SUVs are the most popular vehicle on the road right now. But they aren’t all big, boxy, and ready for off-roading. Drivers are choosing a different kind of SUV, one that can tackle your daily commute and the open highway: a compact SUV.
Compact SUVs bundle all of the best features and capabilities of a traditional SUV into a much smaller package. You’ll enjoy a roomy interior, cargo space, and the latest in technology and safety features. And you won’t have to worry about handling an extremely large vehicle. Another perk of compact SUVs? The cheaper price tag.
If you’re searching for a capable SUV at an affordable price, these are the compact SUVs you need to check out. Each one can be bought for less than $21,000 – and they’re a great choice for any driver.
1. Hyundai Venue
MSRP: $16,850 (estimated net price)
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG city / 35 MPG highway
Best Feature: Easy maneuvering and quick, responsive handling make the Hyundai Venue easy to drive through crowded city streets.
The 2020 Hyundai Venue is a brand-new addition to the SUV world. This compact SUV was just introduced to Hyundai’s lineup, and it’s already winning a lot of attention and praise. Designed to be small and affordable, the Venue was created to fit within your budget.
Styled to be both modern and rugged, the Venue looks every part an SUV. It’s lower to the ground than many SUVs, with just a 6.7-inch clearance. Although this compact hatchback is affordable, it doesn’t skimp. The interior is filled with quality materials that really stand out.
And both drivers and passengers will enjoy what’s inside. Every Venue comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision warning.
2. Nissan Kicks
MSRP: Starts at $18,870
Fuel Economy: 31 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
Best Feature: The interior is surprisingly roomy with enough space for adults to comfortably sit in the backseat –- and there’s also plenty of cargo space.
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is a new addition to the compact SUV world, and it’s definitely worth considering. The Kicks is surprisingly perky under the hood. The Nissan Kicks is like a step up from a compact sedan, with pep and fuel efficiency every driver will love.
And although it looks quite petite, the 2020 Kicks isn’t going to make drivers feel cramped. There’s a shocking amount of space inside this compact SUV. Passengers can easily fit into the backseat, and drivers have all the room they need.
Additionally, Nissan has made sure to push the Kicks to the top of the pack with its safety features. Every trim level and model includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which surrounded the vehicle in monitoring equipment. You’ll enjoy automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, and many more features.
3. Honda HR-V
MSRP: Starts at $20,820
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG city / 34 MPG highway
Best Feature: The Honda HR-V is well-built, sturdy, and reliable, with an especially durable interior. This is an SUV that’s designed to last through any kind of wear and tear, both inside and out.
The 2020 Honda HR-V is a compact SUV that might not immediately catch your attention. It isn’t flashy, it isn’t the most standout model, and it isn’t even the cheapest. But this is one SUV that absolutely every driver needs to get inside and take for a test drive.
The new HR-V has a lot to offer. It’s the smallest of Honda’s crossover lineup, but it’s also one of the most impressive vehicles. It looks tiny, but inside, the HR-V is actually roomy and spacious. Inside, you’ll even find that the rear seat features a unique folding trick that can add to the cargo space.
What really makes the 2020 HR-V a standout compact SUV is its practicality. This vehicle is built for the long haul. It’s solid and delivers an excellent fuel economy rating. And it’s versatile, which makes it great for any kind of driver.
4. Ford EcoSport
MSRP: Starts at $19,995
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
Best Feature: The Ford EcoSport is highly maneuverable, making it an excellent compact SUV for city streets and daily commuting.
The 2020 Ford EcoSport is the smallest compact crossover SUV in the Ford lineup. But don’t overlook it – this is a great everyday vehicle. With an affordable price tag and plenty of customizable options, you can create an EcoSport model that works for your needs.
The 2020 EcoSport is solid in its fuel economy and reliable on the road. It may not be speedy, but it gets the job done. And the latest model year packs some upgrades that make every drive more enjoyable. The previous infotainment system has been updated, and it now boasts an 8-inch touchscreen command center. FordPass Connect is standard on all trims, which includes Wi-Fi hotspot and app connectivity.
And if you’d like to expand the space of your EcoSport, you’ll love the configurations you can adopt. The seats fold flat, can be split up, and flip up, which adds to the cargo space so you can take that road trip anywhere with room.
Get One of These Affordable SUVs Today
If you’re searching for an SUV that’s within your budget, these four compact options are excellent choices. Each one offers something different, and you can find everything from power under the hood to space in the interior among them. And they’re all priced below $21,000.
Before you head to the dealership, it’s a good idea to do a little research online. Doing this could save you even more money. Many dealerships and automakers advertise and promote their deals, incentives, and offers online. So, if you search for discounts on the compact SUV you’re interested in, it could help you get a brand new vehicle at an even lower price. These offers change frequently, meaning you should keep an eye on the SUV you want.
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