The term 'SUV' plays with a looser definition these days. In reality, many of the vehicles listed here are simply lifted compact cars with increased interior space, improved ground clearance, and, often, an all-wheel-drive system—if the vehicle permits it.
However, just because it’s more practical doesn’t mean it’s considerably more expensive. The compact crossovers we’ve gathered here prove that, in addition to having utility, they don’t compromise on price or style in their vying efforts to feel cheap and cheerful. Let’s take a look.
10. 2025 Hyundai Kona: $26,045
- 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
- 147 Horsepower
- 31 MPG
Coming out of a major redesign for 2024, the Hyundai Kona remains one of the most value-packed compact crossovers you can buy. In base form, the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen comes with wireless smartphone connectivity and Bluelink Plus services. On the styling front, the Kona embraces spaceship vibes, while a rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard.
9. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross: $25,585
- 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
- 169 Horsepower
- 32 MPG
With a refresh just around the corner, the 2025 Corolla Cross starts you off with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and an 8.0-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. SiriusXM is included for the first three months after purchase, while second-row passengers can cool off thanks to rear air vents. All-wheel drive is available.
8. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,340
- 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
- 148 Horsepower
- 26 MPG
The Outlander Sport has been around in its current form since 2011, but Mitsubishi’s longstanding SUV is still kickin’. Keeping up with the times means all-wheel drive is standard, as are LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers. The catch is that you only have two colors to choose from in base form. To start piling on the options, upgrade from an S to an ES.
7. 2025 Buick Envista: $25,195
- Turbocharged 1.2-Liter Three-Cylinder
- 137 Horsepower
- 30 MPG
Arguably the most visually attractive entry on this list, the Envista launched at the same time as the redesigned Trax. It ups the ante with a nicer cabin laid with softer materials to go with an eye-popping exterior design. At the very minimum, you get 17-inch wheels, a digital gauge cluster in front of the driver, and an 11.0-inch touchscreen display with wireless smartphone connectivity. A top-grade Avenir trim is available.
6. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,495
- Turbocharged 1.2-Liter Three-Cylinder
- 137 Horsepower
- 30 MPG
With the launch of the Trax, the 2025 Trailblazer exists for buyers who need all-wheel drive. A mild refresh means it now comes with a digital gauge cluster and 11.0-inch touchscreen as standard. The latter includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the exterior front, 17-inch alloy wheels complement a palette of vibrant paint options.
5. 2025 Nissan Kicks: $23,220
- 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
- 141 Horsepower
- 31 MPG
Sporting a ground-up redesign, the biggest addition to the 2025 Nissan Kicks is an all-wheel-drive system. More power, more features, and more style are packed in what’s arguably the most exciting Nissan product launch since the Juke. Unlike the Juke, though, the Kicks is far less likely to disappoint.
4. 2025 Nissan Kicks Play: $22,910
- 1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder
- 122 Horsepower
- 33 MPG
Okay, this is a bit of a gimme—a ploy to run out production stock of whatever’s left from the factory. However, the older-styled Kicks has a couple of advantages in play (pun intended) to its benefit. Despite the radical redesign, the second-generation Kicks uses a somewhat similar powertrain that remains in the Kicks Play. The second is that with several years in production, reliability is still good, with J.D. Power reporting that owners can achieve 300,000 miles with regular maintenance. So it’s unlikely to let you down.
3. 2025 Chevrolet Trax: $21,895
- Turbocharged 1.2-Liter Three-Cylinder
- 137 Horsepower
- 30 MPG
With General Motors moving 200,000 units in its first calendar year on sale, the second generation of the Chevy Trax is a hot commodity. Attractive styling and an ample cabin lead the charge, so long as you’re okay with the front-drive-only powertrain.
2. 2025 Kia Soul: $21,885
- 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
- 147 Horsepower
- 31 MPG
Hamsters may have launched it to stardom, but the Kia Soul remains a funky small crossover packed with value. An entire suite of safety features, such as lane-keep assist, pairs with an 8.0-inch center touch display and split-folding rear seats. The Soul remains an attractive option with buyers on a budget.
1. 2025 Hyundai Venue: $21,695
- 1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder
- 121 Horsepower
- 31 MPG
The least expensive SUV on this list won’t disappoint you when it comes to features. The Venue SE starts you off with alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with wireless smartphone connectivity, and enough safety features to build a case for decent value. As the name suggests, the pint-sized ute offers enough interior room to avoid feeling cramped.
Cheapest SUVs of 2025
- 2025 Hyundai Venue: $21,695
- 2025 Kia Soul: $21,885
- 2025 Chevrolet Trax: $21,895
- 2025 Nissan Kicks Play: $22,910
- 2025 Nissan Kicks: $23,220
- 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,495
- 2025 Buick Envista: $25,195
- 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,340
- 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross: $25,585
- 2025 Hyundai Kona: $26,045
