 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder underhood and 21 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Cargo capacity expands to 55 cubes when you fold the second row. Manual models see 25 mpg and lack the Subaru EyeSight suite of safety equipment, which includes collision-mitigation tech, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering. Upgrade to the automatic transmission for $1,350 and those features (plus a 30-mpg rating) are yours.
Kia
2023 Kia Seltos LX: $25,000
The Seltos gets decent fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive subcompact crossover, with a rating of 29 mpg. This ute offers 26.6 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and 62.8 with them folded. The entry-level powertrain — a 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder — is potent enough for highway merging, and the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic high-beams, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention monitor are sure to lure in some buyers.
Mitsubishi | 2022 Outlander
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport S: $24,000
The Outlander Sport is cheap transportation with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Among its highlights are an all-wheel-drive system, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and auto high-beams. Cargo space is merely adequate, with 21.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 49.5 cubic feet behind the first. And with the 148-hp 2.0-liter, the vehicle returns a middling 26 mpg.
Toyota | 2022 Corolla Cross
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross L: $24,000
The practical and all-wheel-drive-capable Corolla Cross compact crossover boasts an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 24.0 cubic feet of cargo space, and multiple driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure correction, and automatic high-beams. The 2.0-liter engine makes 169 horsepower and helps the front-drive Corolla Cross deliver 32 mpg.
Mazda
2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S: $24,000
Affordability, capability, and style come together in one gorgeous package with the CX-30, which is equipped with some handy driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping. This model uses a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which sends its torque to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The 29-mpg fuel-economy rating is fair, as is cargo capacity at 20 cubic feet.
Hyundai | 2023 Kona Limited
2023 Hyundai Kona SE: $23,000
The entry-level Kona employs a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that motivates the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. Shoppers can upgrade to all-wheel drive for $1,500, but fuel economy will suffer a bit compared with the front-drive model, which sees 32 mpg. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes standard, along with desirable features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Unfortunately, storage space measures just over 19 cubes, and only the top trim level offers adaptive cruise control.
Chevrolet | 2023 Trailblazer ACTIV
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS: $23,000
The Trailblazer's 137-hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder may be small, but thanks to turbocharging, it makes an impressive 162 lb-ft of torque. Said engine pairs exclusively with front-wheel drive and helps the Chevy return 30 mpg. The cabin showcases a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and a Teen Driver system to help parents monitor their kids' driving habits. The cargo area spans 25.3 cubic feet and stretches to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear bench folded.
Nissan
2023 Nissan Kicks S: $22,000
Because it's so light, the Kicks, just under 2,700 pounds, may feel more responsive than others on this list, despite its meager 122-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The subcompact crossover delivers 33 mpg and features blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, and automatic emergency braking. Buyers have 25.3 cubic feet of space for their stuff with the rear seats up and 32.3 cubes with them down.
Kia
2023 Kia Soul LX: $21,000
Equipped with a 147-hp four-cylinder engine, the stylish Soul manages 30 mpg. While this vehicle lacks an all-wheel-drive option, it features more space than its Seltos stablemate: You'll find 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.1 cubic feet behind the front. There's also an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a limited suite of safety tech, including lane-keeping assistance, collision mitigation, and driver-attention monitoring.
Hyundai
2023 Hyundai Venue SE: $21,000
The Venue is the least powerful vehicle here, making 121 ponies from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, but at least it returns 31 mpg. It's also rather small, offering 18.7 cubic feet of storage behind the hatch and 31.9 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, as are automatic high-beams, forward-collision warning, and lane keeping. Adaptive cruise control and all-wheel drive are not on the menu, though.
