1. Cheapest Compact Suv To Insure
2. Cheapest Compact Suv 2021
3. 10 Best Rated Small Suvs
4. Cheapest Compact Suv
5. Best Small Suvs All Makes Models

• 2021 Kia Seltos. Starting Price: $23,110 Rating 4.8 With class-leading cargo room and a nicely equipped interior, the all-new Kia Seltos tops all subcompact SUV rankings.
• Very good at first helped me find a truck I liked. Then they took it to the shop to replace the front window and replace the rear brakes, 3 days later after calls and text updating me on the progress I got a message saying the truck had sold and they could help me find a different one.

2021 Kia Seltos. Starting Price: $23,110 Rating 4.8 With class-leading cargo room and a nicely equipped interior, the all-new Kia Seltos tops all subcompact SUV rankings.

Buying a brand-new and inexpensive vehicle, more often than not, requires you sacrifice good looks in the name of a cheap price tag. This isn't always the case, but the least expensive cars on the market are not consistently the best-looking. (Several of those cars do offer killer fuel economy, though, so there's always that.)

In the SUV segment, budget-car shopping only gets more complicated; it is not the most economical of vehicle segments, especially in the full-size SUV category. For this list of cheapest compact SUVs, we factor in appearance because, frankly, buying a car is a major life purchase. So, why the hell not get behind the wheel of an inexpensive car that doesn't automatically convey a dorky personality?

To refine the list, we established a few rules: 1. Not ugly; 2. $24,000-$28,500 price range; 3. Compact SUV that is still in production; 4. Base model; and 5. Only one vehicle per automaker. With that framework established, here are the 10 cheapest, best-looking compact SUVs on sale right now.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude FWD, $24,285

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 22/31/26 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 2.4-liter I-4/180 horsepower, 171 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Landing on our recent list of ugliest SUVs of all time, the fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee made its debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show and immediately went on sale for the 2014 model year. To date, the fifth-gen Jeep Cherokee has sold more than 1.3 million copies in America, not terrible for an SUV whose front end caused an uproar. The refreshed 2021 Jeep Cherokee has since then redeemed itself; available in seven optional exterior-paint colors and with optional four-wheel drive, the Jeep Cherokee provides a maximum of 54.7-cubic-feet of cargo space.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2021 Subaru Forester, $24,795

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 26/33/29 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 2.5-liter I-4/182 hp, 176 lb-ft
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic
• Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

The all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester can accommodate five passengers comfortably with a generous 43.3 inches of legroom in the front and 39.4 inches for rear passengers. For the 2020 model year, the Subaru Forester earned an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA and received a Top Safety Pick Plus award. The rugged and off-road capable Forester is among the three small SUVs on this year's IIHS winners list, which also includes the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. Active safety features at no extra cost include the EyeSight driver-assist package, a tire-pressure monitoring system, vehicle-dynamics control, and a brake override system.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2020 GMC Terrain FWD SL, $26,195

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 26/30/27 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4/170 hp, 203 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Offered in four trim grades, including the luxurious Denali version that increases output to 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the 2020 GMC Terrain FWD SL is a compact SUV we don't hear about often. Wearing GMC design language in a smaller package, the GMC Terrain has an abundance of standard features and equipment. Those selling points include the GMC Pro Safety bundle, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated and power-operated side mirrors, LED taillights, and active noise cancellation.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2020 Honda CR-V 2WD LX, $26,270

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 28/34/30 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4/190 hp, 170 lb-ft
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

In production since 1995 and five generations later, the fifth-gen Honda CR-V reached a record 384,168 in sales in 2019. Of the eight models available in the CR-V lineup, the base model Honda CR-V LX is the most affordable at $26,270. Standard driver-assistance technology consists of lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam headlights, and a blind-spot system with cross-traffic monitoring.

Cheapest Compact Suv To Insure

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport, $26,370

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 25/31/28 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 2.5-liter I-4/187 hp, 186 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

The Mazda CX-5's U.S. sales have seen a healthy increase in the past five years, the most significant coming in 2017 with the introduction of the second-generation CX-5. One of three winners of the 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award, the Mazda CX-5 is available in seven trims. Among standard equipment on the CX-5 Sport base model are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual front USB ports, LED headlights, and a heap of safety technology features.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan S, $26,440

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 22/29/25 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4/184 hp, 221 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

A refreshed 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is already on sale in Europe, and damn, we are jealous. The U.S. will have to wait until October 2021 for the updated Tiguan, but for now, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a qualified stand-in. If you need room for a larger group of people, this compact SUV can be configured with a third-row seat to fit up to seven passengers, even if not particularly comfortably. VW offers the Tiguan in six trim levels, beginning with the base-model S. Standard safety features are a rearview camera system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and pedestrian monitoring.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2021 Nissan Rogue S, $26,745

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 27/35/30 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 2.5-liter I-4/181 hp, 181 lb-ft
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

All-new for the 2021 model year, the Nissan Rogue is the reigning champ of Nissan's entire lineup in terms of high-volume sales. Offering 38.5 inches of legroom in the second-row seat and 41.5 inches in the front, the 2021 Rogue S comes fitted with plenty of standard equipment. Comfort and convenience highlights are the Nissan Concierge personal assistant feature, NASA-inspired zero-gravity seats, lower storage space in the front center console, and an improved Divide-N-Hide rear cargo area system.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE, $27,225

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 27/35/30 (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 2.5-liter I-4/203 hp, 184 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

In 2019, Toyota moved a jaw-dropping 448,068 RAV4s into the hands of U.S. customers, and it should come as no surprise that the RAV4 made this list. The front-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 LE has a 1,500-pound towing capacity, all-season mud- and snow-rated tires, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 69.8 cubic feet of total available cargo space. Toyota Safety Sense, a backup camera with projected path, Safety Connect, and hill-start assist control come standard.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SE, $27,450

• EPA estimated fuel economy: 22/29/25 (city/hwy/combined)
• Engine: 2.4-liter I-4/185 hp, 178 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

With more than 70,000 units of the outgoing model sold this year in the U.S., the updated 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe received a stunning makeover. Due to arrive in showrooms by the end of 2020, the new face is sure to send sales through the roof. The new 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard in front-wheel drive and has nine exterior colors to choose from, all at no additional cost. (The Stormy Sea hue is our favorite offering.) We drove a 2020 Santa Fe Limited 2.0T on a road trip to a California small town last winter and much enjoyed the ride, so we expect even better from the new model.

Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, $28,155

• EPA estimated fuel economy: TBA
• Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged I-3/181 hp, 190 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: 4x4

The all-new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a breath of fresh air in the tumultuous year of 2020. With a starting price of $28,155, destination included, the base model Ford Bronco Sport looks more expensive than what its MSRP suggests. A flip-up rear-glass feature, LED configurable daytime running lights, roof-rack rails, active grille shutters, and a safari-style roof are among the standard exterior gear. Bravo, Ford—it's been a long time coming.

The 10 Best-Looking, Cheapest SUVs:

• 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude FWD, $24,285
• 2021 Subaru Forester, $24,795
• 2020 GMC Terrain FWD SL, $26,195
• 2020 Honda CR-V 2WD LX, $26,270
• 2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport, $26,370
• 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan S, $26,440
• 2021 Nissan Rogue S, $26,745
• 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE, $27,225
• 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, $27,450
• 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, $28,155

• The CHEAPEST SUVs on sale
• Organised by recommended retail price
  
• Compact, medium, and large-sized SUVs make the cut

If you've found yourself on this page, we bet you already know that SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle.

While they're not sporty, they are at least vehicles that offer some kind of utility.

The first types of SUVs have been around since the thirties, or at least the eighties, depending on which type of internet car nerd you listen to.

>> Skip to the cheapest SUVs for sale in the UK

But this past decade is where the SUV has changed the most. They no longer solely concentrate on ruggedness or go anywhere-ability. Most modern SUVs exchange four-wheel drive and locking diffs for Isofix points and automatic gearboxes.

