Here Are the Best 2025 SUV Buys for the Frugal Driver
Believe it or not, you don’t actually have to break the bank in order to get your hands on a top-quality SUV. In fact, there are plenty of great, top-of-the-range options out there for you to choose from - some of which are surprisingly affordable. Let’s take a closer look at 15 of the best frugal SUV buys of 2025.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson has always been praised for being a great car. However, the 2025 edition was truly something special. For just $30,000, the latest model offers a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and plenty of advanced safety features. In other words, it really is the ultimate family vehicle.
Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient option that ticks all the right boxes. The best part? It costs just $25,000, which is surprisingly low for such a well-designed crossover.
Chevrolet Trax
At the moment, the Chevrolet Trax is one of the cheapest SUVs on the market. However, don’t let that fool you. It is still a great car. In fact, it still offers a spacious interior, modern cabin design, and upgraded technology that make the vehicle feel luxurious.
Volkswagen Taos
Even though the Volkswagen Taos is a relatively small SUV, it is still a great buy. If you aren’t necessarily looking for a big car, but still want practicality, the Taos might just be your best bet. It even offers an all-wheel drive option, boasting better traction and capability than many of its rivals.
Nissan Kicks
For just $23,000, the Nissan Kicks is definitely a contender for one of the best budget-friendly SUVs of 2025. It boasts a surprisingly large interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and a number of advanced safety features.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
If you are looking for an SUV that offers great value for money, the Alfa Romeo Tonale might just be calling your name. This Italian car is packed with premium features. However, it’s actually cheaper than what you might expect from a premium car brand, with a starting price of just under $40,000.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
If you are in the market for a hybrid SUV, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great option. It is versatile, spacious, and offers top-tier fuel economy, meaning that you will save even more money in the long run.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V is yet another great hybrid SUV option. For just over $30,000, you can enjoy its many top-class features, including a spacious cabin, reliable design, and a refined interior. It really does feel like a luxury car, which isn’t always the case with Honda.
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid is arguably one of the best hybrid SUVs of the year. Not only is it a great car, but it also boasts excellent fuel economy, a spacious interior, and a range of top-of-the-line safety features.
Kia Sportage Hybrid
Kia has always been known for their reliable and practical vehicles. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is no different. It manages to strike a balance between performance and comfort, while incorporating a number of advanced features that add a touch of luxury.
Mazda CX-50
For $30,000, you can get your hands on a Mazda CX-50. This SUV is stylish, sporty, and has decent fuel economy, making it a real all-rounder. Moreover, the CX-50 is praised for being a great family car, boasting a spacious interior and advanced safety features.
Dodge Hornet PHEV
The Dodge Hornet PHEV is a sporty plug-in hybrid SUV that ticks all of the right boxes. It is reasonably priced for what you get. It’s also important to keep in mind that you’ll end up saving a whole lot of money on fuel in the long run.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a 3-row seating plug-in hybrid that offers great value for money. It sells for a reasonable $40,000 and offers a number of state-of-the-art features, making it the ultimate family vehicle.
Buick Envista
The Buick Envista sells for just $23,000 and serves as a stylish crossover. It features some great benefits, including a spacious cabin, ample seating options, and top-quality handling.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
For $36,000, you can get your hands on a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. This model is popular for its rugged design and advanced off-road capabilities. With that being said, it is also an ideal family car that suits all types of driving.
