10 Great New SUVs For About $25,000

With apologies to Disney, in the auto business it’s not a small world but a tall world after all. These days crossover SUVs, vehicles much taller and more useful than the venerable sedan, are zooming up the popularity charts. Sedans just don’t have what it takes to gain the interest of today’s customers. With that in mind we have assembled a list of the 10 best SUVs available for right around $25,000 chosen for their all-around value, safety and convenience. From top to bottom this list is filled with terrific vehicles, so we are certain that one of them will both strike your fancy and fit your needs.

2020 Ford Escape

The compact Ford Escape 5-passenger SUV is all-new for the 2020 model year, and the transformation is palpable. The model has gone on a diet, losing 200 pounds versus the previous edition, and at the same time has gained new, sleekly aerodynamic exterior sheetmetal. It can be powered by a choice of two turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engines and two hybrid powertrains, but if you want to stay around $25K you’ll choose the 180-horsepower 1.5-liter unit. It does a nice job of providing acceleration in the front-drive platform via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside the Escape’s second row slides an amazing six inches to provide more legroom or additional cargo space. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 includes blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and rearview camera.

2020 Toyota RAV4

Superior quality and longevity are the hallmarks of the 2020 Toyota RAV4, a compact crossover SUV that has ascended to the top of the sales charts right behind the full-size pickups. With ample room for five, it is powered by a sturdy 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and it boasts an impressive array of standard equipment, including roof rails, parking camera system, Bluetooth/USB integration and touchscreen audio system. The Toyota SafetySense array of active safety systems is standard. Even more comfort, convenience and safety features are available as you make your way up in trim level and price, but even at its base price right around $25,000 the RAV4 offers serious value.

2020 Honda CR-V

The CR-V has been one of the most popular vehicles in the country for years now, and that popularity has prompted a serious styling “refresh” and equipment upgrade for the 2020 model year. The major functional change is the switch to the turbocharged 190-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine as the primary powerplant for all CR-Vs with the exception of the new hybrid model. The 5-passenger compact SUV boasts a premium-quality interior and a laundry list of safety features in its standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance suite. Honda Sensing was previously available only on EX and higher trims. The safety array includes sophisticated systems like road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control.

2020 Kia Sportage

Kia has long had one of the best warranties in the industry, but in recent years its product quality has also zoomed to the top of the pack. An example is the 2020 Kia Sportage, a compact five-passenger crossover that features a laundry list of standards. Among the niceties that you often pay extra for on other vehicles are alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, power-operated side mirrors, and heated front seats. Because of the Sportage’s compact size, its 181-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine provides plenty of acceleration. And unlike many vehicles on this list, you can add some options and still stay right at the $25,000 mark.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox was all-new for the 2018 model year, and it can be equipped just about any way you’d like from frugal to over-the-top. For example, three different engine choices are available, but to stay on the about-$25,000 budget we’ve set for this article you must opt for the 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Standards include alloy wheels, LED running lights, automatic xenon headlamps, stop-start system, heated/power-operated side mirrors, parking camera system, remote entry/start, and a six-speaker audio system controlled by touchscreen. Options include leather upholstery, all-wheel-drive, heated rear seats and rear parking sensors.

2020 Nissan Rogue

The five-passenger Rogue has been a big hit for Nissan, and the brand continues to add nice goodies year after year. For example, we like NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the addition of yet another USB port, this one inside the center console storage area. Powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission, the Rogue offers exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility. Its much-copied EZ Flex Seating System and Divide-N-Hide Cargo System box are available on all trim levels. A wide variety of electronic driver and safety aids are available, too, but those packages could push the price well beyond the $25,000 range.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai has recently introduced the Palisade midsize SUV so its previous midsize offering, the Santa Fe, which was always a bit undersized in the class, is now a very credible compact SUV competitor. Its stellar warranty coverage is accompanied by a reasonable amount of standard equipment, although with the drop in segment equipment levels are being shuffled a bit. Two engines are available, but in order to not stray too far from the $25,000 price point you’ll want to opt for the 185 horsepower Theta II 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, which is accompanied by a sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission.

2020 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is one of the few vehicles in its class to offer a V-6 engine in addition to a 4-cylinder, but opting for the V-6 will take you well beyond $25K. We think you’ll be perfectly happy with the base 180-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that has the benefit of a high-tech 9-speed automatic transmission. Ascending trim levels and options can significantly up the price of the Cherokee, but even in base trim it offers LED tail lamps and running lights, remote entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, split/folding rear seats, and Bluetooth/USB integration with the audio system. As you would expect, four-wheel-drive and other off-roading gear is available should you want to hit the Rubicon Trail.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

If size matters to you, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander offers significantly more overall length and interior room than other vehicles in the category. Only the Chevrolet Equinox of the current crop comes close. The Outlander is well-equipped with18-inch alloy wheels, remote entry, heated/power-operated side mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, and split/folding rear seats. The 168-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is a willing engine backed up by a continuously variable (CVT) transmission. While many vehicles in this class skimp a bit on luggage space when both front and rear seats are in use, the Outlander offers plenty of cargo area.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

The versatile Crosstrek might not have the size to suit everyone’s needs, but as a compact crossover that can seat four comfortably and also serve capably as a commuter car, we think you’ll like it. We certainly are impressed with its roadability and fun-to-drive versus some others in the class. Of course, all-wheel drive is on the menu, as are remote entry, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth/USB/smartphone integration, split/folding rear seating, and parking camera system. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is available on all trim levels, and it is certainly worthy of consideration. The 152-horsepower 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder might sound a tad anemic, but it is more than enough to give the Crosstrek the zip it needs. With careful choice of options you can still stay below $25,000.