Being a cheapest list, you won't find footballer-spec SUVs like a Range Rover or anything as advanced as a plug-in hybrid.

Instead, the cars mentioned here are aimed at people who like the look of something big and expensive, but prefer small car running costs. SUVs tend to be more practical than their humble hatchback counterparts too, usually having slightly increased headroom and a bigger boot. They're also easier to get in and out of.

This list comprises the cheapest SUVs based on their RRP price. Of course, if you're buying with cash you can haggle with a salesperson to a lower price, even if you're buying online. And remember - just because these are the cheapest in terms of cash prices, it doesn't mean they're the cheapest when it comes to finance.

A quick heads up. SsangYongs feature heavily in this list. A) because the South Korean manufacturer specialises in cheap SUVs, and b) because they have old stock to flog. They're still new cars, but just the previous generation model.

Cheapest SUVs

Suzuki Ignis
SsangYong Tivoli (new)
MG ZS
SsangYong Tivoli XLV
SsangYong Korando (old)
Nissan Juke
Kia Stonic
Hyundai Kona

Dacia Duster - £11,245

Dacia is famed (in certain circles maybe?) for holding the title of the cheapest new car in the UK with its Sandero. But, it also holds the title for cheapest new SUV in the UK with the Duster.

The average price of a new medium-sized car is £22,000-£36,000 according to the latest research. To find an SUV that's smart looking and practical at more than £10,000 below this shows just how impressive the Duster is.

Word of warning though: this is for the very cheapest Access model. It's so basic it does without a radio. Dacia's finance deals aren't brilliant either - important if you're not buying in cash. Diesel engines are available with the Duster - but they'll cost you more.*

Lease this car: From £201 per month
Search for a used Dacia Duster on Parkers here

SsangYong Tivoli (old model) - £12,495

There are three SsangYong Tivolis on this list, we know. The cheapest version is the old model. It's still a new car, it's just that there's a newer model out (further down this list). This means you'll be picking from cars in stock rather than having a new one made for you.

Still, it offers stonking value for money. Especially, as unlike with Dacia, SsangYongs are packed with kit. Plus, the Tivoli has a whopping seven-year warranty.

Your £12,495 bags you the basic SE model, which means you don't get an automatic gearbox or four-wheel drive. Not that you need it. The big selling point here is the 423-litre boot, which is enormous for sub £12,500. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is smooth and steady, although doesn't have much get up and go.*

Lease this car: From £228 per month
Search for a used SsangYong Tivoli on Parkers here

Suzuki Ignis - £13,249

The little Ignis is by far the smallest car on this list. It's an SUV made for the city, which means it's a pretty similar size to other city cars like the Toyota Aygo, Skoda Citigo, and Hyundai i10.

Good news: that means running costs are superbly low. The 1.2-litre engine should do close to its official 60mpg (we certainly got close to that in our Suzuki Swift long-termer with the same engine), plus, Suzuki has a solid reliability record, meaning trips to the dealer should be minimal.

Obviously, this tiny car is nowhere near as practical as other cars on this list.*

SsangYong Tivoli (new) - £13,995

Here's Tivoli number two. This one is the new model, which explains the price hike. What does the extra cash get you?

Inside there's a new infotainment system, which means there's the all-important Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone systems, plus stop-start is standard now too.

There's also a couple of new engines. The cheapest model has a 1.2-litre (rather than a 1.6-litre of old) petrol and the downsizing results in cleaner and cheaper motoring, because CO2 emissions are reduced, and MPG has increased.

Like the old Tivoli, it's backed by SsangYong's 7-year/150,000 mile warranty.*

MG ZS - £14,495

In case you were unaware, MG has been back for more than ten years. And instead of natty sportscars, it's churning out Chinese-made hatchbacks and SUVs.

The ZS is the smallest car in its SUV lineup. Unsurprisingly, it's designed with value in mind. It offers Nissan Qashqai shaped practicality, but undercuts it by several thousand pounds. It's even cheaper than the Qashqai's little brother, the Juke.

