Five Pragmatic and Highly Affordable SUVs

Crossover SUVs are currently trending in the USA because of the commanding ride height they elicit, the versatility and practicality they offer as daily runabouts, and their high levels of value. They’re contemporary and well-rounded daily runabouts that typically come comprehensively outfitted with modern creature comforts, conveniences, and advanced driver assists and safety features. The variety of crossover SUVs is nearly infinite, too, with automakers offering various SUV designs, powertrains, and sizes within their SUV ranges – the Chevy Equinox having been presented with even a turbocharged diesel engine prior to 2021. No matter which SUV you get behind the wheel of, you’re instantly presented with the qualities that crossover SUVs bear over the more traditional vehicles they’re derived from.

The immense popularity of SUVs and crossovers alike makes a lot of sense considering how well-rounded and value-packed they are. So, if you’re in the market for a new or used SUV or crossover, here are five exceptional options you can get for under just $25,000.

Kia Seltos

Kia has become masters of instilling peppy and agile performance dynamics, plenty of comfort and practicality, and consummate safety standards into its cars. The Kia Seltos, a subcompact crossover SUV, expresses this assertion to a T. It’s a modern and suave-looking cruiser that is proffered with two punchy and refined powertrains, a surprisingly commodious and featureful cabin, and loads of driver assists and safety systems even as standard. Though not the most exciting subcompact out there, the Seltos is impressively comfortable on the road and returns exceptional fuel economy figures, too. It’s an ideal car for a budding family.

Model and Engine Options

S – 2.0-liter four-cylinder, continuously variable transmission, and front-wheel drive.
LX and EX – 2.0-liter four-cylinder, CVT, and all-wheel drive.
S Turbo and SX Turbo – 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, seven-speed automatic transmission, and AWD.

Mazda CX-30

Imbuing a car with brisk and refined acceleration and with poised handling is tough and usually quite expensive in general, but the Mazda CX-30 offers these qualities stunningly along with a whole lot more and in a subcompact package. For 2021, the CX-30-line was presented with a new Turbo trim that boasts a 250-horsepower turbo-four engine that only dialed up the CX-30’s already fun and apt driving dynamics. Mazda introduced the CX-30 to its range to cater to buyers who want more cabin space and general utility than what’s offered from the CX-3, so along with those exciting drive dynamics, it also offers plenty of occupant comfort and daily practicality.

Model and Engine Options

Base, Select, Preferred, and Premium – 2.5-liter inline-four, six-speed automatic transmission, and either FWD or AWD.
Turbo – 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD.

Hyundai Tucson

As a compact crossover, the Tucson really impresses in just how much it offers in both cabin and trunk space. It’s a modern and truly stylish crossover that seems to manifest driver and passenger room from an imperceptible portal hidden in its high-quality and upscale interior. It’s the perfect little runabout for a small family that regularly travels with lots of cargo. One of its best qualities is the ride that it delivers, a serene and silent experience that’s bordering on premium-car levels. In terms of feature specifications, even the base model comes heavily outfitted with standard features, advanced driver assistance systems, and active safety elements.

Model and Engine Options

SE, SEL, and N Line – 2.5-liter four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic transmission, and either FWD or AWD.
Hybrid Blue and Hybrid SEL Convenience – 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

For a subcompact crossover, the Trailblazer exudes a rather commanding or authoritative demeanor with its prominent wide front grille and chunky hood. Unfortunately, the inline-three engines it’s offered with aren’t truly strapping, its transmission not the most refined, and its ride quality on the firmer side. Nevertheless, the Trailblazer is one of the better-looking crossovers out there, its cabin is impressively expansive, equipped with luxury seats, and is brimming with inclusive features. It comes with loads of modern tech, too, including a user-friendly infotainment system and several driver assistance systems.

Model and Engine Options

LS and LT – 1.2-liter inline-three or 1.3-liter inline-three, nine-speed automatic transmission or CVT, and either FWD or AWD.
ACTIV and RS – 1.3-liter inline-three, nine-speed auto or CVT, and either FWD or AWD.
L – 1.2-liter inline-three, CVT, and FWD.

Subaru Forester

With its proven track record of dependability and the standard inclusion of all-wheel drive, the Subaru Forester has managed to remain one of the USA’s more popular compact crossovers. It’s not very exciting or engaging, but it’s impressively comfortable on the road and it offers decent off-road capability, too, making it a good all-around package. Its cabin is plenty spacious and while standard comfort and convenience features may be middling, it does still come properly equipped with driver aids and safety features.