With the price of new and used cars in the market, it’s hard to imagine getting anything affordable. Prices are increasing over MSRP, and SUVs are more in-demand than ever. However, some automakers, like Nissan, offer a few SUVs for an affordable price. Did you know three affordable Nissan SUVs start under $30,000? Are cheap SUVs like these from Nissan even worth buying?

Nissan Kicks: Small but affordable SUV

First, the cheapest model in Nissan‘s crossover and SUV lineup is the Kicks. It starts at $20,290, far more affordable than any other offering. However, does the Kicks really get it done for that small of a price? According to Edmunds, the most basic 2023 Nissan Kicks is surprisingly well-equipped for barely exceeding $20K. For example, it has cruise control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward collision mitigation, reverse automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beam headlights.

Unfortunately, but as expected, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is a bit underwhelming at 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The subcompact SUV uses the same engine for every trim, and front-wheel drive is all that’s available. Even the range-topping SR trim only jumps to a $22,850 starting price, adding heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and other niceties. Some optional packages are also available for a fee, making the Kicks a viable and affordable choice.

The Nissan Rogue Sport costs under $30,000

Next in the lineup of affordable Nissan SUVs under $30,000 is the Rogue Sport. Starting at $24,960, it’s deceptively the smaller version of a standard Rogue, not the sportier version. However, it does come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 141 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, front-wheel drive is standard for every trim, but all-wheel drive is always an option. The Rogue Sport S is a base model that’s surprisingly well-equipped for the price.

Even the most basic Rogue Sport has automatic headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, lane departure mitigation, rear automatic braking, and forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection. Unfortunately, the top SL trim exceeds the $30,000 mark with destination fees. That makes the SV the most well-equipped version under $30K. It has remote start, heated mirrors, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, just to name a few.

Did you know the Nissan Rogue is affordable?

As one of the most popular SUVs from the automaker, it’s surprising the Nissan Rogue is so affordable. The automaker says the price starts at $27,360 for a base model but reaches as high as $38,640 for the Platinum trim with all-wheel drive. Fortunately, the base model is very well-equipped for the cost. For example, a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine is under the hood, making 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Like the Sport version, front-wheel drive is always standard, but all-wheel drive is an option at any trim level.

Next, the cheapest Rogue comes with a wide variety of features. Highlights include dark-tinted privacy glass, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an eight-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, USB ports, and a rear seat reminder. Like other affordable Nissan SUVs, a suite of advanced driving aids is also standard. This includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Only the SV trim with front-wheel drive remains under $30,000. Every other version of the popular compact SUV gets too pricey.

Affordable Nissan SUVs under $30,000

In conclusion, three affordable Nissan SUVs start under $30,000. These are viable models if you’re interested in a cheap but small SUV. We’d recommend getting a cheaper Rogue or a more expensive Rogue Sport to fulfill all needs. Although basic Kicks and Rogue Sport models are very affordable, they don’t offer much regarding value that a few thousand extra dollars won’t get you with a larger SUV.