Your sub £15,000 will afford you an Excite model with the 1.5-litre engine and a manual gearbox. Standard kit is good - you'll get Apple CarPlay, (but weirdly, not Android Auto), plus a reversing camera.*

SsangYong Tivoli XLV - £16,395

And finally, we have the third prong in our trident of Tivolis. The XLV is based on the old Tivoli, but with more metal behind the rear wheels.

In essence, it's a bit like a Tivoli estate. The extra 245mm in length results in a 720-litre boot (up from 423 litres) making it the most practical car on the list.

Unlike the regular sized Tivoli, the Tivoli super-size me only comes with one trim to choose from, ELX. This gets heated leather seats, keyless entry, sat-nav, and a rear-view parking camera.*

SsangYong Korando - £16,495

Our final SsangYong. Like with the Tivoli at number two in this list, the Korando is an old model. It's still a new car - it's just that you'll be picking from cars in stock rather than ordering fresh from the factory.

The truth of the matter is that the newer version is a lot better. This old car isn't as good looking, has less technology, and is less efficient. What does the Korando offer then?

Its saving grace is that it brings medium-sized SUV practicality down to small-SUV pricing. Plus it's available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with a hefty 266lb ft of torque, meaning it can tow two tonnes.*

Nissan Juke - £17,440

The Juke was the car that hurried in the supermini-sized SUV craze. Now in its second generation, it's been transformed from a blobby mess to a slick looking fashion accessory.

For a bit of context, the Juke is bigger than the Ignis further up this list, but much smaller than behemoths like the SsangYong Tivoli XLV. It'll seat four comfortably, or five for short journeys.

At this price you'll get the most basic model. Still, these cars receive LED lights, alloy wheels, and two-tone paint colours.*

Lease this car: From £198 per month
Search for a used Nissan Juke on Parkers here

Kia Stonic - £18,060

A bit of a surprise here from Kia. The Stonic follows the pretty tried and tested formula of giving small car off-roader looks with black plastic cladding and a raised ride height. But despite this, the Stonic is actually far sportier than you'd imagine.

Handling-wise it's firm and engaging, and provides great feedback. The engines aren't as athletic - they're more geared towards economy.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine found in the '2' model should crack around 45mpg. While kit is pretty good - you'll get Apple CarPlay/Android auto and rear parking sensors.*

Cheapest Compact Suv 2021

Lease this car: From £219 per month
Search for a used Kia Stonic on Parkers here

10 Best Rated Small Suvs

Hyundai Kona - £18,250

What we have here is Hyundai's tiddliest SUV. And what might surprise you is that mechanically, it shares a lot with the Kia Stonic above.

However, the Kona, like many others on this list, is aimed squarely at young-folk. Despite the similarities in terms of price and size with the Kia Stonic, there's no denying that the looks are a bit more avant-garde and a bit less garden centre.

The Kona comes with lots of different methods of propulsion. There's a hybrid model, as well as a fully electric one. Not at this price though. The budget choice is a 1.0-litre petrol with 120hp, which is fine for most people. S is the cheapest model. It has Bluetooth, air con, and lane keep assist, but does without Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.*

Cheapest Compact Suv

Lease this car: From £248 per month
Search for a used Hyundai Kona on Parkers here

Further reading

>> The best SUVs on sale
>> £300 per month SUVs
>> Listed: the best new car deals
>> No deposit car leasing
>> 0% APR finance and where to find it
>> All of the manufacturer-backed no deposit deals
>> No deposit, 0% APR car finance

Best Small Suvs All Makes Models

*Deals are correct at time of publication. Everyone's financial circumstances are different and credit is not always available – Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically. These deals are indicative examples of some packages available this week. Bauer Consumer Media Limited is an appointed representative of ZenAuto Limited for the broking of regulated hire agreements. ZenAuto Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ZenAuto Limited's registered office is Number One, Great Exhibition Way, Kirkstall Forge, Leeds LS5 3BF. ZenAuto Limited's company registration number is 10967345. ZenAuto is the trading name of ZenAuto Limited. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.