A lot of facts can influence you to look for Honda CRV alternatives. Although the CRV is the best option at its convenience, you may want to look for CRV rivals, to understand the complete package.
Additionally, you should also cross-compare CRV with other models not only because you have an interest in other models, but also to ensure everything fits your limit in terms of price and efficiency.
Such as a CRV competitor may suit your taste better. Also, with the high gas price, let’s not keep the hybrid SUVs out of options.
We have a few comparison articles. But that’s basically based on Honda cars. Today, we are crossing the boundary and writing this CRV vs other crossover SUVs, following our research and experience. Let’s start now.
10 Cheap Crossover SUVs – Honda CRV Alternatives
Recently, large vehicles like SUVs have become safer, more reliable, and a more practical choice for many people. People saw it better with more room for luggage and more room for onboard passengers.
However, the Honda CR-V SUV can hold up to 5 people in total. Other SUVs can successfully have room for 7-9 passengers. So yes! A lot of reasons can influence you to browse through other options.
The Honda CRV is one of the highest-selling crossover SUVs, not just in the USA. You must be familiar with its popularity in any part of the world.
Plus, in 2024 Honda CRV has undergone a complete redesign. The Sport L trim is the year’s main highlight, and we are excited about it. You can read more about the Sport-L trim here.
Additionally, the 2024 Honda CRV won’t disappoint you with a long list of standard features, a comfy interior, advanced tech, and two powertrains.
The CR-V gets a gasoline-powered unit with 190 HP. Let’s not forget the hybrid CR-V trims, starting with the Sport Touring Hybrid. They offer a fusion of the EV and gasoline with more power and better fuel economy.
In 2024, the price of a CRV starts at $30,825, and at the top lies the Sport Touring Hybrid. You may have to raise your budget to get the upper trims, starting at $40,825.
So, if you are opting for a few budget-friendly crossover SUV models, we have made this list for you. Good luck!
10 Cheap Crossover SUVs
Let’s start our list with 10 cheap crossover SUVs against the Honda CRV and see if our favorite CRV stands a chance or not.
1. 2024 Subaru Outback
Starting Price: $28,395
Surprisingly, the Subaru Outback is not a compact SUV but the vehicle still has the qualification to compete with the SUVs. How? Keep reading to know.
The Subaru Outback is more of a wagon than a crossover SUV. The company, however, treats the Subaru Outback as a mid-size crossover.
Call it a wagon or a crossover, it has a spacious cargo room and a lot of stretch-out space. Like the Honda CRV, five people can easily make room for themselves.
Plus, the interior of the Outback is sturdy and impressively well-built. The infotainment system is standard for all. It’s a 7-inch touchscreen.
It’s a great accessibility for the Outback users, as they can upgrade to the 11.6-inch touch screen. The convenient setup is remarkable for all.
All trims of the Subaru Outback are all-wheel drive. The models deliver a nimble ride and can handle off-road lights to some extent, but not entirely. FYI, the Subaru Outback comes in 8 trims – Outback, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx, Edition XT, Wilderness, and Limited XT.
The 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine is average and derives efficient power. But if you want more than average, you have to look for other options. For example, the powerful turbocharged option is also available.
Safety syncs the same with the Honda CRV 2024. The model offers tons of options for advanced driver-assistance systems. It also includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
2. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Starting Price: $24,340
The Toyota Corolla Cross is seamlessly made for everyday use and specially designed for the city’s people. The car is reliable and if you maintain it well, it can last a lifetime.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with 169 HP can deliver you exceptional power. Furthermore, it’s also associated with three electric motors, combinedly delivering 196 horsepower.
Toyota has always been known for its class. This city vehicle – the Corolla Cross is also not exceptional. It promotes standard features and a chick look. It has been only two years, since the Corolla Cross hit the market on 2 June 2021. The car already earned the Top Safety Pick Plus award.
Take a look inside, and you can explore all the standard features inside, that to expect from the CRV crossover compact SUV. The Corolla 8-inch infotainment display supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The power liftgate is also exceptionally fine.
It comes only in three available trims – L, LE, and XLE. And the base price starts at $25,000. If budget is the only issue for you, that’s a bold option in place of the 2024 Honda CRV.
3. 2024 Kia Sportage
Starting Price: $26,290
The Kia Sportage just had a redesign this year. It’s a conventional gas Sportage and has some news for us in the upcoming year of 2024.
In 2024, Kia Sportage is about to introduce some mindful updates with improved interior and exterior safety features. All trims will now come with a direct-injection 2.5-liter engine. Additionally, rear (2nd row, seat-mounted) airbags and projection-type LED headlights will also be added to every trim.
The legacy continues with seven official trims from Kia Sportage and they are Kia Sportage LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX, SX Prestige, Sportage X-Pro, and Sportage X-Pro Prestige.
Everything set, we consider Kia Sportage to be a worthy rival to the CRV. The modern interior, comfortable seats, and breathable cargo hold – all stand upward to make a perfect candidate against the CRV.
