10 Best SUVs Under $25,000

2017 Honda CR V Hero Profile ・ Photo by Honda

New car shoppers, especially those just out of college, are buying new SUVs. And right now is probably the best time to purchase a brand-new SUV with falling gas prices and new affordable options popping up every day. 

With that in mind, we decided to put together a list of some of the best SUVs for under $25,000. Some of the vehicles on our list have exciting options while others are just as stocked with equipment on their base levels of under $25,000.

In creating our list, we kept a focus on picking a variety of SUVs ranging from subcompact SUVs, midsize SUVs, and some with outstanding off-road capabilities

1) 2017 Jeep Renegade

Due to the sub compact size of the 2017 Jeep Renegade, you might think that this thing isn’t capable of being a real off-roader. Well, you’d be wrong. Renegade is one outstanding and capable SUV. Prices start at just $17,995 for the entry-level model that can be had with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. If you have an active lifestyle, you might want to spend just a little extra for the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. That particular model comes with the Jeep Active Drive Low and Rock Mode in the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System that makes this subcompact Jeep an ultimate off-roading machine.

Photo by Jeep

2) 2018 Toyota RAV4

Forget everything you've ever known about the Toyota RAV4 because the new model writes an entirely different story. The new 2018 Toyota RAV4 has grown up quite a bit with an exciting new sleek exterior and a quality-built upgraded interior. The new model focuses on practicality and overall comfort instead of being a budget SUV. Prices for the entry-level model start at just $24,410. Power comes from a 176-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that allows it an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23/30 mpg (city/highway).

Photo by Toyota

3) 2017 Honda CR-V

The 2017 Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States and there’s a really good reason for that. The CR-V has become known for its outstanding reliability, performance, and fuel-efficiency. Starting at $24,045, the new Honda CR-V has been completely redesigned and revamped inside out with a stylish exterior and an upgraded quality built interior. The base engine is a 190-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo that helps it average an EPA-rated fuel economy of 27/33 mpg. With a long list of standard features and an overall comfortable and dynamic ride quality, the Honda CR-V is one of our favorite SUVs for under $25,000.

Photo by Honda

4) 2017 Nissan Rogue

It seems like there isn’t a day that goes by where you don’t see a Nissan Rogue - and there’s an excellent reason for that. With a starting price tag of just $24,450, the 2017 Nissan Rogue comes packed with an extensive list of standard safety features that include daytime running headlamps, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward emergency braking. The ride quality of the Nissan Rogue is extremely comfortable on long hauls or short trips around town. Top that off with a powerful 170-hp engine and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26/33 mpg; the Nissan Rogue is a clear winner.

Photo by Nissan

5) 2017 Jeep Wrangler

If enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle is your primary focus, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler has to be on your shopping list. Starting at just $23,995, the Jeep Wrangler has become the icon that other vehicles are measured against when it comes to off-road capabilities. With a long list of accolades and a cult-like following, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the toughest and most capable vehicles in a world that is packed with soft-riding road-friendly crossovers. The Jeep Wrangler comes standard with four-wheel drive and 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine that gives it all the power it needs to tackle any terrain.

Photo by Jeep

6) 2017 Honda HR-V

Take everything you’ve come to love and appreciate about the Honda CR-V and package into a subcompact SUV and you have the 2017 Honda HR-V. The all-new model for the brand, the Honda HR-V packages the quality and reliability of the CR-V into a stylish compact exterior and a more affordable price tag. Base prices for the Honda HR-V start at just $19,465 while the fully-loaded HR-V EX-L with Navigation comes in right under $25,000. That fully-loaded model comes with all the bells and whistles including a rearview camera, Bluetooth, navigation, keyless entry with push-button start, Honda LaneWatch, moonroof, heated front leather seats, and much more. Power for the Honda HR-V comes from a powerful 141-hp engine that is mated to a CVT transmission. Working together, the two components give the HR-V the ability to achieve a fuel economy rating of 27/32 mpg.

Photo by Honda

7) 2017 Subaru Forester

Subaru vehicles have become known for their reliability, safety, and standard all-wheel-drive systems. With that in mind, we added the 2017 Subaru Forester to our list. Other than the previously mentioned highlights, the Subaru Forester has become known for its useful interior space, sleek exterior design, and a very comfortable ride. The base Subaru Forester carries a starting price tag of just $22,795 and is powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter flat-four engine. The engine can be coupled with a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Photo by Subaru

8) 2017 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has quickly become one of the most favorite compact crossovers on the market. With its recent stylish redesign and an award-winning interior, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is attracting new car shoppers every day. Prices for the new Mazda CX-5 start at just $24,045 for the Sport model that comes with an extensive list of standard features including a rearview camera, Bluetooth, push-button start, a 7-inch full-color touchscreen display, cruise control, and Mazda’s Connect infotainment system. Power for the new Mazda CX-5 comes from an 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gives it all the power it needs to complement its already dynamic and sporty ride quality. 

Photo by Mazda

9) 2017 Buick Encore

Who said you have to spend over $30,000 to enjoy a luxury crossover? Meet the 2017 Buick Encore, a luxury sub compact crossover that comes packed with an extensive list of standard features, a quality-built luxury interior, and an extremely comfortable ride quality. Think of the Buick Encore as a pocket-size Enclave with all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from a brand of this caliber. The cabin of the Buick Encore is extremely quiet, comfortable, and provides enough space for four passengers. Each Buick Encore comes standard with the 8-inch color touchscreen display that houses the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard options with the infotainment system, so you don’t have to upgrade for a navigation system. Prices for the new Buick Encore start at just $22,990 for the entry-level model and $24,365 for the Encore Preferred.

Photo by Buick

10) 2017 Ford Escape

Escape has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States for quite some time. The 2017 Ford Escape was recently upgraded with a bold new exterior an upgraded interior that features a strong list of standard features that are usually optional on its competitors. Buyers have the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive with the base engine being a 168 horsepower four-cylinder engine that provides you enough power for your daily needs. Prices for the new Ford Escape start at just $23,750 for the base model which includes brake assist, a rearview camera, Shift AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, the SYNC infotainment system, Bluetooth, AM/FM single CD/MP3 with six speakers, and much more. Years of reliability, quality, and comfort have made the Ford Escape one of the best vehicles in its segment.

Photo by Ford