Versatility on a budget
Vehicles are getting more and more expensive, but there are still a few solid contenders for those on a budget. For under $25,000, you can get a crossover that offers a good amount of cargo space, acceptable performance, and sufficient fuel economy. Some models even offer upscale tech, like wireless smartphone compatibility software and large touchscreens. Let’s take a look at the five most affordable crossovers of 2025.
Chevrolet
5. Chevrolet Trailblazer
A smaller sibling to the Blazer, the Chevrolet Trailblazer starts at $23,100. For that price, you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an 11-inch touchscreen, and an eight-inch driver information display. Front bucket seats and rear heating ducts make for a more enjoyable passenger experience. In terms of safety, the base LS model includes forward collision alert, teen driver mode, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning. It’s also one of the few models in its price range that’s available with AWD. Folding down the rear seats brings cargo space to a rather impressive 54.4 cu ft.Â
The base Trailblazer features a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a CVT that sends power to the front wheels. It produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It earns up to a combined 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving. There’s also an optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that generates a more respectable 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque and earns 31 mpg combined with FWD. Upgrading to AWD reduces fuel economy to 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
4. Nissan Kicks/Kicks Play
The Nissan Kicks got a full redesign for the 2025 model year, complete with styling that puts an emphasis on the model’s fun factor. Priced from $21,830, the Kicks S rolls out on 16-inch wheels with a seven-inch touchscreen display. Stepping up to the SV, available from $23,680, upgrades the fun-sized crossover to 17-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Under the hood lies a 141-horsepower four-cylinder engine that earns up to 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Opting for AWD reduces fuel economy by one mile per gallon.
Nissan
Nissan
Interestingly, Nissan still sells the last-generation Kicks under the Kicks Play moniker. Available in just one trim level from $21,520, the 2025 Kicks Play is slightly cheaper than its more modern sibling. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, as does a seven-inch touchscreen display. The Kicks Play features a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine that’s rated for 33 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
3. Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax is the first on the list to start at under $20,500. While it may be cheap, Chevy didn’t cut corners in the Trax’s standard equipment. Standard tech includes an eight-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Trax offers up to 54.1 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.
All 2025 Trax models come equipped with the same 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that powers some Trailblazer models. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on preference), the Trax switches out the Trailblazer’s CVT for a six-speed automatic transmission. Altogether, the Trax’s sole powertrain produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. In terms of efficiency, the 2025 Chevy Trax earns up to 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
2. Kia Soul
It wasn’t long ago that Kia announced that the 2025 model year would be the last for the iconic Soul crossover. The model associated with dancing hamsters, the Soul has long been a staple of budget-friendly vehicles. Priced from $20,490, the base Kia Soul features an eight-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system. All Soul models offer up to 62.1 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seat folded.
Kia
Notably, all four Kia Soul trim levels start at under $25,000, with the EX topping the range at $24,790. All models come powered by a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, earning up to 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving. There’s no shortage of safety systems across the range and plenty of optional equipment, including a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with speaker lights that include adjustable color themes that speak to the Soul’s fun factor.
1. Hyundai Venue
Priced from $20,200, the 2025 Hyundai Venue combines efficiency with several upscale features. The compact model is available in three trim levels, with the top-spec Limited model available from $23,450. All models come equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen display, 4.2-inch driver information display, and a plethora of standard safety systems, including lane keeping assist and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. The Venue can be fairly spacious, offering up to 31.9 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
Hyundai
All Venue models come powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT that sends power to the front wheels. That powertrain produces 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque, which could make passing on the interstate a struggle. The 2025 Hyundai Venue is rated for an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Final thoughts
Vehicle prices might be getting out of control, but there are still several solid crossovers with budget-friendly price tags. The Chevrolet Trailblazer and Trax offer an excellent combination of tech and cargo space, while the Nissan Kicks is an all-around solid choice thanks to its redesign. 2025 is the final year for the Kia Soul, with its unique design, spacious interior, and all, so if you want one, act sooner rather than later. While the Venue may not offer the most space or the highest fuel economy, its low price tag makes it a great option for those in need of a new crossover.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog