Cars and Drivers

The 10 Most Affordable SUVs

2014 Nissan JUKE
Nissan
Not all sport utility vehicles (SUVs) cost north of $30,000. And not all SUVs have fuel mileage ratings in the high teens. U.S. drivers are willing buyers of SUVs — in all sizes — and the smaller, more fuel-efficient models are among the most popular vehicles on the market today.

In April, sales of compact SUV/crossover vehicles rose 17.5% year-over-year, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). Mid-size SUV/crossover sales rose 10.4%, luxury compact SUV/crossover sales rose 23.1% and mid-size luxury SUV/crossover sales were up 13.9%. Only sales of full-size and luxury full-size SUV/crossovers fell, down 3.8% and 5.4% respectively. Small is getting beautiful for SUV makers.

The more fuel-efficient SUVs are also less expensive to purchase, and the analysts at KBB have selected their list of the 10 most affordable SUVs to demonstrate that for buyers seeking the versatility and capacity of an SUV there are plenty of affordable choices.

Here is the list in reverse order. All vehicles are 2014 model year and we have included all-wheel drive when available on the lowest priced model. Most vehicles are available with two-wheel drive at a savings of around $1,500 to $2,500. KBB ranks the SUVs by the firm’s Fair Value Price, which is available on the KBB.com website.

10. Subaru XV Crosstrek
KBB shows an MSRP on this compact SUV of $22,820 with standard options. The vehicle’s price includes standard all-wheel drive, and the Crosstrek’s five-year cost to own is $35,887. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway by the EPA.

9. Kia Sportage
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $23,950 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $37,848. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 21 city/28 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is $22,450.

8. Mazda CX-5
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $22,225 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $35,403. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 26 city/35 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is $22,225.

7. Hyundai Tucson
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $23,825 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $39,985. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 23 city/29 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is $22,325.

6. Dodge Journey
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $20,990 with standard options, including front-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $39,590. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 19 city/26 highway by the EPA. The lowest priced all-wheel drive, non-flex fuel version of this vehicle carries an MSRP of $27,690.

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5. Nissan Rogue Select
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $22,250 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is not available for this model. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 23 city/28 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is $20,900.

4. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $22,920 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $36,291. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 24 city/31 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is $20,320.

3. Nissan Juke
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $21,980 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $33,857. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 27 city/32 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is $19,980.

2. Jeep Compass
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $21,490 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $36,780. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 23 city/30 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is $19,490.

1. Jeep Patriot
The MSRP on this compact SUV is $19,290 with standard options, including optional all-wheel drive. The five-year cost-to-own is $34,673. Fuel-efficiency is rated at 23 city/30 highway by the EPA. MSRP for the two-wheel drive version is a skimpy $16,990.

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