5 Budget Friendly SUVs in 2025: Reviews and Prices
5 Budget Friendly SUVs in 2025: Reviews and Prices
Looking for an affordable yet reliable SUV in 2025? With gas prices fluctuating and family needs growing, budget SUVs are a top choice for commuters and small families alike. This guide highlights the best budget SUVs 2025, featuring detailed 2025 SUV reviews and starting prices under $30,000. Based on performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and value, these models stand out in a crowded market. Whether you need space, efficiency, or low ownership costs, we’ve got you covered. Read on to explore the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Trax, and Nissan Kicks, and decide which fits your budget!
Toyota Corolla Cross
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The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact crossover blending reliability with affordability, making it a standout in the best budget SUVs 2025 list. Starting at $24,000, it’s built on the trusted Corolla platform, offering a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 169 hp and 31/33 MPG (city/highway).
The base LE trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (adaptive cruise, lane-keeping). Higher trims like the SE ($26,500) add a sportier look and all-wheel drive (AWD), ideal for snowy regions.
Cargo space is 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 66.8 with them folded—perfect for groceries or weekend trips. Reviewers praise its smooth ride and low maintenance costs, though the base engine feels underpowered for highway merges.
The hybrid option, starting at $28,000, boosts efficiency to 41/38 MPG, appealing to eco-conscious buyers. Interior quality is solid but basic, with hard plastics in lower trims.
Safety earns a 5-star NHTSA rating, reinforcing Toyota’s reputation. For budget shoppers, the Corolla Cross delivers dependability and value, though rear legroom (39.9 inches) may cramp taller passengers. It’s a practical pick for city dwellers or first-time SUV buyers seeking a 2025 SUV review with proven longevity.
Hyundai Kona
The 2024 Hyundai Kona redefines affordable fun with a starting price of $23,500, landing it among the best budget SUVs 2025. This subcompact SUV offers a 2.0L engine with 147 hp and 29/34 MPG, with AWD available for $2,000 more. The base SE trim includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay, and Hyundai Smart Sense (automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring). The SEL ($25,800) adds a sunroof and upgraded materials, while the N Line ($28,500) brings a turbocharged 190-hp option for sporty drives. Cargo space is 19.2 cubic feet, expanding to 45.8 with seats down—adequate for small loads.
Critics love its bold design and tech-packed cabin, though the base engine lags on steep hills. Fuel economy improves to 35/38 MPG with the hybrid ($27,000), a highlight for cost-conscious drivers. The ride is firm but handles well in urban settings, and safety scores a 5-star NHTSA rating. Drawbacks include limited rear space (34.6 inches legroom) and a noisy cabin at high speeds. With a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, the Kona offers peace of mind, making it a smart choice for young professionals or urban commuters seeking an affordable SUV 2025.
Kia Soul
The 2025 Kia Soul starts at $20,900, making it a budget king among 2025 SUV reviews. This boxy subcompact SUV packs a 2.0L engine with 147 hp and 27/33 MPG, with AWD optional for $2,000. The base LX includes an 8-inch touchscreen, CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Drive Wise (forward collision avoidance, lane assist). The EX ($23,500) adds a larger screen and heated seats, while the GT-Line ($26,000) offers a sportier edge.
Cargo space is 24.2 cubic feet, growing to 62.1 with seats folded—great for hauling gear. Reviewers highlight its quirky style and spacious interior, though acceleration is sluggish. The ride is comfortable for city use, and fuel economy reaches 30/36 MPG with the hybrid option ($25,500). Safety nets a 4-star NHTSA rating, bolstered by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Critics note cheap plastics and a tight rear (35.2 inches legroom), but its value and personality shine. Ideal for budget buyers or pet owners, the Soul blends practicality with flair in the best budget SUVs 2025 category.
Chevrolet Trax
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax starts at $21,495, offering a budget-friendly compact SUV with a modern twist. Powered by a 1.2L turbo engine with 137 hp and 28/32 MPG, it’s front-wheel drive only. The base LS trim features a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay, and Chevy Safety Assist (lane keep, auto braking). The LT ($23,500) adds a larger screen and heated seats, while the Active ($25,000) enhances off-road looks.
Cargo space is 25.6 cubic feet, expanding to 54.1 with seats down—solid for its class. Reviewers applaud its roomy cabin and low price, though power is lacking for quick passes. The ride is smooth on highways, and safety earns a 5-star NHTSA rating. Drawbacks include a noisy engine and limited rear legroom (36.0 inches). With a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, it’s a practical pick for city drivers or small families. The Trax bold design and tech value make it a contender in affordable SUVs 2025, especially for those prioritizing cost over performance.
Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at $23,290, delivering a stylish subcompact SUV for budget buyers. Its 2.0L engine produces 141 hp with 31/36 MPG, and AWD is now available for $2,000 extra. The base S trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen, CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield (blind-spot monitoring, auto braking). The SV ($25,290) adds a power liftgate and upgraded wheels, while the SR ($27,000) boosts style.
Cargo space is 25.3 cubic feet, expanding to 53.1 with seats folded—decent for its size. Critics praise its fresh redesign and standard safety, though acceleration is slow (0–60 in 9.7 seconds). The ride is comfortable for urban use, and fuel economy peaks at 33/38 MPG with efficient driving. Safety scores a 5-star NHTSA rating, backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Rear legroom (31.1 inches) is tight, and cargo depth is shallow, but its value shines. Perfect for young drivers or city commuters, the Kicks fits the best budget SUVs 2025 mold with flair and function.
Comparison Table: 5 Budget-Friendly SUVs in 2025
| SUV | Starting Price | MPG (City/Hwy) | Horsepower | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla Cross | $24,000 | 31/33 (42/38 Hybrid) | 169 | 25.5–66.8 | 5-star NHTSA |
| Hyundai Kona | $23,500 | 29/34 (35/38 Hybrid) | 147 | 19.2–45.8 | 5-star NHTSA |
| Kia Soul | $20,900 | 27/33 (30/36 Hybrid) | 147 | 24.2–62.1 | 4-star NHTSA |
| Chevrolet Trax | $21,495 | 28/32 | 137 | 25.6–54.1 | 5-star NHTSA |
| Nissan Kicks | $23,290 | 31/36 | 141 | 25.3–53.1 | 5-star NHTSA |
Conclusion
The budget-friendly SUVs of 2025 offer a powerful mix of affordability, efficiency, and practicality. The Kia Soul leads with its low $20,900 starting price, while the Toyota Corolla Cross impresses with hybrid fuel economy. The Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks bring bold style, and the Chevrolet Trax stands out with spacious interior design.
Your choice will depend on your specific needs—city driving (Kona, Kicks), family comfort and space (Corolla Cross, Trax), or unique design and flair (Soul). All models offer great value under $30,000, making 2025 an exciting year for budget SUV shoppers.
These are my top picks for budget-friendly SUVs this year. Honestly, it was tough narrowing it down to just five because there are so many amazing options on the market. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section—did I miss your favorite? Would you like me to review more SUVs or any specific model next?
Join me in the next post as I’ll be reviewing the 2025 Honda CR-V — a popular SUV that deserves its own spotlight.
Thank you for reading!
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