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Cheapest SUVs of 2024

There is no doubt that cost is the number one decision maker when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. As prices continue to climb, affordable choices are getting harder to find, so we dug through what's available to find the least expensive SUVs in the most popular classes.  These prices are current as of January 2024, using available manufacturer suggested retail prices for 2024 models wherever possible. The prices include destination fees, but not dealer markups or incentives. Cheapest small SUV: 2024 Hyundai Venue Not surprisingly, the most affordable SUVs are the smallest. There's a whole host of subcompact SUVs out there, with some of the first introduced being the Nissan Juke, Mini Countryman and Kia Soul. In the beginning, these micro utes were marketed to empty nesters and first-time buyers, but nowadays they represent an alternative to the conventional sedan and have been increasing market share ever since. Profit margins in this class are narrow and popularity is high, which means the entrants are competitively priced. The top choices in the class are only a couple thousand dollars more than the most affordable alternatives below, so it may make sense to consider our favorites that include the Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos and Chevrolet Trax. 2024 Hyundai Venue: $21,135 The Hyundai Venue debuted in 2020 and earned praise for its overall value. You get a ton of features for the money as well as a very generous warranty. Holding it back is its rather weak engine and very tiny proportions. Honorable mentions: 2024 Chevrolet Trax: $21,495 2024 Kia Soul: $21,565 Cheapest midsize SUV: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Compact SUVs have the broadest appeal thanks to a very diverse group. It seems as though there's a great pick for nearly every taste, whether you're seeking something sporty, rugged or luxurious. They're a great pick for small families with one child and/or a dog. The class is led by vehicles that include the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-50, which are still within reach of most shoppers' budgets. 2024 Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995 The Equinox debuted back in 2005 and this current third-generation was last redesigned in 2018, though a new one is right around the corner for the 2025 model year. While the current 2024 model may be showing its age, it still deserves your consideration for its comfortable ride quality, confident cornering and roomy passenger space.

GM global sales off slightly this year

General Motors saw a slight dip in global sales through the first nine months of the year. In that time, the automaker moved 7.2 million vehicles – down 1.3 percent from 2014. For the third quarter alone, the numbers were down 3.1 percent with a worldwide volume of 2.3 million. The automaker had a better performance in North America, as Chevrolet is showing strength with some of its best crossover sales ever, and pickup trucks were up 16 percent for the year. Volume on the continent advanced 4.9 percent through September to nearly 2.7 million vehicles. The third quarter improved that figure even further with a 5.2-percent jump and deliveries of about 931,000. Elsewhere in the world, things were more mixed in the third quarter. European deliveries jumped 1.1 percent, but the company was still down 6.3 percent there for the year so far. Volume in China also fell 4.2 percent, but the country showed 1.6-percent growth through the first nine months. South America took the biggest, hit with Q3 numbers dropping 30.8 percent. While GM is seeing a small sales drop globally, the company could still climb up the ranking of the world's largest automakers by the end of the year. Volkswagen had the top spot in the first half of 2015, but since then, the German company has been rocked by an international emissions scandal. GM Sold 7.2 Million Vehicles in the First Nine Months of 2015 DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 7.2 million vehicles globally in the first nine months of 2015. The company posted sales increases in four of its five largest markets, with record sales in China and strong retail sales gains in the United States. Total sales were down 1 percent, due primarily to the company's previously announced decisions to strategically reduce its presence in certain markets, as well as difficult market conditions in South America. "Our unwavering focus on the customer is paying off in our largest and most important markets as we execute one successful launch after another in the right segments," said GM President Dan Ammann. "At the same time, we have reacted quickly to challenging macroeconomic environments in other markets and have shown the discipline to exit situations where we see no long-term path to acceptable returns." Examples of GM's recent success include: GM truck sales in North America were up 16 percent in the first nine months of 2015, driven by a 17 percent increase in Chevrolet truck deliveries in the United States.

Autotrader picks best cars for 2015's college grads

Summer is here and the school season is winding to a close. That means millions of students will be graduating college and (hopefully) entering the workforce. For many, that will mean buying a new car suited to the new stage in life into which they will now be embarking. That can be a bewildering choice, especially for someone who's never bought a car before. Fortunately, Autotrader has come up with a short list of recommended cars – new and used – which it recommends to the graduating class of 2015. Among the site's top choices are some compelling crossovers and hatchbacks, including the Buick Encore, Chevy Trax, and Jeep Renegade, as well as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa Note, Mazda3 and Fiat 500. Can't stretch to buying new, or don't see the point? Autotrader has also identified the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and even the Lexus IS as smart buys in the certified pre-owned category. "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," says Autotrader editor Brian Moody. "For example, while that hand-me-down SUV from your parents was nice when you turned 16, you may want to opt for a safer, more fuel-efficient car as you transition into the working world." Autotrader Names 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates ATLANTA, May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For many, graduating college is a milestone like no other – it represents a new chapter, a proud accomplishment and, fortunately or unfortunately, financial independence. Luckily for graduates who are in the market for a new car to suit their post-college lifestyle, Autotrader's expert editors say now is a great time to make a purchase, as dealerships are flush with affordable models that are fun, fuel-efficient and thoughtfully designed. Autotrader Logo "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," said Brian Moody, site editor for Autotrader.