Affordable New SUVs To Consider

If you’re looking for a vehicle, many Americans have resorted to paying sticker price.  A number of sources suggest that if you would normally buy a used car, this is actually the time to buy new, with the differential closing drastically as used car prices catapulted 51%. While many people feel the pinch of inflation currently, automakers are hard at work ensuring there are models well within reach of the average American. Without further ado, here’s a look at some of the most attractive new SUV pricing this year

All-New Buick Envista – $23,495

Buick has a surprise offering in stock for the new model year.  The all-new Envista comes with curvaceous sportback styling reminiscent of much pricier offerings from manufacturers such as BMW; this Buick ain’t grandma’s Century.  The first vehicle to debut Buick’s new triple shield logo, the Envista will start at just $23,495.  It offers an ultrawide infotainment screen as well as active noise cancellation for a quiet ride inside.  Higher trims with 18 inch wheels start at $25,195, and the range topper with heated front seats, leather trim, and 19 inch wheels starts at $29,695. Look for it at Buick dealers now.

All-New Chevrolet Trax - $20,400

Exciting to bargain hunters is the all new Chevy Trax and starting at just $20,400 msrp.  The new Trax is, without a doubt, the sharpest looking vehicle offered under twenty five grand in quite some time, and is sure to become a best-seller. Apply Carplay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, as well as Chevy’s Safety Assist camera sensor system. Safety Assist has forward collision alerts, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, and high beam assist. 60/40 fold rear seats and comfortable seating for 5 mean that the Trax is the small SUV to get big things done with, featuring 54 cubic feet of cargo space. Fun colors include cacti green, nitro yellow metallic, and cayenne orange metallic, or more subtle colors if you prefer like black, grey, and white. Right now Chevy has the Trax on lease for $249/month for well qualified lessees for 24 months (details and $3,279 cash down apply).

Ford EcoSport - $22,040

The Ford family of SUVs offer freedom to go your own way.  One of the most affordable new cars on the market today, the EcoSport starts at $22,040 and offers both sporty appearance and side-curtain airbags, sacrificing neither style nor safety to arrive at a low price.  Standard intelligent 4WD means you won’t get stuck in the snow, and the EcoSport comes in both exciting (orange, lightning blue) as well as conservative (grey, black, white) colors.  A host of options include blind spot information system, rear parking sensors, and voice-activated touchscreen navigation.  Standard options include A/C, 4G LTE connectivity, and a 6-speed automatic.

Ford Bronco & Bronco Sport

Another exciting new option from Ford is the return of the Bronco nameplate.  Sold in two forms, the Bronco Sport and Bronco bring different flavors to the storied nameplate that was discontinued after OJ Simpson’s chase with California police.  The Bronco Sport starts at $29,215 and ensures wanderers of the world will be able to get to go where they want.  Six available trims mean you can outfit your Bronco Sport for street or off-road, including the impressive Badlands.  Smartphone connectivity with Ford SYNC 3 on the touch screen means phone apps can get controlled while keeping eyes and ears on the road.  12 available colors ensure plenty to customize, and standard 4 wheel drive means a thoroughly capable on and off-roader.  An 8 speed auto and turbocharged EcoBoost engine propel all Bronco Sport models.  If you must have the king of the (off) road, the full-blown Bronco starts at just under $35k, offering optional full-time four wheel drive, a 7-speed manual transmission for crawling (10-speed auto optional), and a variety of optional rear axle ratios and locking diff.

Subaru Ascent - $33,895

A larger option from Subaru is the 2023 Ascent, which is one of the most affordable 8-passenger SUVs on the market, starting at $33,895.  18 inch alloy wheels and Subaru’s “Eyesight” emergency driver assist technology come standard.  All Ascents are powered by an impressive 2.4 liter turbo-four that packs 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.  A continuously variable transmission and all wheel drive are also standard.  Pricier models have optional power-driver seats, power liftgate, and Harman Kardon audio.

Kia Telluride - $35,890

Making an appearance on Car and Driver’s 2023 “10 Best” list is the surprising Kia Telluride, an 8-passenger SUV which packs a ton of standard equipment into its $35,890 starting price.  An IIHS top safety pick, the Telluride has standard Led headlights, 9 airbags with second row airbags in the seats, and a variety of collision avoidance and warning safety systems.  A brawny 291 horsepower V6 engine is standard, offering up to 5500 lbs of towing capacity.  A 12.3 inch touchscreen displays navigation and will connect to your phone on all models.  Push button and remote start key is also standard.  Upgrading to other trims offers heated seats, ventilated seats, leather, sunroof, locking differential, and a host of other options.

Nissan Rogue Sport - $24,960

Nissan has a handful of options under thirty thousand dollars. First, there is the all new 2023 Rogue, which starts just under $28k, and has brand new block-based styling that somewhat resembles the 1980s Pathfinder. For the savvy buyer looking for a deal, Nissan has a sleight of hand in store. Nissan is continuing to sell the previous iteration of the Rogue, calling it “Rogue Sport“, and giving a discounted price tag. Starting under $25k, the Rogue Sport is still a brand new SUV, with Nissan Intelligent Mobility GPS system, 141 horsepower, a flexible cargo area, and has optional all wheel drive. The CVT automatic transmission means you won’t have to row-your-own gears. For an even cheaper car, the Nissan Kicks gives the Kia Soul a run for its money, starting at $20,440 with up to 36 mpg on the highway and a 122hp motor

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Classic vs. New

In an emerging trend for Fiat Chrysler Automotive, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is now being sold in two guises. You can purchase the brand new “New Grand Cherokee”, a stunning vehicle the likes of which is only outdone by Jeep’s own new Grand Wagoneer (which stickers at a stunning $88,640). If you want to save some dough, however, Jeep is still selling the “old” Grand Cherokee, simply calling it “Grand Cherokee WK”, the WK designating that it is the older model. Lease rates on the 2023 Grand Cherokee are also quite attractive, with the New Grand Chrokee leasing at $259 a month for 24 months with $2,960 due at signing. Starting sticker prices only differ by about fifteen hundred bucks (with the WK starting at $37,375), but you may find dealers more willing to budge on the older models.

GMC Terrain – $27,900

The outgoing model year of the Terrain starts at $27,900, getting a two-grand inflation bump in 2023.  Its distinctive exterior has LED head and tail lamps with GMC’s signature design.  A 9 speed automatic transmission and turbocharged motor mean that this SUV can deliver up to 29mpg on the highway.  GMC Pro Safety features give lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking. GMC’s 7 inch infotainment system has smartphone compatibility, optional GM Onstar, and the ability to connect to Amazon Alexa.

Chevrolet Equinox - $26,600

Another option from Chevy is the Equinox, starting at $26,600.  The Equinox is an impressive SUV which couples eye-catching style with a versatile interior to maximize use of space. The optional RS package is a looker, with 19 inch dark wheels, black emblem package, LED headlamps, and red interior stitching. All Equinox models come standard with Chevy’s Infotainment System, which brings Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability right to your dashboard. And with a turbo 1.5L engine, the Equinox will scoot you along to wherever you need to go. Some dealers have been found with the Equinox offered at a $199/month lease deal for 24 months plus $3549 down.

Other Incentives and Deals To Watch For

Many manufacturers have been found offering 0% loans for 3-5 years.  Because supply of vehicles is low and the price of money is relatively cheap, the fact that you are not getting as much (or any) off of the sticker price is made up for by the fact that your interest rate can be nothing or close-to-nothing.  Make sure you search around for the best deal, you might be surprised what you find.

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