Best New SUVs Under $45,000: Reliable & Budget-Friendly Options

If you're thinking about buying a new SUV, get ready to make a pretty big investment. Even budget-friendly options can set you back over $20,000. So, if you're going to spend that kind of money, it's worth doing your homework to make sure you're getting a reliable ride that fits your lifestyle and budget (much like you do when you compare auto insurance rates).

Researching vehicles and prices is often easier said than done, though. With so many options, it can seem impossible to narrow your list. We've put together a list of eight SUVs under $45,000 that you'll probably regret buying. Here are the duds to steer clear of.

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2025 Hyundai Venue

Courtesy of Hyundai

MSRP: $20,200

The 2025 Hyundai Venue tries to ride the line between car and SUV. Its subcompact design, though, ends up creating a rather cramped interior.

When it comes to performance, the 2025 Venue is average at best. Expect it to take at least nine seconds to reach 60 mph.

2025 Kia Soul

Courtesy of Kia

MSRP: $20,490

The 2025 Kia Soul is very affordable, but the brand has made numerous sacrifices to reach that low price. Its 2-liter engine would feel more appropriate in a compact car than an SUV. The Soul also suffers from a noisy cabin, especially when you get on the highway or encounter much wind.

Sure, you save some money when you buy a Soul. A few years down the road, though, you'll probably wish you'd invested in a more enjoyable vehicle.

2025 Hyundai Kona

Courtesy of Hyundai

MSRP: $24,550

The 2025 Hyundai Kona has a low price. In this case, you end up getting what you pay for. The base model comes with a sluggish 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine. You'll get better performance by opting for the turbocharged version, but that will cost you more money.

Despite its underwhelming acceleration, the 2025 Kona manages to bounce pretty hard when it drives over bumps.

2025 Jeep Compass

Courtesy of Jeep

MSRP: $26,900

The 2025 Jeep Compass has an attractive price. Maybe the company cut some corners to reach that goal.

Drivers complain that the 2025 Compass has poor outward visibility, which is a significant safety concern. It also has a confusing interior control layout, which makes driving less enjoyable.

Perhaps worst of all, though, is the engine noise. With today's technology, you shouldn't hear a lot of engine noise in the cabin. Still, it's an issue with this Jeep.

2025 Hyundai Tucson

Courtesy of Hyundai

MSRP: $28,705

Edmunds gives the 2025 Tucson a 6.5 out of 10 for performance and interior. Despite the relatively low score, reviewers say it's roomy and has better-than-average technology.

Major complaints target the SUV's finicky transmission, unsettling body roll on curvy roads, and brakes that go way too hard while moving at slow speeds.

While the interior is roomy, it suffers from a confusing layout. Why are the driving controls next to the infotainment screen while the infotainment controls are on the center stack? Someone at Hyundai might know, but the rest of the world is scratching its head.

2025 Toyota RAV4

Courtesy of Toyota

MSRP: $29,550

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 wouldn't be such a terrible option if it were the only small SUV around. Unfortunately, Toyota hasn't made meaningful updates in seven years, allowing competitors to race ahead of it.

The biggest complaints focus on the 2025 RAV4's engine and steering. Its engine offers modest power at best, and it takes more than nine seconds for the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

Drivers report that the steering has a vague center point and feels too light. Those issues make it hard to know precisely how much you should turn the steering wheel.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Courtesy of Nissan

MSRP: $36,400

If you're going to spend a minimum of $36,400 on an SUV, you deserve to have a little fun on the road. You won't get that from the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.

The Pathfinder's base V6 engine runs steadily in the middle of the pack, offering 284 horsepower. You probably won't hate it, but you definitely won't love it.

While the transmission works well in most conditions, expect it to struggle when driving uphill. For some reason, it simply does not want to downshift, which forces the engine to rev unnecessarily.

2025 MINI Countryman

Courtesy of MINI

MSRP: $38,900

You might feel tempted to buy the 2025 MINI Countryman EV. Who doesn't want to avoid the high price of gasoline while enjoying the spacious luxury of an SUV?

While MINI is heading in the right direction, it falls short with the Countryman. The EV has a 212-mile range, which is a bit disappointing compared to other EVs. You can get a similar range from the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric, which costs nearly $7,000 less.

Additionally, you can expect an overly firm ride from the Countryman. Every pothole you hit will send a shock through the SUV and you.

Bottom line

Kirill Gorlov/Adobe

SUVs are popular because drivers want plenty of interior room, strong engines, and exceptional performance. Not every model will meet those expectations. Given how many types of SUVs companies make, you don't have to settle for a mediocre option.

On average, a new vehicle costs about $48,400 in 2026. If you want to keep more cash in your wallet in the long run, it makes sense to take your time and compare models carefully. Ideally, you'll find an SUV you want to drive for years to come.

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