With a perfect blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and excellent handling, small SUVs are becoming more competitive. Providing everyday utility at a price that is affordable makes them even more popular in the car market. Gone are the days when SUVs had to be clunky and large to be practical. They're suited for all driving conditions, which can vary vastly from smooth multi-lane freeways to rutted streets.
They also offer aspirational buyers an important, yet affordable, status symbol, perching drivers above the masses. The high demand for pocket-friendly SUVs led to the advent of small versions thanks to being championed by premium brands. Indubitably, besides price, equally important are the performance, features, and comfort afforded by these vehicles. For a market price of below $30,000, here is a list of small SUVs that will guarantee an alluring experience.
10 2023 Hyundai Venue: $20,000
The 2023 Hyundai Venue offers good space in a small package at a reasonable price. It straddles the fence between a hatchback and a small SUV. Every venue comes with a 1.6-liter inline four engine producing 121 horsepower. The engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It comes with a front–wheel–drive drivetrain. The all-new 2023 Venue is fuel economical and gives 31 MPG, just 2 mpg short of the EPA Highway rating.
Despite its small dimensions, the Venue has a roomy cabin for its size. Both the front and rear seats have ample passenger space. Its interior is well assembled and bolstered by sturdy switchgear, and an attractive gauge cluster and infotainment system. It is a practical vehicle, as the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are in use, it has 19 cubic feet of cargo room. That volume increases to 32 cubes when the back seat is folded flat. This small SUV will only cost you $20,000.
9 2023 Jeep Renegade: $28,300
Making its debut in 2014, the Renegade is the smallest vehicle that Jeep produces. Under the hood, the 2023 Jeep Renegade packs a standard 1.3-liter, direct injection, turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This fuel-efficient engine boasts 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. The five-seater can give up to 26 MPG and has a cargo capacity of 50.8 cubic feet.
Other intriguing features of the 2023 Renegade include Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4x4 systems that are onboard, including the Jeep Select terrain system, which gives us up to five drive modes varying from Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud. Higher trim levels extend to Rock mode. The tiny beast can tow up to 2000 pounds of load comfortably. For a rugged and fun experience, the Jeep Renegade Latitude will set you back $27,805.
8 2023 Kia Seltos: $23,340
The 2023 Kia Seltos is a versatile subcompact SUV offering practicality and enticing drivability. It offers refined ruggedness with sleek styling. All-wheel drive comes as a standard feature on most trims. Under the hood, it packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound feet of torque. The base engine is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Being a fuel-economical car it has an EPA rating of 29 mpg.
When equipped with AWD, the engine gets from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. The base model has an 8-inch center infotainment touchscreen, a rearview monitor, and keyless entry. The five-seater has plenty of legroom in all rows of seats with a cargo space of 62.8 cubic feet. The LX is equipped with safety features like lane-keeping assist and emergency braking. The entry-level LX model is roomy, efficient, and appealing with an MSRP of $23,340.
7 2023 Nissan Kicks : $20,290
For an entry level crossover SUV, the Nissan Kicks is outstanding. The 2023 model is available in three trim-levels; base -spec S, mid -spec SV and top-spec SR. Nissan engineered the Kicks to be a sub-compact urban fighter. The Kicks Nissan Kicks retains the 1.6-liter 122 horsepower inline-four naturally-aspirated engine, which comes mated to a CVT transmission.
It is fuel efficient with an EPA rating of 33 mpg. For a small Crossover the five seater has a decent cargo space 25.3 cubic feet. Stepping in the Kicks S and you are welcomed with a legion of kit. This includes standard Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and proximity keyless entry, a comprehensive bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies. For a relatively pliant ride $20,290 is a great offer.
6 2023 Hyundai Kona : $21,990
The 2023 Hyundai is well suited to the cadence of city streets. Powering the Kona SE and SEL is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a front-wheel-drive drive train for base models and an optional all-wheel-drive for higher trim levels.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The SE model start out with 16-inch alloy wheels. The cabin of the 2023 is roomy and has generous rear legroom. Behind the rear seats there is ample luggage area of 19.2 cubic feet and the seats conveniently fold flat to create a maximum cargo volume of 45.8 cubic feet. Spicy but not too fierce the base model will set you back $21,990.
5 2023 Mazda CX30 $22,950.
Breaking out of the Japanese stables in 2020, Mazda intended the CX-30 to replace the CX-3 as their smallest SUV in production. A pocket-friendly path to the thrill of all-wheel-drive, the 2023 CX-30 delivers compelling driving dynamics and an upscale interior for only $22,950. A noteworthy change from the 2022 model is the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gains an extra 5 horsepower, summing up to 191. Torque remains at 186 pound feet.
The sub-compact SUV is now EPA-certified for 26 mpg in the city, 33 on the highway, and 29 in combined driving. The CX-30 comes standard with adaptive cruise control, assist systems and lane-keeping warning , tire pressure monitoring, and push-button start. It maintains its Top Safety Pick status in the latest IIHS crash test protocols. This is thanks to addition of rear airbags and reinforced B- and C- pillars. For $22,950 its definitely value for money.
4 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: $23,610
Think of Toyota, and reliability comes to mind. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has become the promising crossover in a feud with the legendary Toyota RAV4. It's relatively smaller with a 103.9-inch wheelbase, 175.6-inch length, and 71.9-inch width, weighing 3,125 lbs. The small SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque mated to a CVT gearbox.
The power produced is channeled to either the front wheels or to all four wheels. It can pull off a 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds while maintaining fuel economy ranges from 29 MPG. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 fashion. The second-row legroom measures 32 inches, and the luggage area is 25.5 cubic feet The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. was named a Top Safety+ Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Sitting on 17-inch steel wheels, the Cross has an integrated infotainment system. Offering SUV practicality and great fuel economy, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has an MSRP of $23,610.
3 2023 Honda HR-V:$23,800
The new Honda HR-V is more powerful, stylish and packed full of technology. The new HR-V is also completely contemporary inside and out. This second-generation model has a more sophisticated suspension for better ride quality. Hill descent comes as standard with a bonus of an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The new Honda HR-V has a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,800.
In the HR-V cabin the center console is leather-wrapped, as well, with extra padding and ample legroom. Maximum cargo area with the rear seats folded is 55.1 cubic feet. The engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated unit with an output of 158 horsepower and 138 pound feet of torque. It is economical with an EPA rating of 30 mpg. It has superb safety features with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning. The 2023 Honda HR-V is a solid choice for a small SUV.
2 2024 Chevrolet Trax : $20,400
Three things really describe the 2024 Chevy Trax, value pricing, roomy interior, and user-friendly tech. The all-new second-gen Trax makes some big strides compared to the outgoing model, and this is especially true for its exterior design. The 2024 Trax has five trim levels. For buyers looking for an entry-level crossover, the 2024 Trax has a host of features including impressive passenger and cargo space, Safety Assist good safety and driver-aid technologies.
The new Chevrolet Trax is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. It has a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. This produces 137 horsepower and 162-pound feet. It is fuel economical with an EPA rating 30mpg. It has 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The base Trax LS retails for $20,400.
1 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: $24,995
Small but loaded like a large SUV, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek tramps all its competition. Already the automaker’s bestseller, The Crosstrek has always been the go-to for a basic, accessible vehicle for active owners aimed at getting to destinations without crawling over boulders. The spunky adventure model features a standard Subaru all-wheel-drive system and standard CVT transmission with no manual option.
It's rocking the boxer power plant with the base 2.0-liter engine giving 152 ponies and 145 pound-feet of torque. Also, available is a 2.5-liter variant, which produces 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The all-new frameless hexagon grille got a little more sculptural body and a broader stance for more performance. With 29 combined mpg and 54.7 cubic-feet of cargo space, the five-seater provides ample space in the second row of seats and tremendous utility. With improved design, performance, and driver assist technology, the base model retails from $24,995.