Usually, many people do not expect to get the best interiors from non-luxury SUVs because of their lesser pricing.
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However, we can affirm categorically that there are non-luxury SUVs with nice interiors on the market that you can get without breaking the bank.
Below is a list of cheap SUVs across different categories with elegant interior details.
Subcompact SUVs
Have a look at some inexpensive subcompact SUVs with nice interior details here.
1. Mazda CX-30
Mazda introduced the CX-30 in 2019 for the 2020 model year. This SUV is based on the fourth-generation Mazda 3, and has been able to compete successfully despite intense competition.
Since its debut, the brand has sold about 100,000 units in the U.S. and it’s ranked #1 on the US News’ best subcompact SUVs list. The CX-30 boasts of nimble handling, a balanced ride, standard AWD, and a number of standard technological features.
The Mazda CX-30 also sports a gorgeous interior including a comfy cabin and a sleek infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display springing from the dashboard.
You get to choose between the standard eight-speaker system and the available 12-speaker Bose stereo.
Other standard features include dual USB ports, WIFI hotspots, and smartphone connectivity (Android Auto/Apple Car Play). You also get power liftgates, dual-zone automatic climate control, and satellite radio, if you opt for higher trims.
It is interesting to note that despite its interior quality, the Mazda CX-30 has a very competitive price tag. Prices range between $23,490 to $39,170 depending on the package you go for.
2. Honda HR-V
In 1998, Honda introduced the HR-V as a subcompact crossover SUV. Despite a seven-year hiatus, Honda has been able to sell around 500,000 units since 2014.
The ride is considered one of the best small-sized SUVs currently, and it ranks #6 on U.S News’ list of the best subcompact SUVs.
While it offers a composed ride and nimble handling, the HR-V is equipped with a plethora of standard features. It also offers a first-rate interior, featuring an elegant appearance and a sophisticated honeycomb grille across the dashboard and air vents.
The vehicle also offers a user-friendly infotainment system and standard features which include a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, three USB ports, and smartphone connectivity.
You can however upgrade to a higher trim for a 9-inch screen, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and eight-speaker stereos.
Owners get all of that for anywhere between $24,045 and $35,150, depending on the trim level. That’s not a deal to pass up, especially if you are a sucker for nice interiors.
3. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona hit the auto market in 2017 and has since garnered a reputation for being one of the top SUVs in the subcompact segment.
It boasts of myriads of intelligent driver-assistance features and incredible turbocharged engine options. The Hyundai Kona also sports a sophisticated interior with a premium cabin and an intuitive infotainment system.
Standard infotainment features include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay), six-speaker stereo, and three USB ports.
Owners may also upgrade to a 10.25-inch touch screen, eight-speaker Harman Kardon system, and wireless device charging.
The price for the Hyundai Kona ranges between $23,752 and $36,666 according to True Car. We should mention that the Kona Electric version has an even more luxurious interior with prices ranging from $35,205 to $43,865.
Make sure to also check out our article about the complete list of compact SUV brands.
Compact SUVs
Compact SUVs are also known as compact crossover SUVs and they are a tier above subcompact crossover SUVs. Below are compact SUVs with really nice interior details.
4. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 debuted back in 2012 as a compact crossover SUV. It has been the best-selling Mazda model by year since 2014 and holds a great reputation amongst critics and reviewers.
It boasts of an elegant exterior as well as a long impressive list of standard features. In terms of interior quality, there are not many vehicles that do it better than the Mazda CX-5.
Before we dive into the features, we must mention the well-crafted stitching on the dashboard, doors, and even the steering wheel. Plastics and soft-touch materials of the highest quality are also on display.
The infotainment system features a standard 10.25-inch display, two USB ports, a four-speaker stereo, and a WI-FI hotspot. Additional features include a 10-speaker Boss Sound System, two rear USB ports for rear passengers, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Above all, the Mazda CX-5 only costs between $28,398 and $40,855 depending on your preferred trim.
5. Honda CR-V
In 1995, Honda introduced the CR-V as a compact crossover SUV based on the Civic platform. Aside from being Honda’s best-selling vehicle, it also holds the record for the second most SUV sales in 2020.
Some of the top features of the Honda CR-V include its spacious seats, excellent gas mileage, and great handling. The CR-V also sports a well-built interior with top-shelf upholstery on its base variants, and myriads of high-end plastic materials.
The infotainment system is simple and features a standard 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, two USB ports, and smartphone connectivity.
A 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear USB ports, wireless charging, and dual climate control are all available on higher trims.
