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Jun 30, 2023

15 Most Affordable Compact SUVs In 2023

With gas and vehicle prices soaring, buying a compact SUV now seems more attractive than ever. The automotive industry is booming. But with the high gas prices and overall economic uncertainty caused

With gas and vehicle prices soaring, buying a compact SUV now seems more attractive than ever.

The automotive industry is booming. But with the high gas prices and overall economic uncertainty caused by inflation, more people prioritize efficiency in new vehicles above other factors. Reports expect small vehicles, especially SUVs, already in high demand, to have stronger sales this year.

Size categories in the SUV segment are pretty much fluid. Many generally consider small SUVs to be those extending up to 185 inches in length. They sit behind the midsize SUV category, approximately 195 inches. Under the small SUVs sit compact (165–175 inches), also known as crossovers, and sub-compact (under 165 inches) SUVs.

Updated June 2023; Compact SUVs (crossovers) have gained immense popularity due to their generous interiors for occupants and cargo. And that's while perfectly balancing the practicality of larger SUVs and the maneuverability of smaller cars. Don't forget they have powerful yet fuel-efficient engines compared to bulky SUVs and sleek and sporty designs. If you're shopping for a compact SUV, we've updated this list to include more affordable options in 2023.

RELATED: 10 Most Reliable Family SUVs For 2023

Considering these size categories, it's clear that with small SUVs, you must make a few compromises right off the bat. But it's also true that smaller rides are more likely to be reliable, cheaper to buy and maintain. So, if you don't need an eight-seater for your whole family, a compact SUV will do the trick. Here are the most affordable compact SUVs you can currently buy new.

Using the latest pricing information from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and respective manufacturer websites, we've refreshed this list to showcase the most budget-friendly compact SUV choices available today as new vehicles.

Hyundai's main goal with the Venue is to appeal to young urban professionals that want to get around on a budget. It makes a strong case for itself with a cheerful exterior and a surprisingly spacious interior. The crossover is easy to drive thanks to its compactness, a CVT, and 121-hp 1.6-liter inline-four that barely sips fuel.

While the Hyundai Venue's interior is cheap, the layout is pleasing, and it boasts a high level of standard features, including the highly sought-after Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Beyond that, there are many standard driver and safety aids and a user-friendly infotainment.

Trim

Original MSRP

SE

$19,650

SEL

$21,400

Limited

$22,900

With its sub-$20,000 price tag, the Venue is the most compact and affordable crossover currently available. The S.E. version of the 2023 Venue starts at $19,650, and the mid-range SEL goes for $21,400. The top trim "Limited" will set you back $22,900.

The unconventional design helps the Kia Soul stand out on the road, with its upright shape contributing to a spacious interior with ample passenger and cargo space. Under the hood is an efficient 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine, with Kia, unfortunately, having dropped the turbocharged 1.6-liter motor.

With a spacious, feature-loaded interior for its size, the 2023 Kia Soul is easy to love. It boasts an excellent quality and reliability rating of 87/100 from J.D. Power. The 2023 model year receives a light makeover with new bumper and grille designs. It also gets a new headlight design and a choice of 17 or 18-inch wheels.

Trim

Original MSRP

LX

$19,890

S

$22,390

GT-Line

$23,490

EX

$24,190

The 2023 Kia Soul is a very reliable and cheap compact SUV. It starts at $19,890 for the base LX trim and up to $24,190 for the top EX trim. Notably, for 2023, Kia has axed the tough-looking X-Line and the Turbo trim.

The 2023 Nissan Kicks is a city-centric compact SUV that stands out because of its cute looks, affordability, and excellent fuel economy. Nissan exclusively offers it with FWD and a 122-hp four-cylinder linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The Kicks has a good list of standard features, such as an easy-to-use 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. It is practical, with decent space in both rows of seating. While the base model gets cloth upholstery, upper trims offer a premium synthetic leather option.

Trim

Original MSRP

SE

$20,290

SEL

$22,850

Limited

$22,850

The 2023 Nissan Kicks stands out among its established rivals with its competitive pricing. It has a base price of $20,290. With its S.V. trim priced at $22,850 and the S.R. at $22,850, it is an excellent value in the compact SUV segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax brings new design and proportions compared to the 2022 production year. It's all modern looking outside, with a tad more space (6 inches longer wheelbase), bringing enhanced safety features. The 2024 Trax also boasts three inches of additional rear legroom, making it more comfortable for passengers. It features neatly placed climate controls and a driver-facing infotainment screen and also has many other tech luxuries, including a sunroof, heated steering wheel and front seats, and remote start.

Powering the 2024 Trax is an efficient 137-horsepower turbo three-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It's exclusively front-wheel driven.

Trim

Original MSRP

LS

$21,495

IRS

$23,195

LT

$23,395

2RS

$24,995

ACTIV

$24,995

Now ready to meet the needs of more savvy customers, the 2024 Trax is a smart option for buyers seeking to maximize their investment. It comes in five trims, with the cheapest starting at $21,495.

Only revived in 2021, the Chevrolet Trailblazer already has 86/100 points for quality and reliability on J.D. Power. Coming in a cute little package, it delivers an excellent driving experience according to reviews. Unlike most rivals at this budget-friendly price point, it has a technology-rich cabin and attractive styling. The interior is functional and spacious and boasts plenty of convenience storage items.

While modern and convenient for its size, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is modest in power. It sports a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, paired only with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). But you can opt for a higher displacement (1.3-liter) unit with 155 hp that offers an AWD option.

Trim

Original MSRP

LS FWD

$22,100

LS AWD

$24,100

LT FWD

$24,300

Activ FWD

$26,200

RS FWD

$26,200

LT AWD

$26,300

LT AWD

$27,700

RS AWD

$27,700

Next year, there will be a more major midlife update, so the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer doesn't have any changes. Only four trims are in the 2023 lineup. The least expensive L.S. trim has an MSRP of $22,100. For an upscale look, go for the upper-level models. The Trailblazer R.S. trim offers the best of everything for only $27,700.

If you can live with a smaller cargo space, consider the 2023 Hyundai Kona. This stylish small SUV comes with an array of tech and comfort features.

Despite its funky exterior styling, the 2023 Kona has a spacious, convenient, and comfortable cabin. The cabin has quality materials, comfortable seats, and good ergonomics. Drivers get to enjoy a nicely wrapped leather steering wheel with contrast stitching. All models now have standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, including braking functionality.

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Trim

Original MSRP

SE FWD

$22,140

SE AWD

$23,640

SEL FWD

$23,950

SEL AWD

$25,450

N Line FWD

$27,850

Limited FWD

$28,950

N Line AWD

$29,350

Limited AWD

$30,450

N

$34,950

The least expensive Hyundai Kona, S.E. trim — starting at $22,140 — only comes with a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine linked to a six-speed auto. But you can upgrade this to a unit with 195 ponies paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for a few more bucks.

Although maybe not the least expensive compact SUV on sale, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 is a sophisticated and sporty unit worth some extra money. It offers a premium, well-crafted interior with ample space for passengers and cargo and loads of tech and safety equipment. Reviewers have described this compact SUV as smooth, efficient, and comfortable to drive.

Energizing the Mazda CX-30 is a duo of inline-four engines (191 and 250 horsepower) paired with an obedient six-speed automatic that ensures exciting performance.

Trim

Original MSRP

S

$22,950

Select

$25,400

Preferred

$28,550

Carbon Edition

$29,290

Premium

$31,500

Turbo Premium

$33,800

Turbo Premium Plus

$35,400

Starting at $22,950, the Mazda CX-30 is a good deal for a compact SUV highly praised for its enjoyable driving experience. The top-tier trims are formidable contenders against the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, catering to budget-conscious buyers.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is not a flawless compact SUV. It is a little outdated, bland, and sluggish. However, it boasts an eye-catching exterior, standard all-wheel drive, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and is a dependable SUV with an 82/100 JD Power reliability rating. Beyond that, it has advanced driver-assistance tech and impressive warranty coverage.

The 2023 Outlander Sport comes with either a 148 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 168 hp 2.4-liter engine, linked to a CVT.

Trim

Original MSRP

S FWD

$22,995

ES AWD

$24,995

LE AWD

$25,945

SE AWD

$27,245

RALLIART AWD

$27,795

GT AWD

$28,045

The least expensive SUV in the Mitsubishi's lineup is the 2023 Outlander Sport, starting from $22,995 for the base S trim. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims, which is a big draw at this price point, but the pricier trims admittedly offer more fun.

The 2023 Kia Seltos is stylish and roomy for its size, being among this list's most spacious compact SUVs. It's equipped with top-notch tech for more comfort and convenience. The base four-cylinder engine on the LX, S, and EX trims is not quite potent at 146 horsepower. But unlike its rivals, the Seltos has a more engaging driving demeanor, especially with the optional 175-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine, which produces 195 lb-ft of torque.

For 2023, all Seltos models receive acoustic glass windshields for less road noise. The value-oriented S trim also gets standard safety features, including a blind spot collision avoidance system and rear cross-traffic alert with automated emergency braking.

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Trim

Original MSRP

LX AWD

$23,340

S FWD

$23,390

S AWD

$24,890

EX AWD

$26,640

Nightfall AWD

$27,540

SX AWD

$28,840

The Seltos is available in various interesting trims and configurations, of which the least expensive one (LX) starts at $23,340. Only the LX and S models come standard with FWD; all other trims come with standard AWD.

Looking for a convenient daily driver? The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the freshest compact SUVs on the block. Debuting in 2022, it offers decent power from its 169-horsepower four-cylinder engine and advanced comfort and convenience with its numerous features. But if you want the most for your money, you should consider the hybrid powertrain.

