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Did you know that affordable entry-level SUVs exist? They just aren’t in the spotlight as much as they need to be. When it comes to cheap SUVs you may think it’s a Kia or tiny Toyota, but the Cheapest SUV is actually the Hyundai Venue. 

The Cheapest SUV is the 2024 Hyundai Venue 

A brand new 2024 Hyundai Venue is the most affordable SUV you can buy at the moment. The 2024 Venue starts at $21,275 including the $1,375 destination fee. 

The MSRP is $19,900 and it’s rare to see something listed for under $20,000. Remember when the Ford Maverick briefly had an MSRP of $19,995? Well, people went nuts for it and now it has an MSRP of $23,815. 

Why aren’t people rushing to the Venue? I understand that words like cheap and affordable may lead to ideas of a slow or low-quality option, so let’s see what’s standard with the Venue. 

The 2024 Venue has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 9.4 seconds, which is average for the class. The class includes the SUVs like the Nissan Kicks, Kia Soul, and Chevy Trax.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue parked in the city
2024 Hyundai Venue | Hyundai

With the entry-level SE trim you get: 

  • 15-inch alloy wheels 
  • Automatic headlights 
  • Power-adjustable windows
  • Remote keyless entry
  • A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel 
  • A height-adjustable driver’s seat 
  • Cruise control 
  • An 8.0-inch infotainment screen 
  • A six-speaker audio system 
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Forward collision mitigation 
  • Lane departure mitigation 
  • Driver attention warning 
  • Rear seat reminder 

Upgrading to higher trim levels provides access to larger wheels, push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, built-in navigation, a wireless phone charging pad, a sunroof, and more. 

But is the most affordable SUV comfortable? Yes, the Hyundai Venue competitively comfortable for the class. The front seats are well-padded, the rear seats have a relaxed backrest angle, wind and road noise aren’t out of control, and bumps are quickly settled for a smooth ride. 

The backseat has more passenger space than expected and the interior has a practical layout. Plus, the tech is intuitive.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.