Buying a new SUV can be exciting, but the initial price tag is just the beginning of the ownership journey. Many car buyers focus solely on the upfront cost, often overlooking the long-term expenses that can significantly impact their wallets. Beyond the sticker price, the true cost of owning an SUV includes maintenance, repairs, fuel, and other operational expenses. So, if you’re asking “What Is The Least Expensive Suv” to own and maintain over time, you’re on the right track to smart vehicle ownership.
While finding the absolute cheapest SUV to buy might seem straightforward, identifying the least expensive SUV in the long run requires a deeper dive. It’s about more than just the initial purchase price; it’s about minimizing those ongoing costs that accumulate mile after mile. This article will guide you through ten SUV models that stand out not just for their competitive prices, but also for their remarkably low maintenance costs. We’ve considered factors like warranty coverage, fuel efficiency, reliability ratings, and the simplicity of their mechanical design to bring you a list of SUVs that are truly kind to your budget. From subcompact crossovers to family-friendly models, we’ve included a variety of sizes and styles to ensure you find a budget-friendly SUV that perfectly fits your needs without breaking the bank down the road. Let’s explore the top contenders for the title of “least expensive SUV” when considering the bigger picture of vehicle ownership.
1. Hyundai Venue: Subcompact SUV with Big Warranty Perks
Kicking off our list of the least expensive SUVs is the 2020 Hyundai Venue. Hyundai has long been a champion of value, and the Venue perfectly embodies this philosophy. What truly sets Hyundai apart and contributes to the Venue being a least expensive SUV to maintain is their exceptional warranty. You get a powertrain warranty that covers an impressive 10 years or 100,000 miles, along with a comprehensive 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty on most other vehicle components. Adding to the value proposition, Hyundai also includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance at their dealerships. This combination of extensive warranty coverage and free maintenance is unmatched by non-luxury brands and makes the Venue a standout for budget-conscious buyers seeking a least expensive SUV.
The Hyundai Venue is the brand’s most affordable SUV, with a starting price of just $17,350. While it’s classified as a subcompact crossover and doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, it delivers the sought-after SUV traits of an elevated driving position and a surprisingly spacious interior for its size. Furthermore, the Venue is fuel-efficient, achieving an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This blend of low initial price, excellent fuel economy, and industry-leading warranty and maintenance package firmly positions the Hyundai Venue as a top contender for the least expensive SUV on the market.
2. Kia Seltos: Stylish and Reliable Subcompact Crossover
Following closely in Hyundai’s footsteps, and sharing corporate DNA, Kia also offers compelling value and reliability, making the 2021 Kia Seltos another strong contender in the least expensive SUV category. While Kia doesn’t currently match Hyundai’s free maintenance program, it mirrors Hyundai’s impressive warranty coverage: a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This robust warranty protection significantly reduces the potential for unexpected repair costs in the initial years of ownership, a key factor in determining what is the least expensive SUV to maintain.
The Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover that distinguishes itself with a more refined and sophisticated feel compared to many rivals. It offers a more substantial SUV presence than some slightly raised hatchback competitors. Priced from $21,990, the Seltos achieves EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 31 mpg combined. Most Seltos models are equipped with a dependable 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This powertrain combination prioritizes simplicity and fuel efficiency over outright performance, contributing to lower maintenance costs and better gas mileage, aligning perfectly with the goals of finding a least expensive SUV.
3. Nissan Rogue: A Long-Standing Leader in Value and Efficiency
The 2020 Nissan Rogue is a familiar name in the SUV market and consistently ranks among America’s best-selling vehicles. Priced starting at $25,300, the Rogue is a compact crossover that has established itself as a reliable and practical choice. Its longevity in the market speaks to its proven design and engineering, which often translates to simpler maintenance and fewer potential issues compared to newer, more complex models. This inherent reliability is a significant factor when considering what is the least expensive SUV over the long term.
The Nissan Rogue is powered by a dependable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and features user-friendly controls and a surprisingly spacious interior for its class. It also comes equipped with a good array of standard safety features. While the Rogue might not be the most luxurious or quickest SUV in its segment, it excels in providing consistent, reliable value. It’s important to note that the Rogue should not be confused with the Rogue Sport, which, despite its similar name and styling, is a smaller vehicle with less space, less power, and lower fuel economy. The standard Nissan Rogue, however, remains a strong contender for those seeking a practical and least expensive SUV to own and operate.
4. Toyota RAV4: Renowned Reliability and Hybrid Efficiency
Toyota’s reputation for reliability is legendary, and the 2020 Toyota RAV4 compact crossover perfectly embodies this. Adding to its value proposition, Toyota provides two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, further reducing early ownership costs. The RAV4’s excellent fuel economy is another key factor in making it a least expensive SUV to maintain. The gasoline-only engine achieves EPA ratings as high as 30 mpg combined, among the best in its class. Toyota has also opted for a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission in gasoline models, known for its durability, rather than potentially more complex CVTs or dual-clutch transmissions found in some competitors.
For even greater fuel savings and lower running costs, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an exceptional choice. This gas-electric hybrid model boosts fuel economy to an impressive 40 mpg combined. Toyota’s hybrid technology has a proven track record for exceptional reliability, minimizing potential long-term repair expenses. The 2020 RAV4 starts at $25,950 for the gasoline version and $28,350 for the Hybrid. Whether you choose the gasoline or hybrid model, the Toyota RAV4’s combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, and available free maintenance makes it a leading contender for the least expensive SUV to own and operate.
5. Subaru Outback: Wagon Versatility with SUV Capability
The Subaru Outback has carved a unique niche for itself, blurring the lines between a station wagon and a crossover SUV. For over 25 years, it has proven that this distinction is largely semantic. With standard all-wheel drive, a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a spacious interior, the Outback provides comparable functionality and comfort to traditional crossover SUVs like the Ford Edge and Honda Passport, but often at a lower cost of ownership. This makes the Outback a smart choice for those seeking a practical and least expensive SUV alternative.
