Standard features on a cheap suv today are impressive. Many manufacturers offer excellent warranties, and technologically advanced stability and traction control for better driving performance. For the purposes of this article, any suv priced under $20,000 will be considered ‘cheap,’ but is not necessarily cheaply made.
Suzuki and Nissan
Th Suzuki company has come a long way since the days of their ‘Suzuki Samurai.’ Now a cult classic, they have evolved to produce the Vitara and Grand Vitara to meet today’s driver’s needs. The Vitara is priced at a base of $18,799 and gives the driver approximately 26 mpg on the highway and 19 in the city. Although this is a compact vehicle, it is built for five passengers and can handle daily commuting or off-road driving. It carries about the same power as similar cars in this class with a 2.4 liter, 166 horsepower engine.
The Vitara base model has four design trims available and comes in a five speed manual or automatic transmission. It also has a big brother, the Grand Vitara, which is equipped with a 3.2 liter V6 engine delivering 230 horsepower. Standard features on both models include rear wheel drive, or customers can upgrade to the patented Suzuki 4-Mode four wheel drive.
The Japanese manufacturer of high performance vehicles in a reasonable price range offers the Rogue suv. From the maker of the top-selling models X-Terra and Pathfinder, the Rogue is another extension of the Murano, and has a sleek and flowing design. Slightly smaller than its older cousin, it drives a 170 horsepower, 2.5 liter engine with four cylinders. The Rogue gets similar mileage to others in this class, with 27 mpg estimated highway, and 22 miles per gallon estimated in the city.
For a $20,220 starting price, the customer gets the S trim package, anti-locking brakes on all four wheels, and the standard traction and stability controls of this class to prevent rolling. Front and side impact airbags are also standard.
Subaru and Honda
The Subaru Forrester and the Honda Element offer unique styling and features at the $20,000 base price range as well. The Element gets about 20 miles per gallon in the city, while the Forrester achieves 22. On the highway they reach 25 and 28, respectively. The Element remains a unique-looking vehicle, and has enhanced cargo space and headroom for passengers.
Despite the roominess, it is considered a compact vehicle, and drives much like a car. The LX, the EX, and the SC come with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine pushing 166 horses of power. As with others in this class, the Element has advanced braking, which they call ‘electronic brake distribution.’ It also offers a seven speaker audio system and features 16 inch alloy wheels standard.
The Forrester from Subaru offers a unique double wishbone suspension in the rear. This, combined with a longer wheelbase, allows it to handle larger amounts of cargo. Other great values in the cheap suv class are the Ford Escape, Grand Vitara, and the Jeep Patriot. For the driver who desires more power, the Mazda Tribute has an optional V6. Always test-drive several vehicles before deciding.
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