Kelley Blue Book has compiled what it says are the 10 best new SUVs for under $25,000.
DETROIT, MI - In light of Americans' current appetite for sport utility vehicles, Kelley Blue Book has compiled what it says are the 10 best new SUVs that can be had for under $25,000.
SUVs can be attractive to consumers because of the vehicles' balance of elevated driving positions, cargo versatility and all-wheel drive, KBB said.
Last year, sales of new cars and trucks in the U.S. hit an all-time high of 17,470,499 units in 2015, according to figures from Autodata Corp. But sales of passenger cars in 2015 dipped 2 percent to 7,740,912 units, while sales of light trucks grew 13 percent to 9,729,587 units.
The vehicles on KBB's list have a fair purchase price below $25,000 as of February 2016.
Here's the list, with KKB's comments on each:
10. Jeep Wrangler
"Take off the top, find a dirt road to nowhere and try to remember the last time you had more fun on four wheels. The rugged Wrangler isn't the right choice for most small SUV shoppers, but for countless weekend warriors there's no other option."
9. Jeep Renegade
"The newest Jeep mixes the off-road spirit of a Jeep Wrangler with the added efficiency, refinement and affordability of a smaller crossover SUV."
8. Nissan Rogue
"Inside and out, Nissan's small SUV conveys a stature akin to that of a larger vehicle. It's also the smallest SUV available with three rows and seating for seven, even if it's a really small, just-in-case third row."
7. Toyota Rav4
"With one of the segment's roomiest interiors and arguably the most established reputation for reliability, the Toyota RAV4 overachieves in both practicality and value."
6. Honda HR-V
"Honda's newest, smallest SUV proved roomy and practical enough to take home the only 2016 Best Family Car Award we awarded in the burgeoning subcompact SUV segment. But it's also a solid choice for pre- and post-family shoppers seeking SUV flexibility in the neighborhood of $20,000."
5. Subaru Forester
"Standard all-wheel drive meets long-term reliability and excellent resale value in a small SUV that makes just as much sense in sunnier states as it does in the more wintry ones."
4. Kia Sorento
"Totally redesigned for 2016, the Kia Sorento can be configured as a roomy 2-row SUV or, if you're willing to break this list's $25,000 threshold, a tidy 3-row SUV. It also offers a long list of available features, including one of our favorite infotainment systems."
3. Hyundai Tucson
"A no-show on this list last year, Hyundai's small SUV grabs the number three slot this year on the strength of a complete redesign that makes it more refined and even more stylish."
2. Mazda CX-5
"Like most cars with a Mazda badge, the CX-5 is arguably the most stylish and most fun-to-drive entry in its class. Tech and design updates for 2016 have only added to its already considerable appeal."
1. Honda CR-V
"As our Small SUV Best Buy for 2016, one of our 16 Best Family Cars of 2016, and last year's number one on this list, the CR-V was again an easy pick for this top spot. Honda's small SUV is roomy, reliable, refined, efficient and just about everything else you might be seeking from a small SUV."
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook.