As the popularity of SUVs continues to grow, the size and expense of these vehicles expand on both ends of the spectrum. While providing a comfortable space inside; a compact SUV offers significant value. So let’s explore three of the cheapest available for 2023.
The most affordable compact SUVs
ranked the most affordable compact SUV based on each model’s lowest base MSRP and the value determined by its scoring system. The organization notes that, in some cases, local market conditions create higher prices for some models.
L starts at around $23,060. The base model features a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that gets an EPA-estimated city and highway fuel economy rating of 32 mpg .
Every Corolla Cross includes Toyota Care’s two-year or 25,000-mile maintenance plan which covers “regular factory scheduled maintenance” and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance. Other special base model features include:
- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
- Hands-free phone voice control
- Toyota Sense of Security 3.0 (TSS 3.0)
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS with PD)
- Full Speed Radar Dynamic Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA with SA)
- Lane Detection Assistant (LTA)
- Road Sign Assistance (RSA)
2023 Volkswagen Taos
The base model S starts at $24,155 and features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Drivetrain includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD that returns a combined EPA-estimated 31 mpg city and highway.
Notable standard equipment includes:
- LED automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights
- Smartphone integration connected via USB (compatible device required)
- Bluetooth
- Rear view camera
- Blind Sport Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring
- Front and rear side curtain airbags
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
A basic ES starts at $25,795. The Eclipse Cross ES gets a combined EPA-estimated 26 mpg thanks to its 152-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed CVT-equipped FWD transmission.
Safety features of the base model ES include:
- Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with pedestrian detection
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers a five-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and other standard technologies include:
- Automatic climate control with cabin filter and rear heat pipes
- Bluetooth
- Eco mode switch with Eco indicator
- Steering wheel mounted voice recognition command
- LED headlights, taillights and fog lights
