Top 10 Cheapest SUVs for 2008
Many would like to paint all sport utility vehicles with the same brush. They would have you believe all SUVs are expensive, thirsty and of questionable use for day-to-day driving. However, the reality is that sport utility vehicles comes in a wide variety of sizes, prices and fuel economy ratings. The cheapest SUVs are found in the compact segment, however there are several SUVs on our list that offer everything buyers have come to expect in a traditional sport utility vehicle yet won't break the bank. With excellent financing and rebate deals available, several of these brand new SUVs -- complete with the peace of mind provided by a factory warranty -- can be owned for a very low monthly payment.
Of the 10 SUVs on the list, not a single one of them exceeds $20,000 in price. The least expensive SUV -- and holding the number one spot on our list -- is the 2008 Jeep Patriot with a starting MSRP of $15,475. That is a $5,240 premium over the cheapest car currently available in North America, the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The most expensive SUV on the list is the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara with a starting MSRP of $19,349.
Computing the Rankings
Sport utility vehicles on the Top 10 Cheapest SUVs for 2008 list have been compiled in order of their Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting with the lowest first. None of the SUVs in the top-10 exceed a starting MSRP of $20,000 and the least expensive SUV on the list -- the 2008 Jeep Patriot -- comes in with a starting MSRP a little over $15,000. This makes the Patriot the least expensive SUV in America at the time this list was complied for the 2008 model year.
The MSRP of a vehicle is determined by the manufacturer and must appear on the new SUV data sheet found affixed to all new sport utility vehicles on dealership lots. However, dealers are under no obligation to hold their sale price to MSRP and may sell the vehicle at, below or above the listed MSRP. The MSRP is simply a guideline set by the manufacturer so consumers have a baseline on which to start or end purchase negotiations.
We also required our SUVs to have an all-wheel-drive or 4x4 option available, which allowed us to cut out the sport utility vehicles that are little more than wagons with SUV styling.
The Cheapest Sport Utility Vehicle Pick: 2008 Jeep Patriot
The 2008 Jeep Patriot comes in with an introductory MSRP of $15,475, which makes it the least expensive sport utility vehicle in America. The Jeep Patriot is available in two trims, the Sport and the Limited. Each trim is available as a 4x2 or 4x4. The most expensive Jeep Patriot is the Limited 4x4, with a starting MSRP of $21,945. All Patriot SUVs are standard with a 2.4L inline four-cylinder producing 172-hp. The Patriot manges to scrounge up 23-mpg city and 28-mpg in 4x2 trim, with the 4x4 models shaving a single mile per gallon off the top. A five-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on all trims, with a variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive available as an option.
The Jeep Patriot was designed to provide car buyers with traditional Jeep styling in an off-road capable and compact package that wasn't as utilitarian as the Wrangler. Jeep styling trademarks include the seven-slot grill, round headlamps, vertical windshield and optional Trail Rated® capability.
Top 10 Cheapest Sport Utility Vehicle List:
1. 2008 Jeep Patriot
MSRP From: $15,475
2. 2008 Kia Sportage
MSRP From: $16,050
3. 2008 Jeep Compass
MSRP From: $16,475
MSRP From: $17,235
MSRP From: $18,660
MSRP From: $18,980
7. 2008 Ford Escape
MSRP From: $19,005
8. 2008 Mazda Tribute
MSRP From: $19,135
9. 2008 Nissan Rogue
MSRP From: $19,250
10. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
MSRP From: $19,349
Click here to see more top 10 cars.