Best Nissan SUVs If You’re On A Budget

If you’re on the hunt for a new SUV, but you don’t want to break the bank, Nissan has a few great offerings to consider. Nissan’s SUV lineup includes several models that offer great practicality, versatility, and value for money, all criteria that the family hauler needs to have. It’s no wonder these models find their way onto the lists of most popular Nissan models sold.

If you’re wondering what the best Nissan SUV is if you’re on a budget, we’ve curated this list of the top SUVs under $40,000 on sale in 2024. Whether you need something compact for the city or a three-row option for family road trips, Nissan has a variety of models that cater to different needs. Read on to discover which Nissan SUV is the best fit for you without exceeding the cost cap.

To be eligible for ths best Nissan SUV models list, the base trim of every Nissan SUV has to be below the $40,000 price cap, excluding the cost of options and destination. We rank these models from least to most expensive.

5 2025 Nissan Kicks

Base Price: $21,830

The Nissan Kicks is a small but practical subcompact SUV that’s perfect for urban environments. It boasts excellent fuel economy and a low starting price, making it one of the most affordable new SUVs on the market. It’s also been revamped, making it more appealing to modern buyers. Despite its small size, the Kicks offers surprising interior space for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. With a $21,830 starting price, the Kicks kicks off our list of best Nissan SUV models.

S Trim: $21,830

The base S trim of the Kicks offers tremendous value with its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower. While it’s not the most powerful in its class, the engine is highly fuel-efficient, achieving up to 36 mpg on the highway. Inside, the S trim features a seven-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth Hands-free phone system, making it easy to connect your smartphone. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite is standard, bringing features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, ensuring peace of mind while driving.

SV Trim: $23,680

The Kicks SV trim builds on the base model by adding more convenience and tech features. The touchscreen grows to 12.3 inches and gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, improving the infotainment experience. Additional comfort comes from upgraded cloth upholstery and automatic climate control add comfort and convenience. On the exterior, the SV gains 17-inch steel wheels and an optional Moonroof, giving it a more refined look.

SR Trim: $26,180

For those wanting a sportier feel, the SR trim is the top-tier version of the Kicks. The SR gains some extra chrome finishes and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, you’ll find a leatherette-appointed seat trim with sport cloth inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an optional Premium Package, which includes heated front seats and a Bose premium audio system. The SR also features Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor, which offers a 360-degree camera view – ideal for parking in tight spots.

4 2025 Nissan Rogue

Base Price: $29,230

The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that offers more power and space than the Kicks, while still maintaining a competitive price. The Rogue is Nissan’s best-selling model, and for good reason – it combines a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and a host of standard features, making it a solid choice for small families or anyone who needs more room than a subcompact can offer. All Rogue trims are available in AWD, with only the Platinum model breaking the $40,000 mark in that configuration.

S Trim: $29,230

All Nissan Rogue models are powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine producing 201 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup delivers excellent fuel economy for its class, with 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The Rogue S is well-equipped for an entry-level model, with an eight-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite. LED headlights and a rearview camera are also standard, making this a great value for those who want essential tech and safety features without going over budget.

SV Trim: $30,970

The SV trim adds more luxury and convenience, making it the sweet spot for most buyers. It includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry and wi-fi. On the safety side, ProPILOT Assist is added, offering semi-autonomous driving features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The exterior also gets an upgrade with 18-inch wheels, and the interior feels more premium with better materials and additional soundproofing.

Rogue Rock Creek: $35,420

For those who want a more rugged SUV, the Rock Creek Edition brings adventure-ready features like off-road-inspired styling, roof racks and unique 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. Inside, it features exclusive two-tone upholstery and special badging. While the Rock Creek is more focused on adventurous driving, it still offers many of the same tech features as the SV trim, making it a versatile choice for weekend warriors.

SL Trim: $36,090

For buyers looking to stretch their budget slightly, the SL trim offers a near-luxury experience. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a power liftgate for easy cargo access. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and a surround-view camera that elevates the tech offerings. The SL trim also includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, making it perfect for colder climates or those seeking extra comfort.

Platinum Trim: $39,520

The Rogue Platinum trim is the top-of-the-line option and offers premium features usually found in luxury vehicles. You get quilted leather seats, ambient interior lighting, and a fully digital dashboard with a 12.3-inch display. The infotainment system includes a head-up display, making it easier to keep your eyes on the road. Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link also comes standard. A Duel Panoramic moonroof, unique wheel designs and a Bose Premium Audio System round of the package.

3 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Base Price: $36,650

The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV offering three rows of seating, making it ideal for larger families or those needing extra cargo capacity. It’s powered by a robust V6 engine and offers excellent towing capability, making it a versatile choice for weekend getaways or family road trips. It’s surprisingly luxurious in higher trims, as we discovered on our test drive, but the SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum trims don’t meet our price criteria.

S Trim: $36,650

The base S trim of the Pathfinder comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, ensuring that even the entry-level model is equipped with the latest safety technology. The Pathfinder S also includes tri-zone automatic climate control, allowing each row to customize their comfort level, and keyless entry with push-button start adds a touch of convenience. The interior comes finished with cloth seats and rear passengers benefit from privacy glass. Only the S Trim can be optioned with AWD and still be under $40K mark.

SV Trim: $39,965

Just under our $40,000 budget cap, the SV trim offers a few key upgrades that enhance comfort and safety. ProPILOT Assist comes standard, adding adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance for easier highway driving. The SV also adds heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Exterior features like roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels make the Pathfinder SV more versatile and stylish.

2 2024 Nissan Murano

Base Price: $38,740

The Nissan Murano is a stylish mid-size SUV with a more luxurious feel, even at its base level. It offers a comfortable, quiet ride and a powerful V6 engine, making it ideal for buyers who prioritize comfort and upscale features over rugged off-road abilities. SL and Platinum trims cost over $42k and $46k, respectively, so we only consider the base model here.

SV Trim: $38,740

The SV is the entry-level trim for the Murano. As all Murano trims do, it comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower, delivering smooth and confident performance both in town and on the highway. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and leather finishes. With spacious seating for five, the Murano also has great cargo capacity for weekend adventures. The Murano’s sleek design is complimented by 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. It’s upscale interior and standard features make it feel more luxurious than its price tag suggests.

1 2024 Nissan Ariya

Base Price: $39,590

The Nissan Ariya is the brand’s first fully-electric SUV, offering a blend of modern styling and advanced technology. The Ariya is designed for eco-conscious drivers who want the practicality of an SUV without the emissions of a traditional gas-powered vehicle. With competitive pricing in the electric SUV segment, it’s a solid choice for those looking to go green, but only the entry-level trim can be had for under $40,000. The Ariya is the top Nissan SUV under $40,000.

Engage Trim: $39,590

The Ariya’s base Engage trim offers a single electric motor producing 214 horsepower, paired with a 63 kWh battery that provides up to 216 miles of range. This trim includes dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the digital gauge cluster and the other for the infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ariya also comes with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin with all the creature comforts like power adjustable heated seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery and minimalist design elements.

Sources:
Nissan,
FuelEconomy.gov
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