Here Are the 10 Cheapest New SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
The subcompact SUV market has boomed as automakers have rushed to add pint-size products to their lineups. Though they don’t have more passenger space than your typical small car — and many of them have even less cargo space — they do offer a higher seating position, a more rugged appearance and available all-wheel drive.
Related: Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now
To help with your search for an affordable SUV, we compiled a list of the 10 of the cheapest ones as of September 2025, and unsurprisingly, they all fall under the subcompact category. They’re ordered by base price, from least to most expensive, and all prices include the SUV’s destination charge, but not any cash incentives or taxes. Prices and EPA combined fuel-economy estimates are for front-wheel-drive versions of all the SUVs except the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which come with standard AWD. All prices also include an automatic transmission.
Affordable subcompacts like the Hyundai Venue may look like other subcompact SUVs and are marketed as such, but they don’t offer AWD, whose availability we required to make this list. (You can find the Venue on our companion list, the 10 Cheapest Cars You Can Buy Right Now.) Adding AWD to most of the SUVs below costs around $1,500-$2,000.
Cheapest New SUVs
1. 2025 Nissan Kicks S: $23,325
2. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS: $24,495
3. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross L: $25,585
4. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport S: $26,040
5. 2025 Hyundai Kona SE: $26,045
6. 2025 Kia Seltos LX: $26,085
7. 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S: $26,690
8. 2025 Honda HR-V LX: $26,850
9. 2025 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T S: $26,920
10. 2025 Buick Encore GX Preferred: $27,335
1. 2025 Nissan Kicks S
- Price: $23,325 (including $1,495 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 31 mpg
2025 Nissan Kicks | Manufacturer image
Completely redesigned for the 2025 model year, the Nissan Kicks has gone from being a stylistic wallflower to a head-turning small SUV, and it’s now available with AWD. Starting at a bit over $23,000, standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, push-button start, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Unfortunately, the base S trim doesn’t include smartphone connectivity. The Kicks requires patience when attempting passing maneuvers, as its 141-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is fine so long as it’s not rushed. At this price point, quick acceleration isn’t on the menu; heavy applications of the gas pedal result in more noise than momentum.
Shop the 2025 Nissan Kicks near you
New
$26,555
New
$23,865 MSRP $23,865
View all 2025 Nissan Kicks models for sale near 60606
2. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
- Price: $24,495 ($1,395 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 31 mpg
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | Manufacturer image
Introduced for the 2021 model year, the Chevrolet Trailblazer subcompact SUV is powered by a 137-hp, turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and comes with standard FWD and a continuously variable automatic transmission or available AWD and a nine-speed automatic. The Trailblazer also comes standard with useful tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and important active-safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning with steering assist.
Shop the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer near you
Used
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
3,373 mi.
$27,835Good Deal
New
$23,241
View all 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer models for sale near 60606
3. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross L
- Price: $25,585 ($1,450 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 32 mpg
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | Manufacturer image
Having joined the Toyota lineup for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross is positioned below the larger RAV4 in the automaker’s SUV lineup. As its name implies, the Corolla Cross shares a platform and powertrain with the popular Corolla compact car. That powertrain — a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT — is rated at 32 mpg combined with the base Corolla Cross L’s standard FWD. An 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes standard on the base L, as do advanced safety features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. We like the Corolla Cross’ standard features and available AWD, but power is meager for both city and highway driving.
Shop the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross near you
Used
25,150 mi.
$28,500 $645 price dropGood DealAmerican-Made Index
Used
11,001 mi.
$29,600Good DealAmerican-Made Index
View all 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross models for sale near 60606
4. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport S
- Price: $26,040 ($1,595 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 26 mpg
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Manufacturer image
The Outlander Sport hasn’t changed much since its debut for 2011, and it’s been eclipsed by much of its competition in that time. Still, it’s a very affordable vehicle, and in its base S trim, the Outlander Sport includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 148 hp, standard AWD and a CVT. Its standard equipment is fairly bare-bones compared to the top two on this list, but it does include a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic high beams, automatic climate control, and key safety items such as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. You’ll be missing out on a few of the most popular options by opting for the base trim, though — blind spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all saved for higher trims.
