Economy SUVs typically offer the lowest sticker prices in the line-up of SUVs while still maintaining good fuel economy, having most of the latest in safety equipment, sufficient interior space for passengers and a useable amount of storage space. An economy SUV typically comes with the base features of the model with many available options. In order to maintain the economy that such a vehicle has to offer, these options should be carefully investigated to determine if they add any exceptional value to the car.
Economy SUVs are also more fuel efficient and have a lower overall cost to operate. Typically with four-cylinder engines, these SUVs are not as powerful as some of their larger counterparts but offer a decent ride and smooth handling. An economy SUV may not be equipped with all of the safety feature of a more expensive vehicle, lacking some the most advanced air bag systems and electronic stability control. Crash test results may also be rated lower than more expensive vehicles.
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best economy SUVs, in the price range of between $21,000 and $30,000. It is a practical and family friendly compact SUV with a base four-cylinder engine and is spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. Fuel economy is good at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The Chevrolet Equinox is another of the best economy SUVs, also in the price range of between $21,000 and $30,000.? It offers a complete package at that price and is one of the most fuel efficient models in its class. Its base model features a four-cylinder engine that still maintains good performance on the road and a spacious and comfortable interior for five.
The Honda CR-V is another best economy SUV, coming in at a little over $30,000. It is designed as a practical SUV with comfortable seating, a spacious interior with an assortment of storage spaces and a roomy cargo area suitable for both bulky and smaller items. Its four cylinder engine provides sufficient power for daily driving and offers better than average fuel economy.
The Buick Enclave is another of the economy SUVs that offers a smooth ride, an upscale interior and stylish looks. With an entry price of $35,000, it provides a luxurious cabin and a quiet interior with spacious seating for an optional third row of seats. As a crossover SUV, it handles the road well and its practical features make it a good choice as a family vehicle.
Another of the economy SUVs is the GMC Terrain, priced between $27,000 and $32,000. It is a family friendly vehicle that provides a wide range of standard features, including a rearview camera, and excellent fuel economy. Its light weight serves to enhance the power of the standard four-cylinder engine. Interior space is adequate and cabin design is somewhat less refined than others in its class, but it remains a versatile and practical vehicle.
The Mazda CX-9 is another economy SUV, with an entry price of around $29,000. Although it is a midsize SUV that can seat seven, the interior is more pleasant, spacious and comfortable than some other vehicles in its class. A standard V6 engine, unlike others in its class, provides superior driving dynamics with excellent handling. However, fuel economy is admirable which adds to the exceptional driving experience.
The Chevrolet Traverse is another economy SUV, with an entry price in the $23,000 range. Although its name brings to mind crossing rugged, barren terrain, the vehicle is better suited for urban driving with large families and doing it in style. It sports a distinctive exterior, an interior that is spacious and modern with a driving performance and a fuel economy that are excellent for its size. It supports a long list of standard features and offers an optional third row of seats that accommodates adults comfortably.
Another of the economy SUVs is the Ford Edge. With an entry-level price under $28,000, it features updated and refined exterior styling, a high quality cabin with new features like more power in its drive and the Ford MyFord Touch system. This latter feature adds to the high-tech electronics available for the vehicle and the premium quality of the cabin. Unlike others in its class, a V6 engine is standard but fuel economy is average for its class.
Another of the economy SUVs is the Kia Sportage, a compact SUV that can be had for under$30,000. The vehicle sports a peppy four-cylinder engine and a spacious interior with many standard features that are options on more expensive SUVs. Adding to its qualities is that unlike many other vehicles in its class it has bee
n rated a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Subaru Forrester is an economy SUV, with an entry price point of under $30,000. It is a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive, a spacious interior and a fun driving experience. The quality of the interior is somewhat less upscale than others in its class with some availability for upgrading to more high-technology features. Although the interior materials may not be on par with others in its class, the interior cabin is roomy and comfortable.