The Honda CR-V is somewhat affordable as it goes for anywhere between $33,644 and $41,668 according to True Car. If you ask us, that amount for a near-luxury SUV is worth it!
6. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has been in production since 1993 although it became a compact crossover SUV in 2004. It is one of Kia’s best-selling models and has received a lot of positive reviews and ratings since its debut.
Some of the Sportage’s best features include a spacious cargo, a sporty ride, and a composed ride/handling. The SUV also has a rich, feature-packed interior with high-end technology.
Also noteworthy is its cabin which is characterized by high-quality materials and splendid build quality. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen with great graphics, a six-speaker stereo, and smartphone connectivity.
Available features include a 12.3-inch touch screen, rear USB-C ports, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system, dual automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Our only qualm with the Kia Sportage’s interior is that many of its best features are only available on higher trims.
Even at that, the priciest Kia Sportage trim, which is a hybrid, only costs about $44,285 according to True Car. Most of the other high trims cost less than $40,000, and you get to enjoy a good number of these cutting-edge tech features on them as well.
You should also learn about 15 best compact SUVs.
Mid-Size SUVs
Mid-Size SUVs are also known as mid-size crossover SUVs slotted in between the smaller compact SUV and the larger full-size variants.
Below are some cheap mid-size SUVs with nice interior details.
7. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is the largest Kia vehicle ever built in the United States. The SUV debuted in 2019 and the brand has already sold over 200,000 units. Additionally, it was Motor Trend’s SUV of the year in 2020 and World Car Of The Year in the same year.
U.S News’s also ranks it #1 on the list of the best mid-size SUVs for the current model year. Some of its best features include a gorgeous/spacious interior and a slew of standard tech features.
Speaking of the interior, the Kia Telluride’s interior can be accurately described as a near-luxury one. And, for a non-luxury SUV, that’s saying a lot. Its cabin is posh with the swanky build quality and myriads of soft-touch surfaces.
Its infotainment system comprises a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, six speakers, five USB ports, and smartphone connectivity.
Other features available on higher trims include a 10-speaker stereo, dual 120-volt outlets, and a separate entertainment system for rear seats.
The dual-zone automatic climate control system also comes standard on the Kia Telluride. For a non-luxury mid-size SUV with prices ranging from $39,071 to $54,120, this is overwhelmingly impressive.
8. Mazda CX-9
Mazda kick-started the production of the CX-9 in 2006 as its mid-size crossover SUV offering. It entered its second generation in 2016 and it has achieved considerable success commercially.
It also has multiple awards under its belt including being MotorTrend’s SUV of the year in 2008.
The Mazda CX-9 boasts of excellent hallmarks including deft handling, a turbocharged engine, and good fuel economy.
It also sports a well-built interior with a standard feature-rich infotainment system that comprises a 10.25-inch display, four USB ports, and wireless charging.
Other standard features include a tri-zone automatic climate control system, a keyless entry system, and a moonroof. All of that for a base price of $40,025 is why the Mazda CX-9 has earned a place on this list.
Full-size SUVs
Below are two full-size SUVs with very nice and luxurious interior details.
9. Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer is a famous Jeep nameplate that reverberated through much of the 20th century. It was revived in 2021 as a full-size SUV for the 2022 model year. Jeep Wagoneer has since earned immense success critically, notching a #1 spot on U.S News’ list of top large SUVs.
It boasts of myriads of features including potent engine options, excellent tow ratings, and spry handling. Its interior is pretty luxe and upscale with some of the ritziest standard features in its class.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, eight USB ports, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system are standard.
Other available features include a 115-volt power outlet and tri-zone automatic climate control. Imagine all of these for a base price of $61,564.
Please also check our article on 5 full-size SUVs with great sound system.
10. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition debuted in 1996 as a three-row full-size SUV and was touted to become a major competitor for Chevrolet Suburban. It has since become one of the best large SUVs in the market with millions of sales under its belt.
It has also enjoyed a host of positive ratings among pundits and critics. Its most acclaimed features include its spacious cabin, massive towing capacity, and great gas mileage(for a large SUV).
The Ford Expedition’s interior is well-trimmed with lots of top-shelf materials and an infotainment system with sharp graphics.
A 12-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a six-speaker stereo are all standard infotainment features that brighten up the Expedition’s interior.
Other available features include a rear-seat entertainment system, up to 22 speakers (Bang & Olufsen), and wireless device charging. It doesn’t get much elegant than that for a non-luxury SUV with a base price of around $53,875.
Side Note:
Please note that the vehicles on this list are considered cheap relative to vehicles in the “luxury SUV” segment.