It is common for people to face the dilemma of whether to choose a budget or luxury car when shopping for a new one. However, the truth is that sometimes budget automobiles prove to be equally as good as their expensive counterparts. The purpose of this article is to discuss some of the best budget SUVs in the current market along with providing information about what to consider when choosing the most appropriate model.
Considerations for Selecting Budget SUVs
There are a number of factors that must be taken into account when selecting budget SUVs. These considerations will ensure that you are getting what you need from the automobile.
First and foremost, you should consider your budget when deciding upon budget SUVs. Budget SUVs cost between $15,000 and $30,000 on average; however, this amount varies according to the specific brand or model.
The second consideration involves fuel efficiency since budget SUVs might require lots of gas during travel; thus, a good fuel efficiency rating could mean huge savings. Moreover, you can purchase budget SUVs with excellent fuel efficiency or even hybrid or electric options.
Next, safety is always a priority when purchasing a new vehicle. You should look for a brand or model that possesses a great safety rating. Specifically, you could opt for budget SUVs that have received a rating of 5 stars from NHTSA or Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. Moreover, there are various budget SUVs available that are equipped with such safety features as lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
Best Budget SUV Models
Once you know what to consider when buying budget SUVs, it is time to discuss several brands that stand out because of their quality.
The first SUV in the list is the Honda CR-V due to its reliability and popularity. Its starting price starts at around $25,000; besides, it possesses a spacious interior, decent fuel economy, and a range of safety features. Additionally, the Honda CR-V is known for its good resale value.
The second budget SUV to be mentioned is the Toyota RAV4 with its starting price beginning at $26,000. This model of SUVs provides consumers with various trim levels including the hybrid one with a mileage of up to 41 mpg. Furthermore, the Toyota RAV4 has a great safety rating as well as a comfortable interior.
The third brand of budget SUV is the Hyundai Tucson which is recognized by being both stylish and packed with a range of useful features. The starting price for this model begins at around $23,000 while it is offered in different trim levels including the Limited model that looks very luxurious. Additionally, Hyundai Tucson demonstrates impressive results in terms of fuel efficiency and warranty period.
The fourth SUV is the Mazda CX-3 that combines style and fun-to-drive features while having a reasonable price tag of $20,000. Just like the previous model, the CX-3 can be bought in various trim levels including the sporty GT version. In addition to being affordable, this SUV offers great fuel efficiency and multiple safety features.
Finally, there is the Subaru Forester which can be classified as a durable and rugged budget SUV. The starting price of this vehicle is about $24,000, and it has several distinguishing features including all-wheel drive and numerous safety options. Also, the Subaru Forester has a good fuel economy rating and spacious interior design.
Additional Features of Budget SUVs
Apart from the main factors described above, there are various additional features that must be paid attention to.
One of the factors that deserve special mention is the cargo space. It goes without saying that if you need to transport lots of cargo or luggage, then you must look for a budget SUV with sufficient space. There are various SUVs that have a large cargo area or even allow you to fold back the seats to gain extra space.
Infotainment system is another feature that must be considered when choosing budget SUVs. If you like listening to music or podcast in your car, you will certainly benefit from having a proper infotainment system installed.
Warranty and Maintenance
When you select budget SUVs, you need to think about warranty and maintenance. A budget SUV with a lengthy warranty period is always desirable since it can give you peace of mind. Moreover, low-cost maintenance is always good. There are budget SUVs that have low maintenance prices and even come with maintenance packages that include oil change or tire rotation.
Test Drive Your Budget SUV
It always makes sense to test drive the selected SUV prior to purchase. Such testing will allow you to become familiar with the selected model in terms of performance and features.
During test drive, pay close attention to how the budget SUV is handled, comfort, and ease of usage of various features. In particular, the ease of using the infotainment system is vital to check.
Conclusion
To summarize, buying a budget SUV can prove to be difficult. However, by following the information provided in this article, you will definitely choose the one you need.
