Thanks to all-wheel drive options, superior cargo versatility, elevated seating positions, comfort, and efficiency, compact SUVs have gone on to take the top spot of sales charts; replacing midsize sedans.

Here, we will look at five of the best SUVs available for less than $25,000 from KBB’s standout picks;

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Getting a new design for 2018, the Equinox offers three engine choices, beautiful exterior and interior styling, quality standard features, and excellent road manners. All of these have helped the car earn its place in a league often dominated by vehicles such as the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.

Though the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is not as large as its predecessor, the interior space it offers is almost the same. A powerful 2.0-liter turbo and fuel-efficient 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engines supplement the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 170 hp. With an EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, the Equinox also has reliable fuel efficiency.

With its retail price starting at $24,525, it does not take much to get your hands on this well-featured compact SUV.

2018 Hyundai Tucson

With the 2018 Tucson, Hyundai has come up with an SUV that offers several high-end options like a panoramic sunroof. Plus, the choice of a turbocharged or normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that has 164 hp. Not to mention, with 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, the car also offers decent fuel economy.

The 2018 Tucson comes in five different models; the SE, SEL, the SEL Plus, Value, and Limited. For the SEL and higher, it includes heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius XM. The Limited models have heated steering wheels while SEL Plus models come with Infinity audio and an 8-inch touch screen.

Starting at $23,530, if you need a compact-crossover SUV and can do without off-road credentials, then you should consider the 2018 Hyundai Tucson.

2018 Kia Sportage

Between its bold front end and sleek rear, the 2018 Kia Sportage offers a roomy interior and more available high-tech safety equipment. On top of that, the Sportage offers upscale features such as a Harman audio system and climate-controlled seats. The vehicle’s turbocharged engine produces 181 hp and has an EPA rating of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

The 2018 base-model LX can be fitted with the new Technology Package that includes lane-departure warning, rear-traffic, blind-spot alert, outside-mirror turn signals, and autonomous emergency braking. These features are now standard for the EX model while the SX also includes electronic parking brakes with auto hold.

With a retail price of $24,590, the 2018 Kia Sportage sneaks in just under $25,000.

2018 Honda HR-V

The subcompact SUV is a fast-growing segment. Although the Honda HR-V is smaller than the CR-V, it is the most spacious and affordable subcompact SUV. The 2018 model gets a new Aegean Blue Metallic color along with new designs for the wheels of EX and higher models.

With an affordable starting price of $20,665, the 2018 Honda HR-V is perfect if you are looking for a car with more interior room, all-weather capabilities, and ground clearance. The car’s optional manual transmission and EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, add great fuel economy to its affordability. 

2018 Subaru Forester

With its retail price starting from $23,710, the affordable 2018 Subaru Forester comes with decent ground clearance, all-wheel drive, great visibility, and with 28 mpg combined, laudable fuel economy.

 2018 has seen the arrival of the Black Edition model package which includes paddle shifters and darkened aesthetics. Those with the driver-assist package have been fitted with high-beam assist and reverse auto braking.

With these and many more SUVs available at or around the $25,000 price range, it is no surprise to see how fast the segment is growing.