Best Compact SUVs Under 25K

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Top 10 Compact SUVs
Looking for a new car under $30,000 that offers the convenience of a mini-SUV with the latest safety and driver assist features? Check out our list of the Best Compact SUVs available on the market today. 

2024 Hyundai Venue

The lowest priced compact Crossover SUV on our list is the Hyundai Venue which features a lot of amenities for the money. This five-seater comes in three trim levels and the most popular is the SEL IVT that comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front wheel drive that produces 121 horsepower. EPA estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Remarkably roomy on the inside, the Venue includes 60/40 split rear seats for more cargo space. Its advanced driver assist tech earned it Top Safety Pick ratings by the IIHS. 

A great choice for first time buyers. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 31 mpg 

Starting MSRP $19,900. 

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Newly redesigned for 2024 and available now, the Trax is a good-looking and roomy Compact SUV that is eleven inches longer than its previous incarnation. It reminds us of a smaller Chevy Blazer but the three-cylinder 137 horsepower 1.2-liter Turbo engine is on the diminutive side. However, the EPA rates fuel economy at a thrifty 28 mpg city/32 mpg highway. With five trim levels, a favorite model is the LT FRW that has a starting MSRP of $23,395. It includes keyless entry and remote start, heated seats, and a host of driver assist features. Large cargo area and 60/40 split rear seats.
EPA rated combined mileage: 30 mpg
Starting MSRP $21,495.

2024 Nissan Kicks

The smallest car in our lineup, the Nissan Kicks is a subcompact Crossover available in three trim levels. The SV style is a favorite and has a starting MSRP of $22,910. It offers great fuel economy thanks to a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front wheel drive for an impressive EPA estimated 31 mpg city/36 mph highway. While all-wheel drive is not an option, the Kicks does include a suite of safety and drive assist features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist and more. 

Great for empty nesters looking to downsize. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 33 mpg 

Starting MSRP $21,050. 

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

With more rear legroom and cargo space than many of its competitors, the Trailblazer is a great subcompact Crossover for the price. Four trim levels are available, and the base model comes with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive boasting 137 horses. There's even an off-road ready Activ trim for those who are looking for an adventure in the rough. The EPA rating for fuel efficiency is 28 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Both stylish and practical, the Trailblazer includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and in-car Wi-Fi. 

Rugged looks and ample space. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 30 mpg 

Starting MSRP $23,100

2024 Hyundai Kona

The too-cool Kona brings performance and handling to the subcompact SUV equation. With five trim levels, the most popular is the SE AWD Automatic, starting at $24,975 featuring all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter engine. For more oomph, Turbo engines are available. The Kona has an EPA estimated 28 mpg city/33 mpg highway. The top tier N model boasts close to 300 horsepower and sport-tuned suspension. Driver assist features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and more. 

Affordable and fun to drive. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 30 mpg 

Starting MSRP $24,250. 

2024 Mazda CX-30

With upscale looks and a turbocharged engine, the performance oriented CX-30 offers a high style premium cabin and sleek design. Seven trim levels include the entry level S variant with 191 horses from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive powertrain. Sharp handling thrilling performance makes this subcompact Crossover a keeper. High quality materials inside are more in line with a luxury SUV and there's even ample head and legroom in the back. Includes the latest safety and driver assist goodies. 

A sharp and sporty little SUV. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 29 mpg 

Starting MSRP $24,995. 

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The nimble Outlander Sport comes with an impressive 10 year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty and all-wheel drive as standard. Six trim levels are on tap including the baseline ES 2.0 AWD with its four-cylinder 148 horsepower engine. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway. Standard features include automatic climate control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Outlander Sport gives you 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats in place. 

Standard AWD is a plus. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 26 mpg 

Starting MSRP $23,695. 

2024 Kia Seltos

This stylish five-seater comes in five trim levels and the favorite is the S 2.0 FWD version with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and front wheel drive. Its EPA rated fuel economy is 29 mpg city/35 mph highway. The Seltos offers more safety and driver assist features for 2023 in the S model including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. You'll find a comfortable cabin and ample cargo space in your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. 

More safety features. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 31 mpg 

Starting MSRP $24,490. 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Rounding out our list, Subaru's faithful adventure wagon comes standard with all-wheel drive. Ultra-reliable and ready for off-road fun, the very popular Crosstrek is available in five trim levels. This comfortable and capable family hauler has more room for cargo than most competitors. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers 152 horsepower, and a 2.5-liter option bumps the vroom up to 182 horses. There's even a plug-in hybrid variant that will take you 40 miles of electric-only range. 

A great deal for under 25K. 

EPA rated combined mileage: 33 mpg 

Starting MSRP $25,195. 

Let Lithia Help
With over 70 years of experience in personal transportation and hundreds of dealerships all across America, Canada, and the United Kingdom, let Lithia Motors help you find the right Compact SUV for you. Armed with the knowledge from this article, you're one step closer to getting a new SUV for under 25K.