The 8 (Best) Most Affordable Small SUVs
The Hyundai Tuscon offers the most quality and value, but compare features to find the small SUV that’s right for you.
Written by Kaitlin May
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The versatile, user-friendly, and space-maximizing 2022 Hyundai Tucson offers the best of the small SUV world at the cheapest price.
With their drivability and spaciousness, SUVs have quickly become the vehicle of choice among American families. Compact models have become especially popular in recent years.
As the “swiss army knife” of cars, the small SUV seems to adapt to its passengers—but is it possible to find a high-quality model without sacrificing your budget?
With a wealth of cost comparison knowledge,
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The most affordable small SUV: 2022 Hyundai Tucson
With equal parts quality and value, the
Hyundai Tuscon
was named the 2022 Best Compact SUV for the Money by Cars.com. With a sleek interior quality that emulates cars in a luxury class, an intuitive infotainment system, and over 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space, you can be sure you’re getting bang for your buck.
The Hyundai Tuscon is bigger and better than any of its predecessors. Its fuel efficiency, refined features, and an enduring warranty make it an ideal choice for financially savvy drivers.
- Miles per gallon: City 26/Highway 33
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: 9.9/10
- List Price: $24,950 - $36,500
2021 Mazda CX-5
If navigating the roads with agility is your priority, then the Mazda CX-5 is the ride for you.
The
Mazda CX-5
has an abundance of driver assistance features to support your handling of the car, with infotainment amenities to boot. There’s also an optional turbocharged variant for those who want to add a little pep to their step on the highway. A commuter’s dream, the Mazda’s luxurious comfort makes up for what it lacks in its maximum 60 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Miles per gallon: City 25/Highway 31
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: 9.9/10
- List Price: $25,370 - $37,505
MORE: Are Mazdas expensive to maintain?
2022 Honda CR-V
With 75.8 cubic feet of trunk space to host all your travel gear, it’s an affordable ride that’s ideal for families or anyone who wants to feel at home in their car.
The only potential snag is the Honda CR-V’s infotainment system. It’s not the most user-friendly, but with just about everything else about the car being top-notch, it’s still a frontrunner in the small SUV world.
- Miles per gallon: City 28/Highway 34
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: 9.4/10
- List Price: $26,400 - $36,200
MORE: Does Honda have a self-driving car?
2022 Kia Sportage
As the most budget-friendly small SUV on the lot, the
Kia Sportage
is a durable, reliable choice for conscious consumers. It has spacious, cozy seats and an interactive infotainment system that gives SUVs their family-friendly appeal, but it’s doesn’t offer the most cargo space compared to other models.
Overall, if your goal is to keep your down payment low and your comfort level high, the Kia Sportage is a solid pick that will go easy on your wallet.
- Miles per gallon: City 23/Highway 30
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: 9.3/10
- List Price: $24,090 - $35,250
2022 Ford Bronco Sport
Where you’re going, you don’t need roads—well, that is, if you choose the off-roading extraordinaire: the
Ford Bronco Sport
.Agility and handling are the crown jewels of this small SUV. It has a maximum of 65.2 cubic feet to store your muddy clothes from traversing trails and a spacious cabin for family road trips.
The interior doesn’t have the upscale feel and appearance of some of the other models in its class, but if looks aren’t at the top of your list, this reliable small SUV might be perfect for you.
- Miles per gallon: City 25/Highway 28
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: N/A
- List Price: $27,265 - $33,935
2022 Subaru Forester
As a contender for the Best Compact SUV for the Money, the
Subaru Forester
is another model that packs in more quality and value than others in its class.With apt handling, ample cabin and storage space, and off-road chops, it’s a versatile ride that offers the best of what SUVs can offer.
Despite the fact that its user interface isn’t the most cutting edge, the Subaru Forester checks every other box SUV lovers look for—and at a cheap price.
- Miles per gallon: City 26/Highway 33
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: 9.5/10
- List Price: $25,195 - $35,295
MORE: Are Subarus expensive to maintain?
2022 Toyota RAV4
If space, comfort, and great fuel economy are your criteria for an affordable SUV, you might want to look at the
Toyota RAV4
.It’s easy to drive, provides 69.8 cubic feet of storage space, and has a low loading floor for accessibility. If you and your family need to pack up and head cross-country for that annual road trip, the Toyota RAV4 can guarantee a cozy ride.
One feature that’s not so driver-friendly is its whiny powertrain. Other than that, there’s not much room for complaints and an abundance of room for just about everything else in the Toyota RAV4.
- Miles per gallon: City 27/Highway 35
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: N/A
- List Price: $26,525 - $36,465
2022 Nissan Rogue
The
Nissan Rogue
may be pricier upfront, but it’s economical in the long run with its first-rate fuel efficiency. If you’re behind the wheel of a Nissan Rogue, prepare to feel fancy. The sleek, spacious seats and technologically advanced interior offer an upgraded sense of luxe that some other small SUVs don’t offer.
It may not be the best fit for you if you have a need for speed, due to its slower acceleration. But with its ideal gas mileage and exceptional handling, the Nissan Rogue is a great SUV selection.
- Miles per gallon: N/A
- Car and Driver Safety Rating: N/A
- List Price: $27,234 with standard features
How to find insurance for your SUV
With robust cabins, generally high safety ratings, and driver-friendly features, insurance companies can typically offer SUV drivers an affordable monthly rate.
The car you drive isn’t the only factor taken into account for your premium, so the best thing you can do to ensure you’re not overpaying for your
car insurance
is enlisting the help of the car super app Jerry
.After a 45-second sign-up, Jerry will start rounding up the best rates from dozens of top insurance companies. Once you’ve decided on the best coverage plan for you and your shiny new SUV, Jerry will do all the leg work to get you switched to a better policy.
With Jerry’s cost-saving expertise, customers save an average of $887 per year!
“I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get, since I have a luxury SUV. AfterJerryfound me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same exact coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.
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What is the most reliable small SUV?
A solid ride with a spacious cabin, the Honda CR-V is the most reliable small SUV on the market.
Is a compact SUV safer than a sedan?
Yes. In a recent study, an SUV driver or passenger was found at least 50% more likely to survive a car crash without serious injuries than those riding in a sedan.
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