11 Affordable SUVs For New Drivers (Easy To Drive)

Most car experts would not recommend driving an SUV as a beginner because they have less room for maneuverability and they are less agile when responding to emergencies.

However, it would be unfair to deny lovers of SUVs, although beginners, the chance to drive their dream cars.

This article has therefore compiled a list of SUVs (in their sizes) that are easy and affordable to drive, especially for beginners.

Subcompact SUVs

Below are SUVs in the subcompact category that are easy to navigate and drive

1. Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is currently one of the new subcompact SUVs, but its popularity is growing rapidly in the automobile industry.

It has a starting price of $24,225 and is equipped with a 2.5 four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower.

The engine power is relatively suitable for new drivers, as car control is definitely easier when the engine is not high-revving, plus the model comes with an all-wheel drive that makes traction better.

The Mazda CX-30 also comes standard with advanced driving aids and safety features such as:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning
• Automated emergency braking

Optional features include a Head-up display and Blind-spot monitoring. These features play a big role in the safety of a beginner driver.

The CX-30 isn’t just an affordable SUV, it’s also one of the cheapest SUVs with all-wheel-drive.

2. Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is arguably one of the most rugged subcompact SUVs and the only vehicle of its size that comes with standard all-wheel drive.

The Subaru Crosstrek has a starting price of $24,870, according to caranddriver.

This model is equipped with a four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower.

This SUV has a fast acceleration that may unsettle a beginner, but it covers up for it with its rock-solid reliability and balance. The Subaru Crosstrek also offers exceptional visibility with decent ground clearance.

 The Crosstrek is not behind on its safety and driver assistance features, but most of them come standard on models with the CVT. Some of these key features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

3. Hyundai Kona

The Kona is a practical and fun-to-drive SUV.

Its entry engine produces only 147 horsepower, which is relatively convenient for a new driver, but it has an optional turbocharged engine just in case you need a faster car.

The Kona is also relatively inexpensive as it has a starting price of $23,285 as stated by caranddriver. 

Furthermore, the Kona is equipped with many technologies and safety features in a fun-to-drive package. Some of these safety features include:

• Automated emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Driver -attention monitor

4. Honda HR V

The Honda HR-V does decently well for its size, but it isn’t as illustrious as its larger but still compact sibling (CR-V). The HR-V has a starting price of $28,045 as stated by caranddriver.

Its acceleration won’t raise your heartbeat as its engine comes equipped with a 1.5-liter unit that makes 190 horsepower.

This power will suffice just for daily commutes and occasional highway driving. The HR-V is a great model for college students, new drivers and SUVs lovers who want the Honda badge on a smaller crossover body.

Added to its functionality are its excellent visibility and good ride height. It gives a better safety position to inexperienced drivers because of the clear view of the road.

The HR-V also comes with a strong fuel economy as it delivers 30 MPG on average for both city and highway driving.

If you’re also trying to save on fuel as a new driver, read about SUVs with eco mode.

Compact SUVs 

Below are SUVs in the compact category that are quite easy to navigate and drive.

5. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 boasts of athleticism and refinement. It offers a near-luxury experience at a relatively inexpensive price of $27,975. 

Its four-cylinder engine produces a standard 187 horsepower with a remarkable throttle response. 

The Mazda CX-5 comes with sharp and communicative handling that is almost as good as the Honda CR-V.

For better traction and control, it is advisable to get the optional all-wheel drive. However, it only comes standard on the 2022 and above models. It was only optional in the years before.

Lastly, the CX 5 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Some of these features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

6. Subaru Forester

Subaru, as a car brand, has always offered all-wheel drive as standard on their vehicles except for the rear wheel-powered BRZ sports coupe.

The Forester has a starting price of $27,620.

All Forester models are powered by the same 2.5 liter flat four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. Hauling your gear is easy with the Subaru Forester as it provides a smooth and comfortable ride. 

The model comes with a host of driver aids. Some of these features include: 

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

7. Honda CR-V

It is safe to call this model an all-around car. It comes with a high-performance engine, safety features, excellent exterior and interior styling, a smooth ride and an affordable price.

Speaking of price, the CR-V has a starting price of $32,355, according to caranddriver. It is a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth its value.

The CR-V is equipped with a standard 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers performance and handling. Its safety features include: 

• Newly standard blind-spot monitoring, 
• Driver-attention monitor
• Traffic-sign recognition
• Back-seat reminder

The CR-V is also one of the SUVs with the most large trunk space.

Mid-size SUVs 

Below are SUVs in the Mid-Size category that are quite easy to navigate and drive:

8. Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX 9 offers a satisfying experience for new drivers.

It does far better than other family SUVs such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The CX-9 comes with a turbocharged engine on all trims. It has a firm suspension that adds to the cornering control of the vehicle.

A host of driver assistance features are present across the Mazda CX-9 line. Some of these key features include:

• Convenient adaptive cruise control 
• Lane keep assist

9. Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is classy, rugged and comfortable to drive.

It comes equipped with a standard 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder as an option.

The Sorento still enjoys a bunch of standard and optimal driver assistance features. They include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

10. Honda Passport

The Honda Passport does remarkably well in steering control and maneuvering.

Ordinarily, SUVs are not ideal because of their large dimensions. It tampers with their maneuverability in tight corners.

However, the Passport comes with a strong engine, responsive steering wheels and enhanced stability.

Its safety features include:

• Forward-collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring

Large SUVs

Below are SUVs in the large category that are quite easy to navigate and drive

11. 2022 Lexus LX 600

Considering the size of the Lexus LX 600, you would think it has a very large engine, but actually, it comes with a small engine that delivers more power and better fuel economy.

The LX is relatively expensive, as it has a starting price of $86,900, according to Edmunds. 

New drivers will have a great view with the sitting position of the LX 600. Avoiding obstacles just in time comes easier with this model. 

The Lexus LX comes equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V6, making 305 horsepower. Do not fret, the steering wheel has a quick response and control. 

Large vehicles like the Lexus LX are SUVs that are easy to get in and out of, especially for the elderly and disabled people. Speaking of large SUVs, do well to explore cheap full-size SUVs in the US.

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