Regarding pricing and size, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is one of the best 2023 compact hybrid SUVs. It consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors for a combined output of 196 hp, making it perkier than the standard 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Trim

Original MSRP

L FWD

$23,610

L AWD

$24,910

LE FWD

$25,940

LE AWD

$27,240

XLE FWD

$27,715

XLE AWD

$29,015

Starting at $23,060 with the base L trim, the Corolla Cross ranks among the most affordable and reliable small SUVs of 2023. It's available with a standard front-wheel drive, but an optional all-wheel drive system adds extra costs.

You are likely to see the Honda HR-V often cited as one of the best small SUVs you can buy for the money. It's a very reliable and low maintenance vehicle. Honda unveiled the all-new HR-V for the 2023 model year, now inheriting its chassis from the spry Honda Civic, giving it better athleticism than its predecessor. While not particularly potent, its four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower is fuel-efficient.

More benefits of the platform switch for the 2023 HR-V included larger, better-looking dimensions, the latest technology, enhanced ride quality, and refinement. For 2024, Honda's HR-V remains unchanged.

Trim

Original MSRP

LX 2WD

$24,100

LX AWD

$25,600

Sport 2WD

$26,200

LE AWD

$27,700

EX-L 2WD

$28,200

EX-L AWD

$29,700

Honda's smallest SUV offering, the 2024 HR-V, is very cheap, with the two-wheel drive LX model starting at $24,100. Even when fully loaded, the Honda HR-V EX-L boasts a more affordable starting price compared to the entry model of its larger counterpart, the Honda CR-V.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a practical, small SUV with a punchy turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder kicking out 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The Taos simply makes an exciting buying choice, distinguishing itself within the compact segment with its clean and rugged exterior, notably roomy and feature-packed interior, ample storage capacity, and impressive fuel efficiency.

Volkswagen has made more driver-assistance features standard equipment across all trims for 2023. These include forward collision warning with auto emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert.

Trim

Original MSRP

S

$24,155

S 4Motion

$26,495

S

$28,925

SE

$30,375

SEL 4Motion

$34,535

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is the most affordable compact SUV hailing from Europe. Positioned below the Volkswagen Tiguan, it's available with a starting MSRP of $24,155 for the entry-level S grade.

The Nissan Rogue Sport and its Nissan Kicks counterpart compete in the compact SUV segment. The former has slightly more generous dimensions, hence is more practical, being based on the larger Nissan Rogue. While it borrows size from the bigger Rogue, Nissan has denied the Rogue Sport all the modern tech and even a powerful engine. It only puts out 141 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

But if you're willing to overlook that, the Rogue Sport presents a compelling argument with good practicality, plenty of standard safety features, a roomy interior, and good capacity for carrying cargo.

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Trim

Original MSRP

S

$24,960

SV

$28,030

SL

$31,090

Although the 2023 Nissan Rogue Sport has yet to be unveiled, the 2022 model remains available. While its price may be slightly elevated compared to its compact SUV counterparts, the starting cost of $24,960 is exceptional value. The price goes up quite a bit from there, up to $31,090.

Subaru has redesigned the Crosstrek for 2024. The interior is now roomier, more practical, and well-equipped than the previous gen vehicle. Subaru has also redesigned the seats to offer additional comfort while adding more sound-deadening material, making it quieter.

Meant for active drivers, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek builds on its rugged and utilitarian outdoor styling on the outside. There's standard AWD, adequate power (152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine), and enough ground clearance for light off-road adventures. A 2.5-liter unit is also available for more power, providing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Trim

Original MSRP

Base

$24,995

Premium

$26,145

Sport

$28,995

Limited

$30,895

Moving into a new generation, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek sees a price bump from a starting MSRP of $23,645 last year to $24,995. Still, it's among the most budget-friendly compact SUVs that offer AWD as standard, and buyers get fantastic value.

Starting MSRP: $25,600

For the model year 2024, Buick has given its smallest crossover, the Buick Encore GX, a midlife refresh. The 2024 iteration boasts a more upscale interior and a new Virtual Cockpit System. Though the size remains the same, the passenger, and cargo room amount is surprisingly good.

It has a trio of three-cylinder engine options, including the standard 1.2-liter engine with 127 hp, and a 1.3-liter turbocharged mill making 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque.

RELATED: 10 Off-Road Vehicles That Handle Well In The City

Pricing

Trim

Original MSRP

Preferred

$25,600

ST

$26,800

Avenir

$31,900

The 2024 Buick Encore GX comes in three trim levels. It has surprisingly seen a price drop, but it is still expensive relative to its primary competition. Carrying the most budget-friendly starting price is the Preferred trim, with a $25,600 MSRP. The ST trim is still easy on the wallet, going for $26,800, while the Avenir costs $31,900.

Suzana Mijatović is a Literary Critic in love with all things automotive. You'll find her either reading Dostoevsky or under the hood, changing the transmission fluid and oil filters. She has a long experience in writing about car parts and automotive products, from brakes to seat cushions. Suzana is also a photographer.