A slowing economy and COVID-19-related job losses have people looking everywhere to cut costs. This includes penny-pinching at car dealerships. We already brought you our Top 5 Cheap New Cars list, and now we switch gears and talk about the top five cheapest new SUV you can buy in the U.S. in 2020. Unlike the small car segment getting smaller, the SUV and CUV market has been heating up for years. The lines between the two are increasingly blurry, as automakers morph their vehicle platforms to suit the American market.
1. 2020 Nissan Kicks S
The energetic and spunky-looking 2020 front-wheel-drive Nissan Kicks S showcases a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that kicks out 122 hp and 114 lb.-ft. torque. This is mated to an Xtronic CVT transmission. The compact 2020 Nissan Kicks S comes equipped with a Rockford Fosgate audio system and a frameless auto-dimming mirror with a universal remote. The S incorporates a rear spoiler, illuminated kick plates, yet dons steel wheels with OE hubcaps.
Nissan added its robust advanced Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology standard on all 2020 Kicks trim levels. EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 31 mpg city / 36 mpg highway. The 2020 front-wheel-drive Nissan Kicks S starts at $19,070.
2. 2020 Ford EcoSport S
Ford’s smallest SUV may attract frugal buyers with its turbocharged three-cylinder, which offers up 123 hp and churns out an almost equal 125 lb.-ft. torque. The Ford EcoSport S offers up a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with auto start-stop. Also adorning the Ford EcoSport S are safety features like a rear-view camera, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, and oodles of airbags. New for 2020 is a standard Wi-Fi hot spot.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2020 front-wheel-drive Ford EcoSport S isn’t as good as other models, but it dons 27 mpg city / 29 mpg highway. The price for the S base trim model starts at a tick under $20,000.
3. 2020 Hyundai Kona SE
The sleek 2020 Hyundai Kona SE is a five-door subcompact crossover SUV that’s ready for adventure. The front-wheel-drive SE boasts a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission. This pairing puts out a zippy 147hp with 132 lb.-ft. torque.
The new Kona SE features standard SmartSense safety technology like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2020 Hyundai Kona SE comes in at 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. Pricing for the front-wheel-drive Kona SE starts at $20,300.
4. 2020 Mazda CX-3
The 2020 front-wheel-drive Mazda CX-3 is athletic in feel, exciting to drive, and ready to get you to your destination in style. This subcompact crossover is a driver’s SUV. It offers up an extensive array of safety features like standard blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Mazda’s four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.0 delivers 148 hp and 146 lb.-ft. torque. The 2020 Mazda CX-3 also has creature comforts like a 7-inch full-color touchscreen display featuring Mazda Connect, push-button start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2020 front-wheel-drive Mazda CX-3 comes in at an impressive 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway. The starting price of the front-wheel-drive 2020 Mazda CX-3 is $20,640.
5. 2020 Honda HR-V LX
The stylish 2020 front-wheel-drive Honda HR-V LX starts at nearly $21,000 ($20,920 to be exact). The LX trim level showcases an inline four-cylinder engine that produces 141 hp with 127 lb.-ft. torque. Available with a CVT transmission, the Honda HR-V LX trim level comes with an Eco Assist system (standard on all models), as well as hill start assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, as well as a multi-angle rear-view camera.
Honda’s 2020 front-wheel-drive Honda HR-V has an EPA-rated fuel economy that equates to 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway. The HR-V although the priciest in our group, has loads to offer—for less dough than other manufacturer’s models.
Buy The Cheapest New SUV
No matter which new SUV you buy, make sure to test drive and consider the above cheapest new SUVs. These front-wheel-drive chariots offer a good bang for you hard-earned dollars. If you’re in the market for a brand-new ride, you’ll be smiling as you save some dough with these five cheap SUVs.
(Note: Photos supplied showcase higher trim levels that cost more than base model counterparts mentioned in this article.)
