The Most Affordable SUVs of 2023
Finding an affordable vehicle these days can be quite a challenge. Prices are climbing year after year and families in need of an affordable vehicle are often having to settle for a used one. However, if you prefer to buy new, there are plenty of affordable SUVs available to you.
Most Affordable SUVs
As the crossover market grows ever more competitive, buyers have more numerous affordable SUV to choose from than ever before. These are the cheapest options.
1. 2023 Kia Soul (MSRP: $19,790)
The cheapest SUV on our list is also one of the smallest. It might not sit up as high as a Chevy Tahoe, but the 2023 Kia Soul crossover utilizes its boxy design well. The openness and high roofline of the cabin allow for ample cargo room, and windows surround basically the whole affair, offering commanding sightlines of the road and vehicle surroundings. That smaller size translates into great fuel economy. The Soul features 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. It’s one of the best new affordable cars you can get for under $20,000.
(Image via Kia)
Even at its most expensive trim, the Exclaim (noted as “!”), the 2022 Kia Soul only costs a mere $19,790. At that price, buyers can expect such features as an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, remote keyless entry, and a rearview camera.
2. Chevrolet Trailblazer (MSRP: $22,100)
The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the most affordable compact SUVs from Chevy at a mere $22,100. The interior features a roomy seating arrangement, a spacious cargo area that offers up to 54.4 cubic feet of space and decent features for the price. The vehicle comes with a 7-inch display infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration, a six-speaker stereo and a standard Chevy Safety Assist package which includes forward automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
(Image via Chevrolet)
The vehicle also offers exceptional fuel economy thanks to its 137-horsepower, turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder base engine. With this engine, you can get up to 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
3. 2023 Mazda CX-30 (MSRP: $22,950)
The Mazda CX-30 is available for just $22,950. This SUV does not disappoint in terms of performance, boasting a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 191 horsepower. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, comparable to the Trailblazer. It also benefits from agile handling and responsive braking.
(Image via Mazda)
In terms of features, drivers will be impressed by its luxurious interior with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, eight-speaker audio, HD Radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot, plus a long list of active safety features.
4. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (MSRP: $22,995)
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport stands out from the pack by offering standard all-wheel-drive, where most affordable SUVs give you an upcharge. Starting at $22,995, the vehicle offers satisfying performance to an extent, albeit a tad underpowered. The 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
(Image via Mistubishi)
In terms of features, its comparable to the Trailblazer but where wrivers will be impressed is with this vehicle’s reliability. It even comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain.
5. 2024 Honda HR-V (MSRP: $24,100)
Though it may be a small crossover, the 2024 Honda HR-V is no slouch when it comes to cargo space. Behind the rear seats, it has 24.3 cubic feet of space, and with the back seats folded down, the dimensions expand to a class-leading 58.8 cubic feet of space. Fuel economy, one of Honda’s strong suits, is also stellar for the HR-V. EPA ratings come in at 28 mpg for the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
(Image via Honda)
Though it may look sporty, it is a little sluggish, however. It’s perfect for zipping around town, but it’s not going to win any races. That said, we’ll take an adult-sized rear seating area and proven reliability over drag-race capabilities any day. It’s one of the top 10 subcompact SUVs of 2023.
