So many people are still under the impression that buying and owning an SUV is expensive, many of whom would like to own one and could really take advantage of what they have to offer. Fortunately, the days where the $60,000 Sport Utility Vehicles that offered up a generous 10 miles to the gallon were the only option are very long gone. To further disprove the stereotype, we’ve compiled a list the top 10 (in our humble opinion) SUV’s that cost under $25,000.

1. Honda CR-V AWD LX

First up is the Honda CR-V. This model actually paved the way for all of its predecessors as the first of its crossover kind, making its debut back in 1995. It seats 5, gets 23/31 mpg city/hwy, and is powered by a 4-cylinder that makes 185 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. The Honda CR-V also comes standard with a rear-view camera and Pandora radio, and is only one of two models on our list with AWD, a few nice bonuses for this price point. Search local Honda CR-V listings here. 

2. Mazda CX-5 Touring

Next we have the Mazda CX-5, a compact crossover that I personally find to be a fun ride with a lot of style. This is Mazda’s first all-in Skyactiv model, and it gets 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque and an epa rating of 25/32 city/hwy. There’s room for 5, and the interior also offers Pandora radio like our number 1 slot. Search local Mazda CX-5 listings here.

3. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Third in line for under $25,000 is Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. This newly redesigned SUV offers Driver Selectable Steering Mode, or DSSM, which gives the driver three options: Comfort, Normal and Sport, to suit their driving style and needs. It also ranks second on our list for horsepower, with 190 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, and it still gets 20/27 mpg city/hwy and can get you and 4 of your friends or loved ones around. Search local Hyundai Santa Fe listings here.

4. Ford Escape S

The Ford Escape S is fourth on the list with one of the better EPA ratings of 22/31 city/hwy. It has a standard rear-view camera, room for 5, Ford MyKey for all your settings and its engine makes 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Search local Ford Escape listings here.

5. Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD

Here at number five we have another 5 passenger SUV with the Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD. It’s not the slowest on the list, with 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, not the shortest on features as it comes with 6 months of OnStar service included and still boasts a fairly solid EPA  of 22/32 city/hwy. Search local Chevrolet Equinox listings here.

6. Toyota Rav-4 LE AWD

The popular Toyota Rav-4 LE AWD is number 6, and while the XLE is priced just at $25,000, Toyota still packed in AWD, a back-up camera, touch screen and Eco and Sport driving modes for this model. Average mpg for the model is at 22/29 city/hwy. Search local Toyota Rav-4 listings here.

7. Nissan Rogue SV

Number seven is the Nissan Rogue SV, and has earned its place on the list with a fresh redesign for 2014, 170hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, the larger of the displays with a 5-inch screen and a best-in-class mpg rating of 26/33. The Nissan Rogue SV also has space for 5 people. Search local Nissan Rogue listings here.

8. Jeep Cherokee Sport

The Jeep Cherokee Sport holds down slot number 8 with a flashy overhaul for 2014, 5-passenger seating and a good EPA rating of 22/31 city/hwy. On the quicker side, the SUV gets 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque from its engine and has hidden storage beneath the cushion of the front passenger’s seat. Search local Jeep Cherokee listings here.

9. Kia Sorento LX

Fastest on the list, the Kia Sorento LX is the ninth model we love for less than $25,000, boasting 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque to haul around you, your stuff and four of your best buds. It also offers heated outside mirrors, and an average mpg of 20/27 city/hwy. Search local Kia Sorento listings here.

10. Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium

Last, but not least is the Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, which may end up being the most bang for your buck. It has all wheel drive, 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, an EPA rating of 24/32 city/hwy, a standard rear camera, 4.3 inch color display and a panoramic moonroof. Search local Subaru Forester listings here.

As the list shows, there are plenty of options available to those seeking budget-friendly SUVs. These, which are in no particular order, are just our favorite picks and offer up some great features and highlights for their price range. Do keep in mind many of these SUVs have even less costly versions available, but of course a feature or two are going to be sacrificed along with the price tag.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge
Previous post

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge to Make Up to 560-hp

Next post

2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe Details

No Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *