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Shopping for an SUV is about finding value and the features you want within your budget. If you're looking to upgrade to a 2025 model and want to stick to a specific price range, then you need to determine what the best value on the market is. 

The good news is that 2025 has some cheap SUVs that still offer nice value to consumers. This year's Hyundai Venue, Kia Soul, and Chevrolet Trax all come with enviable features for base prices of under $25,000. It comes down to choosing which is right for your driving needs. 

Let's review the three cheapest SUVs on the current market to help you pick the one worthy of driving off the lot. 

Hyundai Venue

Starting at $21,650, the 2025 Venue is most likely the cheapest SUV on the U.S. market. It's an affordable way to enter into SUV ownership and is a smart purchase for urban drivers. 

The Venue offers a 1.6L four-cylinder engine with 121 hp, making it ideal for city driving and work commutes. It won't wow you with its overall performance, but its maneuverability makes it easy to park in tight spots. This model's infotainment system and excellent fuel economy also make it stand out. 

The combination of a low price tag and reasonable features makes it a practical choice for drivers on a budget.

Kia Soul

Priced at $21,885, the Kia Soul is one of the market's best blends of affordability, interior practicality, and style. The interior is spacious, and the cabin is quite comfortable, which is unusual for subcompact SUVs. 

Powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that generates 147 hp, the Soul is great for everyday drivers who also won't mind its fuel economy, which is good but not great. Best of all, the safety features that come with the base model are generous, and the tech is user-friendly. 

Although it lacks all-wheel drive, the Kia Soul is a fun ride that emphasizes comfort, driveability, and you can't beat the price. 

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Chevrolet Trax

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax comes with a base price of $21,895, offering strong value thanks to a more impressive interior than competitors in its class. It has all the features that an avid driver can want, including a 1.2L three-cylinder engine, which produces 137 hp. 

The Trax delivers a peppy driving experience, and it gets high marks for its reliability. It's a good option for those who drive equally in the city and on the highway. The latest Trax has a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth ride and a quiet cabin experience.

The Trax's new styling, ample cargo space, and intuitive infotainment system make it one of the best budget SUVs on the market. 

These three 2025 SUV models prove that you don't have to compromise too much when shopping for a new car on a budget. You can still get the safety features and driving experience you desire without stretching yourself financially. Don't listen to what the salesperson at the dealership tells you; you can drive away with a great SUV at an affordable price.