The Subaru Outback stands out by offering unusually generous standard equipment, excellent fuel economy (29 mpg with the base engine, 26 mpg with the available turbo engine), and a competitive starting price of $26,645. A recent redesign brought improvements to ride and handling, fuel efficiency, and interior refinement, while retaining its rugged character. In certain regions, particularly outside of Subaru’s core markets, buyers may also receive two years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance, further enhancing its value and solidifying its position as a least expensive SUV option.
6. Toyota Highlander: Family-Friendly SUV with Low Running Costs
For families needing more space, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover SUV that can seat up to eight passengers. Despite its larger size, it remains remarkably economical to maintain, continuing Toyota’s theme of providing least expensive SUV options across different segments. Like other Toyotas, the Highlander includes two years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. Furthermore, it boasts impressive fuel economy for its class and Toyota’s hallmark reputation for reliability.
The redesigned 2020 Highlander comes standard with a robust yet fuel-efficient V6 engine, achieving EPA ratings of up to 24 mpg combined – impressive for a spacious and powerful SUV. Even more fuel-efficient is the Highlander Hybrid, which utilizes a four-cylinder gas-electric powertrain to achieve an outstanding 36 mpg combined. While the Highlander’s starting price ($34,600 for gasoline, $38,400 for hybrid) is higher than some smaller SUVs, its exceptional fuel economy and Toyota’s renowned reliability make it arguably the least expensive SUV to operate in the three-row category.
7. Jeep Wrangler: Rugged Icon with Surprising Efficiency
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is best known for its legendary off-road prowess, rather than being considered a budget-friendly vehicle. In fact, it’s one of the pricier mid-size SUVs in its class, especially considering its relatively basic standard features. However, the Wrangler has made strides in fuel efficiency, making it a surprisingly relevant inclusion in a discussion about the least expensive SUV, particularly for those needing serious capability.
Recent redesigns have improved the Wrangler’s aerodynamics, and the engine lineup now includes more fuel-efficient four-cylinder and diesel options. The Wrangler can now achieve up to 25 mpg combined, outperforming some Jeep crossovers. While depreciation isn’t a maintenance cost, it’s worth noting that the Wrangler holds its value exceptionally well, even at ages when most SUVs have depreciated significantly. This strong resale value can offset some of the initial purchase price, making the Wrangler a more financially sound choice over the long term than some might initially expect, especially if off-road capability is a priority in your search for the least expensive SUV that meets your specific needs.
8. BMW X1: Entry-Level Luxury with Included Maintenance
Luxury vehicles are often associated with high maintenance costs, but some brands offer perks that can mitigate these expenses, at least initially. BMW, for example, provides three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. For typical BMW lessees, this means no out-of-pocket expenses for oil changes or tire rotations during the lease term, making the 2020 BMW X1 a surprisingly least expensive SUV option in the luxury segment for that period.
Even beyond the free maintenance period, the BMW X1 subcompact crossover is not expected to be excessively expensive to maintain. Its four-cylinder engine achieves a respectable 27 mpg (though requiring premium fuel) and has garnered positive reliability ratings. The X1 also delivers the driving dynamics and premium interior expected of a BMW, along with a more spacious cabin than many competitors in its class. Buyers should be mindful of optional “sport” packages, which may include larger wheels and performance tires that can be pricier to replace. However, with a starting price of $35,200 and the included maintenance, the BMW X1 presents a compelling case for those seeking a least expensive SUV experience in the luxury market.
9. Jaguar E-Pace: Luxury Style with Generous Free Maintenance
If minimizing maintenance costs is a top priority in your luxury SUV search, Jaguar is a brand worth serious consideration. The British luxury marque offers an industry-leading five years or 60,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, the most generous program among brands sold in America. This extensive coverage makes the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE a standout least expensive SUV option in the luxury segment when factoring in long-term running costs.
The Jaguar E-Pace is the brand’s entry-level subcompact crossover, starting at $39,950. Even as the entry point to the Jaguar lineup, the E-Pace is a visually striking vehicle with a sporty driving character and a luxurious interior. To keep maintenance costs down, it’s advisable to avoid the optional 20-inch wheels, as replacement tires for larger rims tend to be more expensive. However, with its standard features, stylish design, and unparalleled free maintenance program, the Jaguar E-Pace offers a compelling blend of luxury and value, making it a surprisingly least expensive SUV choice for discerning buyers.
10. Tesla Model Y: Electric SUV with Minimal Upkeep
Electric vehicles (EVs) are inherently designed for lower operating costs compared to gasoline cars, primarily due to the lower cost of electricity versus gasoline per mile. However, EVs also offer significant advantages in terms of maintenance. Electric vehicles like the 2020 Tesla Model Y eliminate the need for oil changes, coolant flushes, and other routine maintenance associated with internal combustion engines. Regenerative braking systems in EVs also significantly reduce wear on brake pads, further lowering maintenance requirements. With fewer moving parts in an electric motor compared to a gasoline engine, EVs also hold the potential for lower long-term repair costs, making them compelling contenders for the title of least expensive SUV to own.
While the market for fully electric SUVs is still evolving, the Tesla Model Y stands out as a direct electric rival to popular gasoline-powered compact luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX and Audi Q5. Starting at $52,990, the Model Y is a premium-priced vehicle, but the long-term savings in fuel and maintenance can offset the higher initial cost over time. For buyers prioritizing minimal running costs and seeking what is the least expensive SUV in the long run, particularly in terms of fuel and maintenance, the Tesla Model Y is a compelling option to consider in the electric SUV segment.
