Purchasing a brand new SUV doesn’t necessarily require breaking your bank account. You can acquire a reliable and well-equipped vehicle of the right choice without overspending. Some of the best frugal buys of 2025 when it comes to price and fuel efficiency are even SUVs.
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GOBankingRates spoke to automotive expert Lauren Fix of Car Coach Reports to provide a curated list of budget-friendly SUVs that don’t sacrifice quality. These six models show that in this year’s crop, you don’t have to compromise when shopping for a cost-effective ride.
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Hyundai Tucson
Starting at $28,705, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a top budget pick for buyers, according to Car and Driver. It offers a spacious interior, a smooth ride and a wide range of standard safety features.
The main reason it stands out from the competition is its impressive technology and long warranty, explained Fix.
For people seeking to reduce fuel costs, there is also a fuel-efficient hybrid option in the Tucson. With a modern, sleek design and easy-to-travel tech, the Tucson is one of the best value SUVs in the market, making it the go-to for family and commute combinations.
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Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a great budget-friendly, fuel-efficient option for those in the market looking for a crossover. It has a starting cost of about $24,035 and carries the durability and resale price Toyota is well-known for. For the money, Fix said the Corolla Cross is a “ton of value.”
With a spacious interior, smooth handling and Toyota’s standard Safety Sense suite, this is an SUV to consider. It offers a hybrid option that boosts fuel economy to the 30-plus mpg level, giving it one of the best mpg ratings of any SUV in its class.
Chevrolet Trax
At $20,500, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax is one of the cheapest SUVs on the market. Revised to be cheaper, it still has the space, modern cabin and upgraded tech to be an attractive option. Fix said the Trax gives drivers plenty of value for the money, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It comes in front-wheel drive only, and its fuel efficiency — 30-plus mpg — and spacious backseat make it a good city driver and a good buy on the budget. If you want a new SUV at a used car price, then it’s hard to beat the Trax.
Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos is small, but it delivers big value with a starting price of around $24,995.
“It stands out because it has one of the biggest cabins in its class, as well as more cargo space and rear leg room than plenty of bigger SUVs,” Fix explained,
Plus, the Taos has an impressive all-wheel-drive option with better traction and capability than some rivals. Also, it’s fuel efficient and can drive up to 36 mpg on the highway. As a budget-price offering with modern styling, an intuitive infotainment system and solid German engineering, the Taos is a good choice for value seekers.
Nissan Kicks
For urban drivers and first-time SUV owners, the 2025 Nissan Kicks, starting at $21,830, is a budget-friendly choice. It boasts a surprisingly spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency and standard features like automatic emergency braking.
“The Kicks has more cargo space than some larger SUVs,” Fix said, which makes it practical for its compact size.
As a front-wheel drive, it’s easy to get around in tight quarters and has low ownership expenses. If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-value crossover with excellent efficiency, the Kicks is a smart frugal buy.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Frugality has nothing to do with luxury SUVs, but they can be frugal buys if the timing is right. While its styling is Italian, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is also packed with premium features at a more affordable price point than you’d expect from a premium car brand, starting at $36,535.
“Buyers seeking European engineering on the cheap will find the Tonale an appealing buyer,” Fix said.
It has a refined cabin and advanced technology and offers a plug-in hybrid for better efficiency — though the hybrid version is more expensive, starting at $46,035. The Tonale is a stylish and budget option for premium features at a reasonable cost.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Car Expert: These 6 SUVs Are the Best Frugal Buys of 2025
