Affordable Suvs

SUVs top nearly every automaker’s sales charts and they’re not cheap. Any given SUV costs a few thousand more than its closest sedan counterpart. To help ease the sticker shock, Edmunds’ experts have compiled a list of five SUVs that come in a variety of sizes and have unusually low starting prices for their competitive segments. What’s more, these models also scored highly in our overall ratings, and they offer a good selection of standard features so you won’t have to spend on upgrades. All prices include the destination charge.

The three-row SUV also has a diverse selection of powertrains, including a 281-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a hybrid model that will deliver 39 mpg in the city. Compare Hyundai SUVs & crossovers, browse photos, and review features. Learn more about the award-winning Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe XL at HyundaiUSA. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that channels its sports.

2021 KIA SOUL

The Forester is the only SUV on this list with all-wheel drive standard. The base model delivers excellent fuel economy—the best in this group this side of the Kia Niro hybrid.
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The Kia Soul is an extra-small SUV that offers a large cargo capacity, especially compared with other vehicles of its size. It’s also fun to drive, and the tall roof and wide door openings allow easy access to the front and rear of the deceptively spacious cabin.

The Soul nails a lot of basics, though we do wish the cabin remained a little more quiet on the road. Its transmission can also feel clunky at times, and it does not offer all-wheel drive as an option. Still, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity at this price earns the Soul a place on the list over pricier competitors. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 2021 Kia Soul LX: $18,765

2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON

The Hyundai Tucson compact SUV includes an impressive amount of standard equipment in its base versions that competitors simply can’t match. For instance, the starter Tucson SE comes with 17-inch wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system and several helpful safety aids.

On top of that, the Tucson is comfortable to drive, and all of its technology is easy to use. The biggest drawbacks include unexciting engines and less cargo capacity than some rivals. Keep an eye out for the redesigned 2022 Tucson as well. It will offer snazzy looks, new engines, and tons of tech when it comes out later this year. MSRP of 2021 Tucson SE: $24,885.

2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

The Santa Fe gets a significant overhaul for 2021, giving it the latest in style on top of standout materials and standard features for the class. Another familiar Hyundai highlight is exceptional warranty coverage — every Santa Fe comes standard with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain plan. Both engines are more powerful and have higher EPA-rated fuel economy than their 2020 counterparts. There’s also a new hybrid option.

One thing to note is that, size-wise, the Santa Fe is actually something of an in-between crossover, straddling the line between a small SUV and a midsize SUV. It trails rivals like the Subaru Outback in cargo space, and the ride can be a little bumpy too. But Hyundai threw its might into the standard features: Fog lights, four USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all included. MSRP of 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE: $28,035.

2021 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

Surprised to see a German car on the list? The Volkswagen Atlas has the lowest starting price of any midsize three-row SUV. On top of that, it currently maintains a strong fourth place in Edmunds’ rankings thanks to its spacious interior, comfortable demeanor and quiet ride. Power and fuel economy with either available engine leave something to be desired, but overall the Atlas is good enough to overcome those flaws.

There is also a wealth of standard features. The Atlas S comes with 18-inch wheels, LED lights, a six-speaker sound system and roof rails. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. MSRP of 2021 Volkswagen Atlas S: $32,575.

2021 FORD EXPEDITION

When you get to large truck-like SUVs, there is a lot of similarity. Each is spacious, powerful and capable of towing a lot of weight. But the Ford Expedition stands out, not only because it has the lowest starting price in the group but because it offers a great assortment of standard equipment. Included in every Expedition are 18-inch wheels, fog lights, push-button start and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You also get the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features — one of our favorites.

There is a catch, and that is that the base model Expedition XL only offers two rows of seats. So if you want the lowest price, you’ll only be able to seat five passengers. However, the Expedition’s generous equipment, huge towing power and loads of space make it impossible to overlook. MSRP of 2021 Expedition XL: $50,720.

EDMUNDS SAYS: Automakers now offer impressive standard features on their SUVs, so affordable base models are not as basic as you might think. One of the entry-level versions discussed here could be all the SUV you need.

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This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Ryan ZumMallen is a staff writer at Edmunds. Twitter: @zoomy575m; Instagram: zoomy575m.

2020 Dodge Durango

Price: $44,395

The Dodge Durango’s muscle car body style and comfortable interior make it an intriguing buy. It is aggressive looking and dynamic, but it’s also family-friendly and can seat up to eight people. This mid-size SUV comes standard with a V6 engine which sufficient, but not exciting.

The 5.7-liter V8 engine that controls the Durango R/T trim is much more powerful and thrilling. The Durango is also good for off-roading and drivers really enjoy the high tech in-car electronics and infotainment. Drawbacks for the Dodge Durango are related to its lower safety ratings in its class as well as its fuel economy.

2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Price: $49,000

The 2020 Chevy Tahoe boasts a high predicted reliability rating and boasts a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine with a 355-horsepower. There is also an even more potent 6.2-liter option that produces a 420-hp. The Tahoe can haul up to 8,600 pounds thanks to its truck-like nature. This is another SUV that’s family-friendly.

The Tahoe also earns high marks for its accomodating interior and seating for up to eight. This year’s model also has a handy infotainment system that’s user-friendly. While the predicted reliability ratings are near perfect, the handling is not, and the cargo space is a little disappointing.

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Price: $68,895

You get a variety of configuration options with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This SUV model offers a variety of engines from the standard 3.6-liter V6 all the way up to a 6.4-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee is also known for its superior off-roading capabilities as well as its capacity to haul up to 7,200 pounds.

Along with its off-road ability, drivers also appreciate the robust infotainment inside the car cabin. The Grand Cherokee isn’t known for comfort or fuel-efficiency, but it is still considered as a good mid-size SUV.

2020 Chevrolet Suburban

Price:$51,700

The 2020 Chevy Suburban is another large SUV built on a truck platform. This SUV has a standard 5.3-liter V8 that generates a 355-horsepower. You can also opt for the even stronger 6.2-liter V8. When properly equipped the Suburban can pull up to 6,6000 pounds. This SUV is also very family-friendly and comfortable. The cabin interior is upscale and modern, which it should be considering the price here. As far as predicted reliability goes, the Suburban ratings are about average.

Affordable Suvs 2018

The Suburban’s safety ratings are also pretty good as are the available advanced safety features, and infotainment system. Drawbacks to be aware of are the tight third-row space and less than smooth handling.

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