These bargain crossovers keep things simple
A recent study showed that inventory of new cars that cost under $30,000 has dwindled significantly, with tariffs exacerbating the issue so far in 2025. Fortunately, you can still order several new cars at under the $25k mark, and many of them are taller crossovers with the increased cabin space and raised ride height that so many prefer. Here’s a look at the cheapest five new SUVs on sale, ranked from most to least expensive. We have only considered the cheapest trim level of each model for this list.
5. Nissan Kicks: $22,430
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan
The all-new Nissan Kicks was released for the 2025 model year and it represents a substantial improvement over the old one. Now starting at $22,430 for 2026, it’s still terrific value but looks a lot nicer than before, while packing in a decent amount of equipment for the price, such as a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen interface.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pushes out 141 horsepower, which isn’t much but is more than some other crossovers here. At 31 mpg combined, efficiency is on par with rivals. All models get a CVT, which will put some off due to Nissan’s reliability issues with CVTs in models like the Rogue. The Kicks is efficient, though, and has enough power in the congested city streets for which it was designed. Spend $23,930, and you can also drive off in an all-wheel-drive model.
4. Nissan Kicks Play: $21,830
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan decided to continue selling the previous-generation Kicks alongside the new one, renaming it the Kicks Play. At $21,830, the Kicks Play is only available in one basic trim and uses the older 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 hp. It feels underpowered and has no AWD, while it doesn’t look nearly as cool as the new one. But it’s an economical (33 mpg combined, the best here) and proven runabout, and the interior is decently spacious for a vehicle with such a small footprint. You’ll notice its age in details like the smaller seven-inch touchscreen, but it’s all functional.
Although it’s still a decent subcompact, we’d pay the small extra premium for the newer and better Kicks.
3. Chevrolet Trax: $21,600
Much like the Nissan Kicks, the new Chevy Trax generation represents a quantum leap over its unforgettable predecessor. It looks more substantial than its price suggests, and the interior gets a large 11-inch touchscreen that’s competitive with its rivals. Yes, there are some cheaper plastics around the cabin, but that’s the norm for vehicles in this price category.
Under the hood, the Trax gets a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine—the only turbocharged model here—making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and paired with a six-speed automatic. The auto shifts smoothly and avoids the droning of some rivals’ CVTs, but it’s not a quick vehicle, as expected.
At up to 30 mpg combined, efficiency is good but not class-leading.
2. Kia Soul: $20,490
Kia
Kia
Kia
At $20,490 for the LX trim, the Kia Soul is close to being the cheapest new crossover on sale. It gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, one of the largest here, but no forced induction keeps the output at 147 hp. That’s still more power than any other rival here, while the 30 mpg combined matches the three-cylinder Trax. A CVT is the only transmission, and there’s no AWD option.
One of the Soul’s selling points is its quirky, boxy styling, which helps to free up more interior space. An eight-inch touchscreen is now merely adequate, but the safety suite includes lane departure warning and forward collision warning as standard.
The low price, coupled with a superb warranty, makes this an excellent buy.
1. Hyundai Venue: $20,200
As of this writing, the cheapest new crossover on sale is the Hyundai Venue, which begins at $20,200 for the base SE. The 2026 version’s pricing has yet to be announced, but it may see a small price bump.
There are a few reasons we consider the Soul a better buy. For only $290 less, the Venue gets a smaller and less powerful 121-hp engine than the Soul, but is barely more economical (31 mpg combined). You also get a larger trunk in the Soul (24.2 cubic feet to 18.7).
That’s not to say the tiny Venue doesn’t have its charms. Its small size makes parking a breeze and there are plenty of features like an eight-inch touchscreen, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto—all on the base model.
This is a high-value crossover above all else, but we’d spend a little more on a Soul, Trax, or Kicks.
Final Thoughts
These five subcompact crossovers are all solid, but appeal in different ways. The Nissan Kicks Play is the most economical, but lacks the modern style and features of the rest. Hyundai’s Venue is the cheapest, but the compromises include a tiny trunk and limited power.
That leaves us with the all-new Nissan Kicks, Chevy Trax, and Kia Soul. These three are extremely closely matched, but the Kia’s combination of low price, the most power in the group, and one of the best warranties seals its victory.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog