Cheapest New SUVs For 2025

Sports utility vehicles are more popular now than they ever were, and with many brands competing for top honors, finding a cheap SUV or crossover shouldn’t be too hard these days. The segment in the USA is extensive, with options ranging in price, size, and capability; whether it’s a compact five-seater or a big hauler with seating for eight, there’s something for everyone - even those on a budget. Popular mainstream brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota produce some of the cheapest SUVs currently for sale. Here, we'll take a look at them in more detail.

This list features the 10 current cheapest SUVs for sale in the USA, based on their starting MSRPs (excluding the destination charge and any extras). They're ranked from most to least expensive.

10 Mazda CX-30

Kicking off our adventure to find the cheapest SUV in the US for 2025 is the Mazda CX-30. Not only does it make the list, but it does so by coming in under $25k—it starts at just $24,995. While that price point is becoming rarer by the day, these SUVs are all budget-friendly. The CX-30 is the most powerful SUV on this list by far with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Its maximum cargo space is larger than some here, at 45.2 cubic feet behind the front seats, and a welcome feature is standard AWD. The Mazda also feels more upscale than most other affordable crossovers and has a brilliant safety reputation.

9 Kia Seltos

For another cheap SUV at under $25k, turn your attention to the 2025 Kia Seltos. It's a bit cheaper than the Mazda with a starting price of $24,690, but it gets a less powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. That's still enough to get you around town and pick up some groceries, though. What will really help with the groceries, however, is the 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

8 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai has been making cheap SUVs for some time now, and the base model 2025 Hyundai Kona is one of them. Specifications are similar to the Seltos, with a 2.0L engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. AWD is an option, as is a more powerful 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. All Kona models feature futuristic styling and a modern cabin, while maximum cargo space works out to a useful 63.7 cubic feet.

No matter which trim you choose, the Kona is among the most feature-rich crossovers in the subcompact segment and its priced well despite its wealth of content. If you want great bang for your buck, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is a value-laden option.

- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large

7 Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the best affordable SUVs you can buy. Toyota priced it only a couple thousand dollars above the regular Corolla sedan for a starting price of $24,035, and so far the Corolla Cross is holding its resale value. Under the hood is another 2.0-liter four-cylinder, although outputs aren't amazing at 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Toyota has not officially published the total maximum cargo space yet, but we know that space behind the back seat measures 24 cubic feet. FWD is standard and AWD is available.

6 Buick Envista

Buick doesn't always make the most affordable SUV, but the 2025 Envista starts pretty cheap. For a starting price of $23,700, you get 42 cubic feet of storage space behind the front seats, and a tiny engine. The Envista's 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque sent to the ground via the front wheels. While that doesn't sound all that impressive, it'll still get you where you need to go in a little more comfort and style than some of the others on this list.

5 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the cheapest new SUVs in the United States. With a starting price of $23,100, it makes it into the top five cheapest SUVs for 2025. It's pretty similar to the Buick Envista, but without some of the more luxurious features that come with a luxury name brand. Under the hood is the same 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is still standard, but one of the biggest differences between this and the Buick is how much larger the cargo space is with 54.4 cubic feet behind the front seats.

4 Nissan Kicks

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is refreshed and close to being the least expensive SUV in 2025. You would expect a sizable price hike after the refresh, but Nissan is keeping the starting price of the Kicks at just $21,830—only a few hundred dollars more than the outgoing model—which declares war on rising car prices. Powering this cheap SUV is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The cargo space is larger than many on this list at 60 cubic feet behind the front seats, too.

The new Kicks was judged good enough to be awarded our budget car of the year award last year.

3 Chevrolet Trax

The top three cheapest SUVs for sale in the US are close in price to one another, but the number three spot is secured by the 2025 Chevrolet Trax. Like the other Chevy and Buick mentioned above, it's powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, but for way less money—the Trax starts at $20,400. It's front-wheel drive and has a usable maximum cargo capacity of 54.1 cubic feet.

2 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul has consistently been been one of the cheapest crossovers on sale in America. The 2025 model starts at $20,490 and is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While not very powerful compared to a few others on this list, it's enough for your commute and hauling some people around. The boxy styling of the Soul still lends itself to good cargo capacity, at 62.1 cubic feet behind the front seats.

1 Hyundai Venue

Finally, the cheapest SUV you can buy in the US in 2025 is the Hyundai Venue. It starts at just a touch over the $20k mark at $20,100. The Venue is the least-powerful option on the list—which makes sense for the price—since its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine only makes 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. You can't expect too much from the cheapest SUV on sale, but even the 31.9 cubic feet of storage is particularly small. Not only is the Venue the cheapest SUV, it's one of the cheapest new cars in general.

Advice For Choosing The Most Affordable SUVs

Most affordable SUVs tick the utility and space boxes, but as they are on the more budget end of the spectrum, these understandably sacrifice some of the high-end features and creature comforts that characterize luxury models. Here are some things to consider when looking at buying one of the cheapest new SUVs of 2025:

• Power plants and drivetrains: Most SUVs in this segment feature low-displacement power plants that tread the line between capability and economy. For this reason, while some may have access to all-wheel drive, and even 4WD, the default here is usually front-wheel drive. This doesn’t mean they aren’t capable, though, and even the cheapest SUV can offer an exceptional driving experience.
• Safety: While some may feel that SUVs pose a higher risk of rolling over, and others feel that these ‘bigger’ vehicles are safer by virtue of their size, the truth is that SUVs are designed to carry families and thus often come well-equipped to prioritize safety. So, while base models may not be fitted with the latest driver assistance and technological advancements, they generally have the bases covered for keeping your precious cargo safe. Always check the safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, if available.
• Value for money: Shopping for the least expensive SUV doesn’t have to mean you lose out on all the benefits SUVs have to offer. Since the starting cost is already low, you may be able to throw in a few key add-on packages to enhance safety and comfort levels without breaking the bank. The best, most affordable SUV doesn’t have to be a bare-bones model.
• Budget-conscious interiors: The basics of space for passengers will remain the same across the price range, but the cheaper models usually have cloth or even leatherette upholstery and don’t feature all the complex tech, like multi-zone climate control, seat heating, or top-end sound systems.

What To Consider Before Buying

A breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of cheap SUVs can be helpful in your purchasing journey:

Pros

• Good overall value at a relatively low cost
• Standard features list covers the basics of safety and convenience
• Cabins are typically commodious and comfortable
• Good compromise between driving capability and fuel efficiency

Cons

• Low-priced models are often only fitted with bare essentials
• You may need to spend a bit more to get advanced tech features
• Hard-wearing interiors for functionality over luxury
• Certain models are underpowered

Are there any SUVs available to buy for under $25,000?

Due to the popularity of the segment and automakers jostling to provide options to buyers across the price spectrum, you are sure to find a suitable model under the $25k price tag. Every SUV on this list falls under $25k to start, but the cheapest options include the Chevrolet Trax, Kia Soul, and Hyundai Venue.

Can you get a hybrid or electric SUV on a budget?

Due to all the technology that goes into hybrid or electric vehicles, they are generally priced quite highly. Still, the Kia Niro Plug-In can be had for around $30k, while its EV sibling costs around $10k more than that. Be sure to check out our comprehensive reviews on each vehicle. Our buyer’s guide will help you find the right car and identify the cheapest new SUVs for sale or lease, new or used. They’re easy to compare against one another, too, thanks to our nifty comparison tool.

Sources: Mazda, Kia, Toyota, Chevrolet, Buick, Hyundai, Nissan