The SUV market continues to thrive, offering a range of vehicles that cater to various tastes, needs, and budgets. In 2024, affordability does not mean compromising on quality, features, or performance.

Here, we explore the top 10 affordable SUVs that deliver excellent value for money, covering aspects such as design, performance, safety features, and overall value.

1. Hyundai Kona

Price Range:

Starting at $21,500

Overview:

The Hyundai Kona stands out in the subcompact SUV segment for its stylish design, energetic performance, and extensive list of standard features. The Kona offers a comfortable ride, responsive handling, and a user-friendly infotainment system.

Key Features:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• 147 horsepower
• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Advanced safety features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist

Pros:

• Attractive interior and exterior design
• Smooth and agile handling
• Excellent value for the price

Cons:

• Rear seats can be cramped for taller passengers
• Limited cargo space compared to some competitors

2. Kia Seltos

Price Range:

Starting at $22,500

Overview:

The Kia Seltos offers a blend of practicality and style with its spacious interior, impressive cargo capacity, and a suite of high-tech features. It provides a balanced ride and is equipped with advanced safety features that make it an excellent choice for families.

Key Features:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• 146 horsepower
• 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning

Pros:

• Roomy interior with ample cargo space
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Strong safety ratings

Cons:

• Base engine might feel underpowered for some
• Ride quality can be a bit firm

3. Mazda CX-30

Price Range:

Starting at $23,500

Overview:

The Mazda CX-30 is known for its upscale interior, athletic handling, and fuel efficiency. It combines the driving dynamics of a smaller car with the utility of an SUV, making it a versatile option for various driving needs.

Key Features:

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• 186 horsepower
• 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Standard safety features including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring

Pros:

• High-quality interior materials
• Engaging driving experience
• Good fuel economy

Cons:

• Limited rear-seat space
• Smaller cargo area compared to rivals

4. Honda HR-V

Price Range:

Starting at $23,000

Overview:

The Honda HR-V is a practical and reliable subcompact SUV, offering a spacious interior with versatile seating configurations. Its Magic Seat system allows for various cargo and passenger arrangements, making it highly adaptable for different needs.

Key Features:

• 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
• 141 horsepower
• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking and road
• departure mitigation

Pros:

• Versatile and spacious interior
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Strong reliability record

Cons:

• Engine can be noisy under hard acceleration
• Some competitors offer more advanced infotainment systems

5. Nissan Kicks

Price Range:

Starting at $20,000

Overview:

The Nissan Kicks is an affordable subcompact SUV that excels in fuel economy and offers a surprising amount of standard technology features. It’s ideal for city driving with its nimble handling and compact dimensions.

Key Features:

• 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
• 122 horsepower
• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Safety features like automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert

Pros:

• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Comprehensive list of standard features
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Modest engine power
• Interior materials feel basic compared to some competitors

6. Subaru Crosstrek

Price Range:

Starting at $24,500

Overview:

The Subaru Crosstrek is well-regarded for its off-road capability, standard all-wheel drive, and robust build quality. It’s a versatile SUV that performs well in various driving conditions, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• 152 horsepower
• 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Standard all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Strong off-road capability
• High safety ratings

Cons:

• Base engine lacks power
• Infotainment system can be slow to respond

7. Ford EcoSport

Price Range:

Starting at $21,000

Overview:

The Ford EcoSport offers a compact footprint with a higher driving position, making it ideal for urban driving. It comes with a decent amount of standard features and provides a comfortable ride for its class.

Key Features:

• 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
• 123 horsepower
• 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Standard safety features including rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Limited cargo space
• Engine can feel underpowered on the highway

8. Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price Range:

Starting at $22,000

Overview:

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a stylish and practical subcompact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features. It stands out with its bold design and modern interior.

Key Features:

• 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
• 137 horsepower
• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist

Pros:

 

• Spacious interior for a subcompact SUV
• Attractive exterior design
• Comprehensive safety features

Cons:

• Base engine offers modest performance
• Interior materials are basic

9. Toyota C-HR

Price Range:

Starting at $24,000

Overview:

The Toyota C-HR is known for its unique styling, agile handling, and reliability. It offers a comfortable ride and comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, making it a solid choice for urban drivers.

Key Features:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• 144 horsepower
• 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Toyota Safety Sense suite, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision system

Pros:

• Bold and distinctive design
• Strong safety features
• Comfortable ride quality

Cons:

• Limited rear visibility
• Smaller cargo space compared to some rivals

10. Jeep Renegade

Price Range:

Starting at $24,000

Overview:

The Jeep Renegade is a capable and stylish subcompact SUV with genuine off-road capabilities. It offers a unique design and comes with a host of standard features, making it a versatile choice for both city and adventure driving.

Key Features:

• 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
• 180 horsepower
• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available four-wheel drive and advanced safety features

Pros:

• Strong off-road capability
• Distinctive and rugged design
• Comfortable interior

Cons:

• Fuel economy could be better
• Some competitors offer more cargo space

When searching for an affordable SUV, it’s important to consider factors such as price, performance, features, and overall value.

The SUVs listed above offer a range of options to suit different preferences and needs, from city driving to off-road adventures.

Each of these vehicles provides excellent value for money, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice quality or features to stay within your budget.

As you explore your options, consider your specific requirements and test drive a few models to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

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