Shop the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport near you
New
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 ES
$25,505 MSRP $28,210
New
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 LE
$28,560High Demand
View all 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models for sale near 60606
5. 2025 Hyundai Kona SE
- Price: $26,045 ($1,495 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 31 mpg
2025 Hyundai Kona | Manufacturer image
Hyundai refreshed the Kona for 2024 with updated styling, more passenger room and improved technology. Three powertrains are available: two gas-powered engines and an all-electric version. The base SE once again gets a 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT; it has a 31 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The sportier N Line and uplevel Limited use a 190-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic; it’s good for 28 mpg combined with FWD.
Shop the 2025 Hyundai Kona near you
Hyundai Certified
5,076 mi.
$28,896Good DealCertified Pre-Owned
Used
20,796 mi.
$23,477Good Deal
View all 2025 Hyundai Kona models for sale near 60606
6. 2025 Kia Seltos LX
- Price: $26,085 ($1,395 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 29 mpg
2025 Kia Seltos | Manufacturer image
The Kia Seltos is one of three SUVs on this list that makes AWD standard on the base LX trim; the next-higher S trim, curiously, has standard FWD and optional AWD. The Seltos LX is powered by a 146-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a CVT. The base trim’s long list of standard features includes 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. With its refresh for 2024, the Seltos got updated front-end styling and enhanced safety and tech features like blind spot collision warning, a speed limit assist and warning system, and enhanced forward collision avoidance assist.
Shop the 2025 Kia Seltos near you
New
$26,575 MSRP $28,670
New
$25,922 MSRP $27,545
View all 2025 Kia Seltos models for sale near 60606
7. 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S
- Price: $26,690 ($1,495 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 29 mpg
2025 Mazda CX-30 | Manufacturer image
The AWD-only CX-30’s base S trim is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30 now makes 191 hp, and its EPA-rated fuel economy is an impressive 29 mpg combined. The generous list of standard features for the S trim include an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system and push-button start with keyless entry. Standard driver-assist features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure steering assist, automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive cruise control. For 2025, Mazda’s smallest and least expensive SUV is largely unchanged save for newly available Alexa Built-In integration.
Shop the 2025 Mazda CX-30 near you
New
2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Premium Package
$33,841 MSRP $34,825
Used
2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Select Sport
7,773 mi.
$26,470 $500 price dropGood Deal
View all 2025 Mazda CX-30 models for sale near 60606
8. 2025 Honda HR-V LX
- Price: $26,850 ($1,450 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 28 mpg
2023 Honda HR-V | Manufacturer image
Redesigned for 2023, the HR-V got a longer and wider exterior, a more powerful engine and improved safety tech. Aside from a small price bump, the HR-V carries over unchanged for 2025. The standard powertrain is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 hp (up from 141 horses in the previous generation) and is mated with a CVT. The power increase came with a fuel efficiency trade-off, however, knocking the SUV’s EPA-rated combined mpg from 30 to 28 for FWD versions. Standard on the base LX is a 7-inch center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Honda Sensing bundle of driver aids is also standard. It includes traffic jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane departure steering assist.
Shop the 2025 Honda HR-V near you
Honda Certified
6,902 mi.
$27,750 $745 price dropGood DealCertified Pre-Owned
Honda Certified
4,284 mi.
$27,700 $200 price dropGood Deal | $264 underCertified Pre-Owned
View all 2025 Honda HR-V models for sale near 60606
9. 2025 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T S
- Price: $26,920 ($1,425 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 31 mpg
2025 Volkswagen Taos | Manufacturer image
The Taos gets a styling refresh and power boost for the 2025 model year. VW’s smallest SUV is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that now makes 174 hp — a 16 hp bump from 2024. With FWD, the engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic and is rated at 31 mpg combined. The base S trim gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also comes with driver aids like automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, lane departure warning, lane departure steering assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
Shop the 2025 Volkswagen Taos near you
New
2025 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T SE Black
$33,109High Demand
Volkswagen Certified
853 mi.
$28,500 $250 price dropGood DealCertified Pre-Owned
View all 2025 Volkswagen Taos models for sale near 60606
10. 2025 Buick Encore GX Preferred
- Price: $27,335 ($1,395 destination)
- Combined fuel economy: 30 mpg
2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
The Buick Encore GX was thoroughly updated for the 2024 model year. The base Preferred trim is powered by a turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 137 hp and 162 pounds-feet of torque. FWD is standard along with a CVT; AWD, a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 155-hp, turbo 1.3-liter three-cylinder are available. The Encore GX’s dashboard is outfitted with an 11-inch display that combines a touchscreen and digital instrument cluster under a single piece of glass. Standard equipment on the Preferred trim includes four USB ports, wireless smartphone connectivity and voice commands.
