The Most Affordable SUVs of 2021
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 options 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. 2022 Kia Soul (MSRP: $19,190)
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 2022 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.
Even at its most expensive trim, the Exclaim (noted as “!”), the 2022 Kia Soul only costs a mere $19,190. 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. 2022 Ford EcoSport (MSRP: $19,995)
The Ford EcoSport returns to the US for the 2022 model year, and it has been selling well globally for a number of years. In fact, it’s been available in Brazil since 2004. With “eco” as part of the name, you might expect a focus on fuel economy. While its 27 city and 29 highway mpg ratings are better than most SUVs, those numbers don’t put it at the top of the class.
Its selling points are its smooth ride and short length, making it perfect for those small city parking spaces. The base model even comes with an included backup camera, USB ports for connectivity, and an entry-level version of the Ford Sync infotainment technology.
3. 2018 Honda HR-V (MSRP: $21,420)
Though it may be a small crossover, the 2022 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.
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.
4. 2021 Jeep Renegade (MSRP: $22,850)
The second cheapest SUV on our list comes from the off-road masters at Jeep. But if you’re hoping to take the 2021 Jeep Renegade off the beaten path, you may be a little disappointed. As the least expensive offering from the automaker, it understandably doesn’t have the same chops as the Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. That doesn’t mean there isn’t much to love here, however.
Compared to its competitors, the 2021 Renegade features an interior that feels surprisingly upscale thanks to choice materials. The interior is also spacious and roomy. Plus, every trim level is available in a four-wheel-drive option, allowing for greater driving stability. Driver assistance features, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and remote keyless entry are all standard with the base model.
5. 2021 Fiat 500X (MSRP: $25,140)
If you opt for the 2021 Fiat 500X, you’ll be driving a vehicle unlike any other on the road. Its distinctive Italian styling sets is apart, not just from its competitor SUVs, but even European sedans. The only drawback to that quirky styling? The interior dimensions are some of the lowest in the crossover class. In fact, its rear cargo space is half the HR-V’s at 14 cubic feet. With the seats folded, you’ll get up to 39.8 cubic feet.
On the positive side, however, is the available four-wheel-drive powertrain. That offering is fairly unique in both this price point and this segment (save for the Jeep Renegade). Tech-focused drivers will also appreciate the intuitive infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
(Featured image via Facebook.)