Most Affordable SUVs for 2025
The most affordable new SUVs are ranked based on our analysis of their lowest base prices, though local market conditions might push a specific model’s price above the starting MSRP for vehicles in short supply or with high demand.
The most affordable subcompact SUV is the Hyundai VENUE ($19,900 starting MSRP), with the Toyota Corolla Cross being the most affordable small and compact SUV ($23,860 starting MSRP). The Dodge Journey ranks #1 for the most affordable midsize SUVs ($23,675 starting MSRP).
The most affordable large SUV is the Ford Flex ($30,575 starting MSRP) and the most affordable crossover SUV is the Hyundai VENUE ($19,900 starting MSRP). Topping the list for the most affordable three-row SUVs is the Dodge Journey ($23,675 starting MSRP), while the Kia Niro ranks first for the most affordable hybrid SUVs ($26,940 starting MSRP).
The most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) is the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid ($34,390 starting MSRP), with the Chevrolet Bolt EUV being the most affordable electric SUV ($27,800 starting MSRP).
iSeeCars has identified the lowest cost, or cheapest SUVs, in each of the major SUV segments. These range from small, base model front-wheel drive subcompact SUVs – which not surprisingly have the lowest starting prices – to large, 3-row SUVs and plug-in hybrid electric SUVs, which are the most expensive models. While they demand a higher price, luxury-branded SUVs provide a longer list of standard features, which can include an all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain, sophisticated connectivity and tech features, and more advanced safety features.
Happily, even today’s smallest SUVs include basic tech, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and touchscreen infotainment systems, as standard equipment. These models also provide the best EPA-rated fuel economy in the SUV category without the additional cost of hybrid technology.
Buyers seeking cheap SUVs with the confidence of all-wheel drive should consider the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which include AWD as standard equipment. These SUVs will suffer a small mpg penalty versus standard FWD alternatives like the Chevy Trailblazer and Honda HR-V, but the additional security they provide during foul-weather driving conditions is a trade some shoppers are likely happy to make.
While subcompact models still offer the basic advantages associated with SUVs, including an elevated ride height, roomy cargo space, and limited off-road capabilities, all of those features, along with performance specs and the associated driving experience, improve in the larger, more expensive SUV segments.
Most subcompact SUVs utilize base engines with less than 200 horsepower, while compact and midsize models feature larger engines, often with turbo technology and horsepower figures between 200 and 300 hp. These SUVs also include greater interior volume, like the space-efficient Kia Soul with its boxy styling, or sporty off-road prowess, like the Jeep Wrangler.
At the top of the SUV price spectrum are the large, luxury-branded models and plug-in hybrids with advanced powertrain technology. SUV’s like the Lincoln Corsair PHEV (plug-in electric vehicles) and Tesla Model Y electric SUV can’t be considered “cheap” given their starting prices. But they do include advanced driver assist tech, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, as standard equipment. And within their categories they are the most affordable SUVs you can buy without going to the used car market.
You can see all SUV models, ranked by price, in the lists below.
How We Rank These Cars
The Most Affordable Car lists rank vehicles by their starting MSRP.
Starting MSRP is the lowest MSRP across all trims for a given new car model. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
