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- 8 New SUVs Under $45,000 You’ll Probably Regret Buying (financebuzz.com)
Thinking of an SUV? Here are 8 models under $45,000 you might want to skip!
Buying a new SUV is a big decision, even for “budget-friendly” options that still ring in over $20,000. When you’re dropping that kind of cash, you want to be sure you’re getting a reliable ride that fits your life and your wallet. It’s like shopping for car insurance-you gotta do your homework!
But let’s be real, navigating the endless sea of vehicles and prices can feel like a mission impossible. To help you out, we’ve rounded up eight SUVs under $45,000 that, frankly, you might end up regretting. Consider this your cheat sheet to the automotive duds.
1. 2025 Hyundai Venue
MSRP: $20,200
The 2025 Hyundai Venue tries to straddle the line between a car and an SUV, but its subcompact design ultimately results in a rather cramped interior. Performance-wise, it’s pretty average, taking at least nine seconds to hit 60 mph. If you’re looking for zip, this isn’t it.
2. 2025 Kia Soul
MSRP: $20,490
Sure, the 2025 Kia Soul boasts a tempting price tag, but that affordability comes at a cost. Its 2-liter engine feels more suited for a compact car than an SUV, and the cabin can get quite noisy, especially on the highway or in windy conditions. While you save upfront, you might find yourself wishing you’d invested in a more enjoyable ride a few years down the road.
3. 2025 Hyundai Kona
MSRP: $24,550
The 2025 Hyundai Kona also offers a low price, but you definitely get what you pay for. The base model features a sluggish 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine.
While a turbocharged option exists for better performance, it’ll cost you extra. And despite its underwhelming acceleration, prepare for a bumpy ride-this Kona manages to bounce pretty hard over bumps.
4. 2025 Jeep Compass
MSRP: $26,900
The 2025 Jeep Compass might have an attractive price, but it seems some corners were cut to achieve it. Drivers report poor outward visibility-a major safety concern-and a confusing interior control layout that detracts from the driving experience.
Perhaps the biggest complaint? The persistent engine noise in the cabin, an issue that should be a thing of the past with modern vehicles.
5. 2025 Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $28,705
While Edmunds gives the 2025 Tucson a 6.5 out of 10 for performance and interior, reviewers do note its roomy interior and better-than-average technology. However, major complaints include a finicky transmission, unsettling body roll on curvy roads, and overly aggressive brakes at low speeds.
The interior, despite its spaciousness, also suffers from a puzzling layout-who put the driving controls next to the infotainment screen and the infotainment controls on the center stack? We’re scratching our heads too.
6. 2025 Toyota RAV4
MSRP: $29,550
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 wouldn’t be a terrible choice if it were the only small SUV on the market. But with competitors constantly innovating, Toyota’s lack of significant updates in seven years has left the RAV4 behind.
Drivers frequently complain about the engine’s modest power, taking over nine seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. The steering is also a point of contention, with a vague center point and a light feel that makes precise control difficult.
7. 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
MSRP: $36,400
If you’re spending over $36,000 on an SUV, you deserve a little fun behind the wheel. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, however, might leave you wanting more.
Its base V6 engine offers a decent 284 horsepower, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack-you won’t hate it, but you certainly won’t love it. While the transmission generally performs well, it struggles on inclines, stubbornly refusing to downshift and forcing the engine to rev unnecessarily.
8. 2025 MINI Countryman
MSRP: $38,900
The appeal of the 2025 MINI Countryman EV is clear: avoid gas prices and enjoy SUV spaciousness. However, MINI falls short here.
Its 212-mile range is disappointing compared to other EVs, especially when the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric offers a similar range for nearly $7,000 less. Plus, prepare for a jarring ride; every pothole will send a shock through both the SUV and you.
The Bottom Line
SUVs are popular for their roomy interiors, powerful engines, and strong performance. But as this list shows, not every model hits the mark. With so many options available, there’s no need to settle for a mediocre ride.
Considering the average new vehicle price is around $48,400 in 2025, taking your time to compare models carefully can save you serious cash in the long run. The goal is to find an SUV you’ll genuinely enjoy driving for years to come.
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- 8 New SUVs Under $45,000 You’ll Probably Regret Buying (financebuzz.com)