What's the cheapest SUV under $30K? Why this Hyundai model is worth a look
This subcompact SUV starts under $21,000. Here's what you should know about the affordable model.
- Hyundai Motor Company produces the most affordable SUV of 2025 for the American market.
- Hyundai's subcompact SUV is the most affordable, but some rivals offer better specs and standard features.
- Some of the best subcompact SUVs of 2025 are close relatives to this affordable model.
Inventory for new vehicles under $30,000 is on the decline according to a report by Cars Commerce. Automakers are forced to import pricier vehicles due to tariff turmoil. Luckily for new car buyers, there are still some affordable new cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market.
One SUV stands out as the most affordable of all sport utility vehicles. It's a subcompact model from South Korean automaker Hyundai.
The 2025 Hyundai Venue is the cheapest SUV
Hyundai's Venue subcompact SUV is the cheapest SUV of 2025, starting at just $20,200 (excluding freight, tax, title, and license fees). It comes in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited.
The 2025 Hyundai Venue uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 121 horsepower and 113 pound feet of torque. It achieves 29 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. The subcompact SUV features standard front-wheel drive.
Hyundai's 2025 Venue includes several standard safety features like lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. The base model SE also includes a standard tire pressure monitoring system and vehicle stability management.
The 2025 Hyundai Venue SE is relatively barebones, as expected for its price. That said, you can upgrade to the final Limited configuration for the most Venue tech and features that Hyundai has to offer.
How much is a fully loaded 2025 Hyundai Venue?
The 2025 Hyundai Venue Limited starts at $23,450 before taxes and additional fees. It features the same engine and drivetrain (front-wheel drive) as cheaper trims, but comes loaded with better standard features.
2025 Hyundai Venue Limited standard features
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Wireless device charging
- Drive Mode Select (Normal, Sport, and Snow)
The Limited trim adds creature comforts and advanced tech to the Venue subcompact SUV, improving the overall driving and ownership experience. Additionally, even the fully loaded version doesn't break the bank. The 2025 Hyundai Venue Limited isn't exactly luxurious, but it's an elevated take on the most affordable SUV on the market.
2025 Hyundai Venue vs. the competition
The subcompact SUV vehicle segment is extremely competitive thanks to brands like Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota, Honda, and more. Hyundai's Venue subcompact SUV is the most affordable in its segment, but it isn't the most powerful or the most desirable based on reviews.
U.S. News & World Report ranks models like the 2025 Kia Soul, 2025 Mazda CX-30, and 2025 Nissan Kicks over the Hyundai Venue. The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the best subcompact SUV of 2025, according to Edmunds.
The Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona are close relatives to the Hyundai Venue that produce more horsepower. They also feature more exciting exterior designs. Hyundai's Venue subcompact SUV offers great value for the money, but it isn't the best model in its segment based on vehicle reviews and rankings.
If you're looking for the best subcompact SUV of 2025 rather than the most affordable, the Hyundai Kona is a great place to start. MotorTrend praises its "edgy styling" and cabin space, ranking it as the best in its segment.