7. 2024 Lexus NX | $41,990
The 2025 Lexus NX makes a perfect baby Lexus, thanks to outstanding safety ratings, great comfort, and decent gas mileage. A boring interior and a lackluster driving experience can’t deliver what the NX’s sharp exterior promises, however. The NX 250’s 2.5-liter I-4 offers great economy, and its Lexus badge stands for reliability and long-term value. There are plenty of ways to option an NX, including hybrid options under $50,000 and snazzier all-gas versions in the $40,000 range.
7. 2024 Lexus NX | Pros and Cons
Pros
- A breadth of powertrains
- Great long-term value
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Unrefined base engine
- Sportiest models need more performance
- A plain interior
- Price: $41,990
- Engine: 2.5-liter 203-hp/184-lb-ft I-4
- Legroom (front/rear): 41.0/36.1 inches
- Cargo Space (seats up/down): 22.7/46.9 cubic feet
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy) 26/33
6. 2025 Volvo XC40 | $41,945
Volvo’s lauded line of SUVs begins with the smaller, relatively inexpensive 2025 Volvo XC40, which nails the brand’s famous minimalist elegance. Beyond the first impressions, the XC40 is an SUV of the Year finalist and all-around office favorite for its practicality, comfort, and a panache that’s rare among small crossovers. The cheapest Volvo does get noisy at speed, and some materials feel cheaper than they should be, but the XC40 remains a solid choice.
6. 2025 Volvo XC40 | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Tasteful interior and exterior design
- Clever interior storage solutions
- Great safety ratings
Cons
- Cabin gets noisy at speed
- Mixed material quality
- Infotainment still needs some work
- Price: $41,945
- Engine: 2.0-liter 194-hp/221-lb-ft turbo I-4
- Legroom (front/rear): 40.9/39.1 inches
- Cargo Space (seats up/down): 20.7/57.5 cubic feet
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 23/30
5. 2025 Audi Q3 | $41,095
Unfortunately, the 2025 Audi Q3 doesn’t offer much entry-level luxury beyond its exterior. Everything beneath the base trim’s skin lags behind the curve. Materials are coarse, the suspension is downright bouncy, and its 8.6-second 0–60 mph time won’t win it many stoplight drags. To get the “true” Audi experience, you must climb the trim ladder. Rear legroom is genuinely good, but most other stats aren’t. The Q3 is solidly mid-pack in the cheapest luxury SUV segment.
5. 2025 Audi Q3 | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Roomy second-row seat
- Impressive, large digital displays
- Sharp exterior design
Cons
- Underwhelming engines
- Bouncy ride quality
- Some cheap-feeling interior materials
- Price: $41,095
- Engine: 2.0-liter 184-hp/221-lb-ft I-4
- Legroom (front/rear): 40.0/36.1 inches
- Cargo Space (seats up/down): 23.7/48.0 cubic feet
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 22/29