You are going to experience something similar to the Honda CRV on a reasonable budget. Such as the butter-like driving dynamics, are similar in both of the models. Additionally, the two models also deliver the same HP.
Additionally, Kia Sportage offers a bundle of standard safety systems, with an intuitive touch screen. Believe it or not, Honda recently introduced wireless connectivity in some of its upper tier, but it’s already dominant in the Kia Sportage. The vehicle offers a seamless integration with wireless smartphones.
Honda does offer consistent warranty coverage. Learn more about it. But the Kia Sportage has a remarkable warranty coverage and safety reliability score. However, Kia made it harder for the critics.
Many experts are opinionated on Kia’s fuel usage and they say, Kia may use more power. Keep in mind that, the Kia is not as fuel efficient as the CRV, but think of the starting price, which saves you $2000 more than the Honda.
4. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Starting Price: $24,605
This sports car was launched seven years ago. It is currently running on the third generation. It offers more acceleration with better steering response. So, whenever you want to take things up a notch and rev up some power, Outlander Sport would just pave the way for you.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder base engine of the Outlander sport delivers 148 HPP with 145 lb-ft torque or, an optional 168-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The fuel economy is also decent, that’s 26 MPG for the city road and 30 MPG for the highway.
Available in six trim levels, you have – S, ES, LE, SE, Ralliart, and GT. All trims have a standard continuously variable automatic transmission.
Perhaps, it’s not in your collection that the Outlander Sport is Mitsubishi’s smallest SUV. The company offered Mitsubishi only with all-wheel drive. Like the Honda CRV, five people can sit comfortably in the car.
Outlander Sport is on our list because the most intriguing part that attracts us about this Sports car is its relatively low price including all the advanced features. The base model is the S package and it starts around $24,605. It’s undeniably a better budget-friendly option than the new CRV.
5. 2023 Honda HR-V
Starting Price: $23,800
Built with the same engineering, the 2024 Honda HRV could be an ideal alternative to the Honda CRV. If you are a die-hard fan of the CRV, but short on budget, consider the HRV an appropriate candidate.
The 2024 Honda HRV is a subcompact SUV. It holds a high reputation for value, good fuel economy, and of course agility. The HRV went through a complete redesign in 2023. Again, we believe, there won’t be any significant improvements in next year as it was just a while ago when the remodeling took place.
The Honda HRV is available in three trim levels – LX, Sport, and EX-L. The 2023 model year HRV has a fit cabin with second-row seats, suitable for adults. Plus, the standard cargo holds just fine for all trims.
Consider the HRV a sister of the CR-V SUV. Unlike the CRV, you may not have a smooth acceleration. However, it does deliver profound handling, with an impressively comfortable ride. Available in all-wheel drive, the subcompact crossover wins a notable place on the test ratings too.
As it’s also a Honda vehicle, the safety ratings are the same as the Honda CRV. The HRV comes with a pack of standard safety features for its price. A few of them are a friendly and user-convenient infotainment system, smartphone app integration, and an entire set of safety aids. You can learn more about the Honda Safety Suit here.
6. 2024 Nissan Rogue
Starting Price: $27,760
We haven’t reviewed any Nissan vehicle before, but this is the first with Nissan as a complete alternative to the Honda CRV. Nissan is here on the list, especially for its ample passenger and cargo space.
The rogue appearance of the Nissan complements the features of the compact SUV. The car also offers improved balance, with a more dynamic driving experience. Guess what? The 2024 Rougue is, in fact, more fuel efficient than the CRV, but lowers the delivery of energy.
The upscale interior is built with premium materials. Also, the seats will be beyond your expectations in terms of comfort and additional support. It is one of a class, and we must accept it.
Recently, Nissan upgraded the Rogue’s powertrain. It is larger than before, with a horizontal beltline, broader grille, and silky roofline that promotes a more elegant look.
Like Honda, Nissan is also committed to having drivers on track and connected. It’s about time for the Nissan Rogue to convert into a technological powerhouse.
We have the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the center of the car. Drivers can seamlessly navigate and access audio, or phone controls. The car also features the most rider-friendly touchscreen and standard smartphone connectivity.
Don’t worry about the crash test score! It rates just fine. Plus, the car also comes with a handsome set of modern driver-assistance systems. No, deny it! Both Nissan and Honda feature some smart safety driver’s assistance with their vehicles.
7. 2024 Mazda CX-50
Starting Price: $27,550
We have Mazda for a special Civic vs. Mazda. Stay tuned with us. For now, we are talking about Mazda CX-50, a potential candidate for the CRV alternative.
The Mazda CX-50 is all brand new for 2023. It’s a crossover SUV with i-Active AWD®. The vehicle is designed thoughtfully and inspires us to explore nature freely.
Why do we think the Mazda CX-50 goes just fine against the compact SUV CRV is because of its dynamic performance, improved cabin, and a handful of standard features.
The vehicle comes with potential engine options and aerobatics handling. So, consider yourself lucky if you are used to driving on the busy side, this car is a complete breeze.