Shop the 2025 Buick Encore GX near you
Used
2025 Buick Encore GX Preferred
4,776 mi.
$26,900 $100 price dropGood Deal
Used
2025 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring
111 mi.
$27,587 $294 price drop
View all 2025 Buick Encore GX models for sale near 60606
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Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments
How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2025 Volvo EX90?
By Jennifer Geiger
September 17, 2025
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2025 Volvo EX90 | Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger
Key points:
- The 2025 Volvo EX90 performed mostly well in our Car Seat Check.
- The three-row electric vehicle had ample room for two car seats in the second row, but we struggled a bit with the model’s fixed head restraints.
- For this Car Seat Check, we tested a model with a second-row bench seat; captain’s chairs are also available.
- The 2025 EX90 does not fit three car seats, but it was close. Narrower car seats would likely fit three across the second row.
Take a look at how the Latch system and each car seat scored below in our Car Seat Check of the 2025 Volvo EX90.
Related: Search Car Seat Checks
Cars.com graphic
Latch: Grade A
In the second row, the two sets of lower anchors are exposed for easy connection. Three top tether anchors sit halfway down the seatbacks; they’re also exposed for easy access.
Infant Seat: Grade A
The infant seat was easy to install thanks to accessible lower anchors, and it fit well. Our 5-foot-6-inch front passenger had enough legroom in front of it to be comfortable.
Rear-Facing Convertible: Grade A
Again, installing the convertible in rear form was easy, and it did not negatively impact our front passenger’s legroom.
Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade B
In the second row, the head restraints aren’t removable, which caused some issues. The head restraint pushed the car seat off the seatback; it should fit flush against it. Also, we struggled to route the top tether strap through the small hole in the head restraint before connecting to the top tether anchor because our top tether connector is bulky. Instead, we routed it to the side of the head restraint. Check your car seat’s owner’s manual for guidance on how to connect.
Booster Seat: Grade B
Again, the fixed head restraint interfered with situating the booster flush against the seatback. The EX90’s sturdy, tall buckles should be easy for kids to grasp and use independently, though. Also of note, the second-row middle seat was equipped with Volvo’s pop-up booster seat, a handy feature.
2025 Volvo EX90 | Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger
Third-Row Entry: Grade B
The seats slide and lift to create an opening to the third row, but the seats are on the heavy side and the opening is small.
Third-Row Latch: Grade A
The two sets of lower anchors are exposed for easy access. The two top tether anchors on the seatbacks are also exposed.
Third-Row Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade B
As with the second row, the third row’s head restraints aren’t removable and interfere with car-seat fitment. Accessing the lower anchors was again easy, but we couldn’t fit the top tether strap through the small opening in the head restraint and had to route it to the side. Check your car seat’s owner’s manual for guidance.
Third-Row Booster Seat: Grade B
The fixed head restraint interfered with the booster’s fit, as well, pushing it off of the seatback. The third row’s stable buckles should be easy for kids to use.
2025 Volvo EX90 | Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger
Grading Scale
A: Plenty of room for the car seat and the child; doesn’t impact driver or front-passenger legroom. Easy to find and connect to Latch and tether anchors. No fit issues involving head restraint or seat contouring. Easy access to the third row.
B: One room, fit or connection issue. Some problems accessing the third row when available.
C: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue. Difficult to access the third row when available.
D: Insufficient room, plus multiple fit or connection issues.
F: Does not fit or is unsafe.
2025 Volvo EX90 | Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger
About Cars.com’s Car Seat Checks
Editors Jennifer Geiger and Jennifer Newman are certified child safety seat installation technicians.
For the Car Seat Check, we use a Chicco KeyFit 30 infant-safety seat, a Graco Contender 65 convertible seat and Graco TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted for a 6-foot driver and a shorter passenger. The three child seats are installed in the second row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant and convertible seats are installed behind the front passenger seat.
We also install the forward-facing convertible in the second row’s middle seat with the booster and infant seat in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit; a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. If there’s a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible. Learn more about how we conduct our Car Seat Checks.
Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat, and that Latch anchors have a weight limit of 65 pounds, including the weight of the child and the weight of the seat itself.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments
