Skip to main content
Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

This story is free to read.

Edmunds: The most affordable new SUVs for 2021

This photo from Kia shows the 2021 Soul, a subcompact crossover that is fun to drive and offers a spacious cargo area for the class. (Courtesy of Kia Motors America via AP)
This photo from Kia shows the 2021 Soul, a subcompact crossover that is fun to drive and offers a spacious cargo area for the class. (Courtesy of Kia Motors America via AP) This photo from Kia shows the 2021 Soul, a subcompact crossover that is fun to drive and offers a spacious cargo area for the class. (Courtesy of Kia Motors America via AP)

SUVs top nearly every automaker’s sales charts and they’re not cheap. Any given SUV costs a few thousand more than its closest sedan counterpart. To help ease the sticker shock, Edmunds’ experts have compiled a list of five SUVs that come in a variety of sizes and have unusually low starting prices for their competitive segments. What’s more, these models also scored highly in our overall ratings, and they offer a good selection of standard features so you won’t have to spend on upgrades. All prices include the destination charge.

2021 Kia Soul

photo This photo from Kia shows the 2021 Soul, a subcompact crossover that is fun to drive and offers a spacious cargo area for the class. (Courtesy of Kia Motors America via AP)

The Kia Soul is an extra-small SUV that offers a large cargo capacity, especially compared with other vehicles of its size. It’s also fun to drive, and the tall roof and wide door openings allow easy access to the front and rear of the deceptively spacious cabin.

The Soul nails a lot of basics, though we do wish the cabin remained a little quieter on the road. Its transmission can also feel clunky at times, and it does not offer all-wheel drive as an option. Still, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity at this price earn the Soul a place on the list over pricier competitors. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 2021 Kia Soul LX: $18,765

2021 Hyundai Tucson