The Mazda CX-50 comes in seven trims – 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Preferred Plus, 2.5 S Premium,2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Turbo. All trims feature the all-wheel drive, with significant safety aids and wireless connectivity features for smartphone connectivity.
Plus, one of the many reasons to like the Mazda SUV is its nice interiors. It’s one of a class. The seats are filled with cushions and are spacious for all passengers. Whether you sit in the back or front, the entire passenger cargo is breathable and comfortable for anyone.
No need to worry about the safety ratings. The Mazda SUV holds a better safety rating and offers good gas mileage. However, unlike the CRV, you may miss the large cargo in the Mazda CX-50.
8. 2024 Kia Seltos
Starting Price: $24,665
If you are looking for a fun SUV drive, on a reasonable budget, the Kia Seltos can be your lucky charm. The 2024 Seltos stands on top of the Kia’s lineup. The car is stylish, with more room for a spacious cabin.
You may find lots of other vehicles with similar values, but the Kia Seltos is especially suitable as a CRV alternative. The cargo is slightly larger than other subcompacts. You have 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. And, when you fold the seats, you get 62.8 cubic feet additionally.
We must accept it’s a stylish refresh for 2024. The Seltos comes with an improved interior, the infotainment tech has been significantly upgraded. Furthermore, Sia Keltos gets a duo of four cylinders. Combinedly, the Seltos delivers a 195 HP turbocharged engine.
All together, you have a combined economy of 26 MPG with AWD equipped. It’s really a good deal.
In 2024, you have five Kia Seltos – the LX, S, X-Line, EX, and SX. Most trims are available with standard all-wheel drive. Plus, it’s surprisingly a good value for money and utility. All things apart, the price stands boldly against the Honda CRV for its category.
9. Subaru Forester
Starting Price: $26,495
The Subaru Forester is a powerful candidate against the CR-V. It offers more room for passengers with breathable cargo. It’s an all-wheel-drive crossover and comes efficiently in terms of fuel.
The 2024 model year Subaru Forester is a real practical choice and could be your next family-friendly SUV. The cabin is large and fits the term, cavernous just fine. Plus, the infotainment system is super friendly and easier to navigate for any adult.
So, if you are not a tech person and are afraid of complicated gear systems, you can go for the Subaru Forester. The car is built well inside and out and offers some intuitive functionalities. The vehicle also delivers a nimble ride, at a reasonable price. A lot of car enthusiasts believe it’s a great pick for a compact SUV segment.
It’s available in six trim levels, and the base model will save you $2000 when comparing it to the Honda CR-V. Available trims are the Subaru Forester Base Model, Premium, the Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Let us assure you, that the base model is not basic but comes in a standard feature list. Safety features are standard for all trims.
Note that the Subaru Forester performs better off-road. It strikes the trail in a better way than most of the similar series of cars. With good clearance and solid handling, you are set for a lifelong pleasant ride.
Yes! The Subaru compact has been on the list of top-rated crash testing results with a handsome reliability score.
10. Hyundai Tucson
Starting Price: $26,900
It’s getting a revamp in 2025. But you don’t have to wait for two more years. You can get the Tucson as a practical choice as a perfect alternative to the Honda CRV.
The Hyundai Tucson offers a spacious cabin and cargo, envious to other rivals. Just like the CRV, the front-wheel drive is standard for all trims, however, the all-wheel drive is optional. All models come with the 187 HP four-cylinder engine.
All said it’s a comfortable ride and acceleration is above average. Interestingly, the Hyundai Tucson comes in both hybrid, plug-in hybrids, and non-hybrid models. The models are exquisite and each features better than the non-hybrid models.
However, if you have set your mind on the Tucson, it’s important that you learn Tucson may not offer the same driving energy as the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-50, what we mean to say is, that Tucson lies below other SUV competitors.
In fact, it is not as powerful as the CR-V, especially not as fuel-efficient. The car comes in a standard array of features, including advanced safety systems, a linear touch screen, and seamless smartphone connectivity.
In terms of driving compatibility, it’s perfect for people who have needs of a lazy committee and peaceful road trips. The car comes in nice materials and offers better convenience with tech support.
Dynamically driving, upscale interior, and breathable seating/ cargo areas – the car can be everything for peaceful people on a reasonable budget. It does save you $2,000 more than the Honda with a powerful safety rating and also an industry-leading warranty.
Final Words
Congratulations on completing our 10 budget-friendly crossover SUVs, particularly Honda CRV alternatives.
We have reviewed all the 10 cars equally, and details onboard. Take a few minutes to read each of the candidates carefully and find out what’s best for you.
If you think, the Honda CRV offers a better deal than the listed 10 SUVs above, so be it. All cars here are below $30,000, considering the height of your budget. Let us know in the comment section, which one you think fits best for you.
Also, feel free to share our article with your friends and let them know about us. It will significantly help us grow too. See you soon with another article on our competitive knowledge-sharing journey.
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