Buying a new SUV is exciting, but the initial price tag is just the beginning. The real cost of ownership unfolds over the years, with maintenance playing a significant role. While it’s easy to find the sticker price of a new SUV online, predicting long-term maintenance expenses can be tricky. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the Cheapest Suvs to maintain, helping you save money down the road.
Our selection prioritizes SUVs known for their mechanical simplicity, avoiding overly complex engineering that can lead to costly repairs. We’ve favored models with standard-sized wheels and tires, recognizing that trendy oversized options often come with hefty replacement costs. Fuel efficiency on regular gasoline is another key factor, alongside perks like complimentary scheduled maintenance and robust warranties. Reliability ratings from trusted third-party sources have also been carefully considered.
To ensure this list is truly helpful, we’ve included a diverse range of SUV sizes, capabilities, brands, and price points. You won’t just find subcompact crossovers here; we aim to provide options that meet various needs and budgets while remaining affordable to maintain. The SUVs are listed roughly in order of their typical starting prices. It’s important to note that while depreciation is a real cost of car ownership, this list focuses specifically on maintenance expenses – the out-of-pocket costs to keep your SUV running smoothly.
1. 2020 Hyundai Venue: The Subcompact Leader in Low Maintenance Costs
Hyundai kicks off our list of the cheapest SUVs thanks to their industry-leading warranty and generous free maintenance program. With a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai provides unmatched peace of mind. Furthermore, they sweeten the deal with 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance at authorized dealerships. No other non-luxury brand offers such extensive coverage. Hyundai’s entire SUV lineup is known for its affordability, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The 2020 Hyundai Venue is a standout model for those seeking a cheapest SUV. This subcompact crossover is Hyundai’s most affordable and fuel-efficient SUV. While it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, its higher driving position and surprisingly spacious interior appeal to many SUV shoppers. Starting at just $17,350 and achieving an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined, the Venue is a winner in fuel economy and overall cost-effectiveness.
2. 2021 Kia Seltos: Value and Warranty in a Stylish Package
Kia, Hyundai’s corporate cousin, mirrors Hyundai’s exceptional warranty, offering 5 years/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain. While Kia doesn’t currently offer free scheduled maintenance, this lengthy warranty minimizes major repair costs for years beyond routine servicing like oil changes and tire replacements, making it a strong contender for a cheapest SUV to maintain.
The 2021 Kia Seltos is a compelling subcompact crossover that punches above its weight in terms of style and perceived quality. It feels more substantial than many rivals, blurring the lines between a hatchback and a true SUV. Priced from $21,990 and achieving up to 31 mpg combined, the Seltos offers excellent fuel efficiency. While a turbocharged engine option exists, most Seltos models feature a reliable 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This simpler, more fuel-efficient powertrain contributes to lower running costs, enhancing its appeal as a cheapest SUV.
3. 2020 Nissan Rogue: A Dependable and Spacious Compact Crossover
The 2020 Nissan Rogue is another fuel-efficient and value-driven SUV, consistently ranking among America’s best-selling vehicles. Starting at $25,300, the Rogue is a compact crossover known for its straightforward engineering and proven reliability, making it a practical choice for those seeking a cheapest SUV in the long run.
The Rogue features a dependable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, user-friendly controls, and class-leading interior space. It also comes standard with a suite of safety features. While not as luxurious or performance-oriented as some newer competitors, the Rogue excels in providing consistent, reliable value. It’s important to differentiate the Rogue from the Rogue Sport – the latter, despite its similar name, offers less space, power, and fuel economy. The standard Rogue is the model that delivers on spaciousness and sensible running costs, crucial for a cheapest SUV.
4. 2020 Toyota RAV4: Reliability and Hybrid Efficiency Champion
Toyota, like Hyundai, provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, easing early ownership costs. The best-selling Toyota RAV4 compact crossover further reduces expenses with excellent fuel economy. The gasoline-only RAV4 achieves up to 30 mpg combined, a top score in its class. Toyota opts for a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT in the standard gasoline model, known for its long-term durability.
However, for even lower running costs, the RAV4 Hybrid is a standout. Boosting fuel economy to an impressive 40 mpg, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leverages Toyota’s proven hybrid technology, renowned for its reliability. The 2020 RAV4 starts at $25,950 for the gasoline version and $28,350 for the hybrid. The hybrid variant, while slightly more expensive upfront, promises significant savings at the pump and in long-term maintenance, solidifying its position as a cheapest SUV to operate.
5. 2020 Subaru Outback: The Wagon-SUV Hybrid with Standard AWD and Value
The Subaru Outback has carved its niche by blurring the lines between a crossover and a station wagon for 25 years. With standard all-wheel drive, a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a spacious interior, it effectively competes with traditional crossover SUVs like the Ford Edge and Honda Passport. Its unique blend of wagon practicality and SUV capability contributes to its appeal as a cheapest SUV option.
The Outback stands out by offering generous standard equipment, impressive fuel economy (29 mpg with the base engine, 26 mpg with the turbo), and a competitive starting price of $26,645. A recent redesign brought improved driving dynamics, better fuel efficiency, and a modernized interior, while retaining its rugged character. In certain regions outside Subaru’s primary markets, buyers might also receive two years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. The Outback’s combination of standard AWD, fuel efficiency, and potential free maintenance makes it a compelling choice for a cheapest SUV.
