Kia Sportage – $27,000
Kia Sportage introduces itself as a standout among compact SUVs, offering plentiful standard features for a wallet-friendly price. Its interior is impressively roomy, with ample legroom and a generous cargo area. The ride leans more toward comfort than agility, which can lead to slower acceleration when merging onto highways, but it compensates with favorable fuel efficiency. The cabin features wireless phone connectivity, an 8-inch touch screen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Pedestrian detection and rear parking sensors come standard, reflecting Kia’s commitment to safety.
Subaru Forester – $27,000
Subaru Forester solidifies its position in the compact SUV market with standard all-wheel drive and a low base price. Its refined interior provides abundant space for both passengers and cargo. Though not the quickest on the road, it navigates remote trails and campgrounds with ease. Subaru includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering and a user-friendly infotainment system that supports smartphone connectivity, making the Forester equally suited for adventure and daily commuting.
Ford Explorer – $36,800
Ford Explorer delivers a versatile option for those needing a midsize SUV with three rows. Its strong safety scores and long-standing name recognition have contributed to its popularity. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard, with a powerful V6 as an upgrade. Passenger space is impressive, although cabin materials can feel less upscale at lower trims. By moving up the trim ladder, you’ll find nicer amenities. A wealth of safety features, along with a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, further elevates its family appeal.
Hyundai Tucson – $27,500
Hyundai Tucson consistently lands at the top of compact SUV rankings, praised for balancing comfort, technology, and overall value. As a two-time award winner for Best Compact SUV for Families and Best Compact SUV for the Money, plus a Best New Cars for Teens nod, it is lauded for reliable performance. Adaptive cruise control and other driver aids come standard, and the interior is well-planned for noise reduction and comfort. There is generous cargo volume, and seating remains roomy and supportive in both rows.
Nissan Rogue – $28,900
Nissan Rogue fits perfectly into everyday driving and long road trips. Its efficient fuel economy, particularly for a compact SUV, makes it a dependable choice. Handling is not overly dynamic, but it capably meets typical driving needs. Inside, the rear seat offers plentiful legroom, and you’ll find an 8-inch touch screen with wired smartphone integration. Rear cross-traffic alert also comes standard, adding a layer of protection for busy parking lots and urban commutes.
Jeep Grand Cherokee – $38,000
Jeep Grand Cherokee distinguishes itself in this lineup by offering a luxurious midsize SUV with off-road prowess. Its starting price is higher than most competitors, partly due to its upscale interior and advanced tech features, such as a large touch screen and wireless phone connectivity. Although four-wheel drive costs extra, it preserves solid on-road manners and earns average fuel economy for its category. Standard safety tools include stop-and-go cruise control, underscoring its modern approach to convenience and protection.
Chevrolet Equinox – $26,500
Chevrolet Equinox appears here largely because of its competitive pricing. It offers a single engine option—a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder—delivering reliable gas mileage for a compact SUV, though it may feel underpowered on the highway. The interior is straightforward and sturdy, complemented by intuitive tech like a 7-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone compatibility, and multiple USB ports plus a Wi-Fi hotspot. Automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist come standard, covering the basics of safety for everyday driving.
Tesla Model Y – $43,000
Tesla Model Y raises the bar with its all-electric technology and swift performance. Although it forgoes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it stands out by delivering up to 279 miles on a single charge (and more with certain trims). Build quality can vary, but its base powertrain speeds to 60 mph in a brisk 6.6 seconds. Despite being the costliest SUV on this list, it offers a future-focused driving experience that continues to influence the EV market.
Honda CR-V – $29,500
Honda CR-V has long been a leader in the compact SUV category. It excels in packing a spacious interior into a maneuverable frame, ensuring easy parking and big-city drivability. With top-notch cargo capacity, it outperforms many rivals when it comes to hauling gear. Premium cabin materials and an easy-to-use infotainment system combine for an elevated driving experience. A seven-inch touch screen, physical controls for essential functions, and standard advanced safety tools such as adaptive cruise control seal its reputation for reliability.
Toyota RAV4 – $28,500
Toyota RAV4 remains a perennial favorite for compact SUV shoppers, thanks in part to its commendable fuel efficiency and established nameplate. It also earned recognition as a finalist for Best Compact SUV for Families, underscoring its kid-friendly features. Passengers find a comfortable and thoughtfully arranged interior, and there’s ample room for cargo. Even base trims come with up-to-date tech, including wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a voice-activated virtual assistant. Adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection enhance safety, reinforcing its place as a dependable, well-rounded choice.
Buying a 2024 SUV in 2025
As 2025 comes around, many dealerships are still carrying unsold SUVs from the 2024 model year. Because they want to clear out last year’s inventory, these SUVs often come with significantly lower price tags. This means you could buy a brand-new 2024 SUV for much less than the sticker price of a 2025 model—while still enjoying modern features, warranties, and top-notch performance.
Why You Can Save
Clearance of Older Inventory:
Dealerships generally want to move older model years off the lot as quickly as possible. Once the new model year arrives, the previous year’s vehicles become less desirable for many buyers. That drop in demand forces dealerships to offer bigger discounts to attract customers.
Depreciation and Model Year Difference:
Even though a 2024 SUV might be virtually identical to the 2025 version, simply having an older model year on the paperwork lowers its perceived value. This model-year “gap” can translate to thousands of dollars in savings for buyers who are willing to opt for a slightly older date on the registration.
Manufacturer Incentives:
Automakers often provide special incentives—like cashback offers, zero-percent financing, or additional dealership bonuses—to help sell remaining stock. These incentives can stack on top of the discounted prices, further reducing the total cost.
Same Features and Warranties:
Many 2024 SUVs have the same body style, technology packages, and safety features as their 2025 counterparts. Moreover, their warranties typically start from the date of purchase (not the model year), so you’d still get full coverage for the specified term.
Overall, buying a 2024 SUV when the 2025 models are already out can be an excellent way to
save money without sacrificing the advantages of a new vehicle. If you don’t mind having
“last year’s” car, you can walk away with modern tech, safety features, and warranty
coverage at a bargain price.