I’m a Car Expert: These 6 SUVs Are the Best Frugal Buys of 2025

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Purchasing a brand-new SUV doesn’t necessarily require breaking your bank account. In fact, when it comes to price and fuel efficiency, some of the best frugal buys of 2025 are SUVs. So, you can acquire a reliable and well-equipped vehicle without going over budget.

GOBankingRates spoke to automotive expert Lauren Fix of Car Coach Reports to provide a curated list of budget-friendly SUVs that don’t sacrifice quality. These six models show that in this year’s crop, you don’t have to compromise when shopping for a cost-effective ride.

Hyundai Tucson

• 2025 MSRP: $30,200 to $41,640

Starting just over $30,000, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a top budget pick for buyers, according to Car and Driver. It offers a spacious interior, a smooth ride and a wide range of standard safety features. According to Fix, the main reason it stands out from the competition is its impressive technology and long warranty.

For people seeking to reduce fuel costs, there is also a fuel-efficient hybrid option in the Tucson. With a modern, sleek design and easy-to-travel tech, the Tucson is one of the best value SUVs in the market, making it the go-to for family and commute combinations.

Toyota Corolla Cross

• 2025 MSRP: $25,585 to $31,110

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a great budget-friendly, fuel-efficient option for those in the market looking for a crossover. It has a starting cost coming in just over $25,000 and carries the durability and resale price Toyota is well-known for. For the money, Fix said the Corolla Cross is a “ton of value.”

With a spacious interior, smooth handling and Toyota’s standard Safety Sense suite, this is an SUV to consider. It offers a hybrid option that boosts fuel economy to the 30-plus mpg level, giving it one of the best mpg ratings of any SUV in its class.

Chevrolet Trax

• 2025 MSRP: $21,895 to $25,895

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is one of the cheapest SUVs on the market. Revised to be less expensive than leading competitors, it still has the space, modern cabin and upgraded tech to be an attractive option. Fix said the Trax gives drivers plenty of value for the money, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It comes in front-wheel drive only, but its fuel efficiency — 30-plus mpg — and spacious backseat make it a good city driver and a good buy on the budget. If you want a new SUV at a used car price, then it’s hard to beat the Trax.

Volkswagen Taos

• 2025 MSRP: $26,420 to $36,120

The Volkswagen Taos is a small SUV, but it delivers bigger value than some other subcompact SUVs, like the 2025 Hyundai Kona or the 2025 Buick Encore GX. “It stands out because it has one of the biggest cabins in its class, as well as more cargo space and rear leg room than plenty of bigger SUVs,” Fix explained.

The Taos has an impressive all-wheel-drive option with better traction and capability than some of its rivals. Also, it’s fuel-efficient and can drive up to 36 mpg on the highway. As a budget-friendly vehicle featuring modern styling, an intuitive infotainment system and solid German engineering, the Taos is a good choice for value seekers.

Nissan Kicks

• 2025 MSRP: $23,220 to $29,070

For urban drivers and first-time SUV owners, the 2025 Nissan Kicks, starting at just over $23,000, is a budget-conscious choice. It boasts a surprisingly spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency and standard features like automatic emergency braking.

“The Kicks has more cargo space than some larger SUVs,” Fix said, which makes it practical for its compact size.

As a front-wheel drive, it’s easy to get around in tight quarters and has low ownership expenses. If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-value crossover with excellent efficiency, the Kicks is a smart frugal buy.

Alfa Romeo Tonale

• 2025 MSRP: $39,785 to $48,480

Frugality has nothing to do with luxury SUVs, but they can be frugal buys if the timing is right. While its styling is Italian, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is also packed with premium features at a more affordable price point than you’d expect from a premium car brand, starting at just under $40,000.

“Buyers seeking European engineering on the cheap will find the Tonale an appealing [buy],” Fix said.

It has a refined cabin and advanced technology and offers a plug-in hybrid for better efficiency — though the hybrid version is more expensive, starting at $46,035. The Tonale is a stylish and budget option for premium features at a reasonable cost.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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