The 10 Least Expensive New Compact SUVs to Own

1. Kia Niro - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $29,461

MSRP: $24,485 Engine: 1.6-liter inline-4; permanent magnet synchronous AC motor EPA Combined: 50 mpg

The Niro is the only hybrid vehicle on this list. Its gas-electric powertrain delivers a stunning 50 mpg combined on the EPA test. The dollars it saves in gas make up for the its midpack MSRP. That, plus its good looks and pleasant driving character, got it elected to our 2019 Editors' Choice list.

Kia - Car and Driver

2. Nissan Rogue Sport S - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $30,079

MSRP: $23,385 Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 28 mpg

The Rogue Sport is a stylish and comfortable compact SUV with class-competitive passenger and cargo room. Despite its name, it's not in the least sporty to drive. (The "Sport" badge distinguishes it from its larger Rogue sibling.) Still, its strong fuel economy and an asking price on the low side notched it into second place in this cheap-to-own guide.

Michael Simari - Car and Driver

3. Jeep Compass Sport - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $30,592

MSRP: $23,590 Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 26 mpg

The Compass occupies a narrow slot in the Jeep lineup between the subcompact Renegade and the slightly larger Cherokee. And while some Jeeps can get quite expensive—especially when loaded with options—sticking with an unadorned, base-model Compass keeps ownership costs toward the low end of the compact-SUV class.

Chris Amos - Car and Driver

4. Hyundai Tucson SE - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $31,448

MSRP: $24,445 Engine:2.0-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 26 mpg

The compact Tucson is a handsome and well-equipped choice with strong enough attributes to win an Editors' Choice berth. The base model is blessed with a lot of standard tech, including a touchscreen infotainment system plus lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking.

Hyundai

5. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $31,531

MSRP: $24,690 Engine: turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 27 mpg

The Eclipse Cross's most appealing trait is its styling. Inside and out, it looks and feels like a more expensive vehicle than it is. Its sharply sloped roofline and crisply rendered sheetmetal look fresh and sporty, and its interior boasts good-quality materials. While it looks racy, it's actually an easy driver with a soft ride.

Chris Doane Automotive - Car and Driver

6. Chevrolet Equinox L - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $31,689

MSRP: $24,995 Engine: turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 28 mpg

The Equinox occupies the middle ground in this group in almost every way. Like most of the vehicles in this class, the Equinox offers plenty of passenger room and adequate cargo space to go along with its raised seating position. Its interior is handsomely designed, though the base model is a little short on standard equipment.

Chevrolet

7. Kia Sportage LX - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $31,798

MSRP: $24,795 Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 26 mpg

The Sportage looks intriguing to some, a bit odd to others, but there's no denying it's a good value. It's nimble, has a well-crafted interior for the price point, and offers one of the best warranties in the business—character strengths that made it an Editors' Choice pick.

Kia

8. Subaru Forester - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $31,825

MSRP: $25,270 Engine: 2.5 liter flat-4 EPA Combined: 29 mpg

The Forester is the only SUV on this list with all-wheel drive standard. The base model delivers excellent fuel economy—the best in this group this side of the Kia Niro hybrid. And even base models are equipped with key safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. No wonder it's also an Editors' Choice winner.

Chris Doane Automotive - Car and Driver

9. Mazda CX-5 - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $32,089

MSRP: $25,395 Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 28 mpg

The CX-5 is a perennial Car and Driver favorite—and 10Best winner—for its fun-to-drive personality, impeccable styling, and upscale interior fittings. It is short on storage space, and its infotainment system could use updating, but its drawbacks are far outweighed by its positives once you climb behind the wheel.

10. Honda CR-V LX - 3-Year Ownership Cost: $32,239

MSRP: $25,545 Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4 EPA Combined: 28 mpg

The CR-V sells like crazy, and with good reason: it offers many plusses but few minuses. It's handsome and roomy, offers generous cargo space, is well-built, and drives well. Its only negative is a fussy infotainment system. That nearly straight-A report card is how the CR-V earned a spot on our Editors' Choice list for 2019.

Honda

By: Car and Driver