6. 2020 Toyota Highlander: The Efficient and Reliable Three-Row SUV
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover SUV capable of seating up to eight passengers. It earns its place on this list of cheapest SUVs due to Toyota’s free scheduled maintenance (two years/25,000 miles), excellent fuel economy for its class, and Toyota’s legendary reliability.
Freshly redesigned for 2020, the Highlander comes standard with a powerful yet fuel-efficient V6 engine, achieving up to 24 mpg combined – remarkable for a spacious three-row SUV. The Highlander Hybrid elevates fuel efficiency even further, boasting an astounding 36 mpg. While the Highlander isn’t the least expensive three-row SUV to purchase initially (starting at $34,600 for gas, $38,400 for hybrid), its low operating costs make it arguably the cheapest SUV in its segment to own in the long run. While some competitors might offer slightly more passenger or cargo space, none can match the Highlander’s blend of fuel efficiency and renowned Toyota reliability in the three-row category.
7. 2020 Jeep Wrangler: Surprisingly Economical Off-Road Icon
The Jeep Wrangler is primarily celebrated for its unmatched off-road prowess, rather than its affordability. It’s indeed one of the pricier mid-size SUVs without a luxury badge, starting near $30,000 even for a basic two-door model. However, the rugged Jeep Wrangler has become surprisingly fuel-efficient, which is a welcome surprise for those seeking a capable vehicle that’s also a cheapest SUV to run, considering its off-road pedigree.
Recent redesigns have improved the Wrangler’s aerodynamics, and the engine lineup now includes economical four-cylinder and diesel options. The Wrangler now achieves up to 25 mpg combined, surpassing some Jeep crossovers in fuel efficiency. While depreciation isn’t the focus here, it’s worth noting that Wranglers hold their value exceptionally well, even as they age, which indirectly contributes to lower long-term ownership costs. For those needing serious off-road capability without completely sacrificing fuel economy, the Wrangler presents a surprisingly viable, if unconventional, cheapest SUV option.
8. 2020 BMW X1: Luxury with Unexpectedly Low Running Costs
Luxury vehicles are often associated with high maintenance costs, but some brands offer perks like complimentary scheduled maintenance to mitigate this. BMW, for example, provides three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance, meaning typical BMW lessees often avoid paying for routine services like oil changes and tire rotations, making some BMW models surprisingly close to being a cheapest SUV in the initial years.
The 2020 BMW X1 subcompact crossover is a prime example of a luxury SUV that shouldn’t break the bank on maintenance, even after the free maintenance period ends. Its four-cylinder engine achieves a respectable 27 mpg (though requiring premium fuel) and boasts a good reliability track record. The X1 also delivers the hallmarks of a BMW – sporty handling, brisk acceleration, and a high-tech interior – along with a more spacious cabin than many competitors. To keep maintenance costs down, avoid optional “sport” packages with larger wheels and performance tires. With prices starting at $35,200, the X1 offers a taste of luxury without exorbitant running costs, making it a surprisingly sensible cheapest SUV consideration within the luxury segment.
9. 2020 Jaguar E-Pace: Luxury and Extensive Free Maintenance
For buyers prioritizing minimal maintenance expenses in a luxury SUV, Jaguar is a standout brand. Jaguar provides an impressive five years or 60,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, the most generous offering among luxury brands sold in the US, firmly placing some Jaguar models in the realm of the cheapest SUV to maintain, at least for the initial ownership period.
The 2020 Jaguar E-PACE, Jaguar’s entry-level subcompact crossover, offers maximum value in this regard, starting at $39,950. Even as an entry-level model, the E-Pace boasts distinctive Jaguar styling, a sporty driving experience, and a luxurious interior. However, to minimize maintenance costs, it’s advisable to avoid the optional 20-inch wheels, as replacement tires will be expensive. The E-Pace combines Jaguar luxury with exceptional free maintenance, making it an appealing, if initially pricier, option for a cheapest SUV in the long run.
10. 2020 Tesla Model Y: The Electric SUV with Minimal Upkeep
Electric vehicles are renowned for their low operating costs, primarily due to electricity being significantly cheaper per mile than gasoline. However, electric vehicles like the 2020 Tesla Model Y also minimize maintenance needs. They eliminate oil changes and coolant flushes, and their regenerative braking systems reduce wear on brake pads. Electric motors also have fewer moving parts than gasoline engines, suggesting lower long-term repair costs, positioning the Model Y as a compelling cheapest SUV in terms of running and maintenance expenses.
While the electric SUV market is still evolving, the Tesla Model Y stands out as a direct electric rival to popular gasoline-powered compact luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX and Audi Q5. Starting at $52,990, the Model Y requires a higher initial investment. However, once purchased, its minimal maintenance requirements and lower running costs due to electric power make it exceptionally affordable to keep on the road, arguably making it the cheapest SUV to own in the long term when considering total cost of ownership.
These 10 SUVs represent a diverse range of options for buyers seeking the cheapest SUV to maintain. From subcompact crossovers to three-row family haulers and even an electric luxury model, this list demonstrates that affordability and SUV practicality can go hand-in-hand. By prioritizing factors like warranty, fuel efficiency, and inherent reliability, you can choose an SUV that minimizes your long-term expenses and provides peace of mind for years to come.
