7 New SUVs Under $35,000 You'll Probably Regret Buying

New vehicle prices have surged over the last several years. On average, buyers spend slightly more than $50,000 on a new car. Of course, you can find SUVs with considerably lower prices. But should you?

That depends on the model you buy. As you set out in search of your next ride, take our advice and avoid these seven models. Otherwise, you might regret that purchase and wish you hadn't made an avoidable money mistake.

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Starting MSRP: $20,200

There's no argument about it. The 2025 Hyundai Venue is cheap.

In this case, you get what you pay for. When Edmunds made a list of 15 X-Small SUVs, they put the Venue at number 14. It isn't the worst, but it's awfully close.

Why should you resist the Venue's low price? With its cramped cabin, minimal cargo space, and sluggish engine (it takes 9.4 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour), it won't take long before you ask yourself why you didn't spring for a more enjoyable vehicle.

Starting MSRP: $26,900

When Edmunds ranked 15 X-Small SUVs, the 2025 Jeep Compass took last place. What rubbed their pros the wrong way? They complained about poor visibility, excessive engine noise, a confusing interior control layout, and advanced driver assist features they called "annoying."

Overall, Edmunds gives the 2025 Compass a 5.7 out of 10 (Average) rating. A subpar driving experience really tanked the rating, but none of the categories performed particularly well.

J.D. Power is a little more forgiving. It gives the 2025 Jeep Compass an overall 79 out of 100 (Average) rating. The SUV didn't do better than Average in any category. If this Jeep were in school, it'd be squeaking by with a C. It's certainly not winning any awards.

Starting MSRP: $29,050

If you're willing to spend more than $35,000, you can find trim levels that make the 2025 Mazda CX-5 an enjoyable ride. Sticking with the base model, though, leaves a lot to be desired. The standard engine has pretty weak acceleration, so be careful when you merge onto busy expressways. It also has a firm ride that will bother most drivers.

If you're looking for cargo space, this isn't your pick. Why are you buying an SUV if you aren't looking for cargo space? Exactly. That's yet another reason that you'll regret buying this.

Starting MSRP: $29,800

Most buyers agree that the RAV4's price makes it feel like a good deal. And while the small SUV definitely has some positive features, there are some issues that could soon make you regret your choice.

Let's start with the 2025 RAV4's mediocre safety ratings. When evaluating safety ratings, you want to find top results across the board. The RAV4 has a concerning moderate overlap front crashworthiness score (Marginal, which is just one place above the worst rating). Side crashworthiness and the crash avoidance system got Acceptable ratings. That isn't terrible, but it's also not great.

While the RAV4 seems like a budget-friendly purchase, it might end up costing you a lot in the long run. Expect to get about 28 miles per gallon. If you drive a lot, you'll pour plenty of cash into your gas tank.

Starting MSRP: $30,350

Again, we turn to Edmunds for some truth. When ranking 13 Small SUVs, it put the 2026 Ford Escape second-to-last. The major complaints were lackluster handling and a transmission that shifts too abruptly.

OK, that doesn't sound too bad. What's the big deal?

Mostly, the testers at Edmunds didn't like driving the Escape. Even an upper trim level had a transmission with slow, jerky shifts. The stop-start system that saves you gas at red lights? When you start moving forward, expect the engine to buck.

They say that Ford shouldn't have even put this SUV on the dealership floor without fixing these problems. More than anything, buying this SUV sounds like you're just waiting for a bunch of recalls to inconvenience you.

Starting MSRP: $31,400

Dodge didn't make any significant changes to the Hornet between the 2024 and 2025 models. Sure, you're buying a new SUV… but what's the point when it looks and feels like the older version?

Edmunds identifies some good features, but most of them are available only at higher trim levels, which will cost you more. Even with those nicer trim levels, your drive will suffer from noticeable road noise and poor fuel economy.

J.D. Power hasn't tested the 2025 Hornet yet. Considering that it's the same as the 2024 model, though, you might as well use the older vehicle's ratings. Unfortunately, those numbers look pretty sad. The 2024 Dodge Hornet gets a 66 out of 100 (Fair) rating for quality and reliability. The dealership experience and resale value are just average.

You don't need a "fair" SUV. Go find a model you'll love.

Starting MSRP: $32,690

We've come to the most expensive SUV on this list. It proves that spending more money doesn't ensure you'll get a better ride.

Edmunds notes that this is a good option for anyone who wants a truly off-road vehicle. While you get the opportunity to explore rough terrain, you make some significant sacrifices, too. For instance, the Jeep Wrangler has slow, loose steering that won't make you feel confident behind the wheel. You'll also have to tolerate a lot of wind and road noise, especially when on the highway.

The team at Edmunds was so unimpressed that it gave the Wrangler a 5.5 out of 10 (Below Average) rating.

What about safety? The 2025 Jeep Wrangler disappoints in that area, too. The crash prevention system gets a Poor rating. The headlines get Marginal and Poor ratings, depending on the trim level. This is the vehicle Jeep expects you to take into the wild? No thanks.

Buying an SUV you regret isn't the worst thing in life, but why set yourself up for a frustrating experience?

This list can help you avoid disappointing SUVs. That's a good start. But you should also consider other expenses related to owning a car, like getting reliable but affordable insurance coverage. Making sure you have proper coverage is a must, no matter what model of car you own.