Our Top 6 SUV Picks For 2026
Recent times had a whirlwind of change for the auto industry, with inventories back to normal and some manufacturers even facing slowing sales. People are again able to secure good deals on new SUVs. Recent years have seen an explosion of new and affordable model choices packed with the latest tech and luxury features. Here's a look at Autosplainer's top SUV picks this year for all budgets.
Chevy Trax: $20,500 msrp
Chevrolet has a new value-priced leader, the Trax, with starting msrp of just $20,500 for 2025, one of the cheapest new vehicles in America (up to $21,700 for 2026). Fully loaded models — sunroof and all — run just under $28k. Standard equipment on the base Trax LS is so impressive it starts to make sense why new cars are so expensive in America today: 17 inch wheels, active noise cancellation, Apple Carplay/Android auto, all power options, steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control, key fobs, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and 11 inch color touchscreen. Reviews of the Trax have been overwhelmingly positive.
Buick Envista: $23,800 msrp
The brand-new Envista made its debut for 2024, and can now be found at dealerships. A sleek, less-conventionally-Buick design breaks from the past, starting at a refreshing $23,800 msrp for 2025 ($24,700 for 2026), making it one of the cheapest new cars for sale in America. Automatic climate control is standard, a rarity at this price point, as is a flat-bottom steering wheel, leatherette seating surfaces, and an 8-inch diagonal driver information center screen. The Envista also features a signature 11-inch ultrawide screen for infotainment. The top dog is the Avenir, starting at $28,600 msrp, bringing many luxury features to the price point, including 19 inch wheels with pearl nickle finish, a power liftgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, remote start, power-driver’s seat, and leather appointed front seats.
Nissan Kicks: $22,430 msrp
Nissan’s new cheapest crossover/SUV is the all-new Kicks, occupying the space once held by the Angry-Birds-looking Juke. While the Juke name lives on overseas, the American Kicks starts at an attractive $22,430 msrp, with a 141hp motor and standard automatic continuously variable transmission. Kicks SV trim adds 17 inch wheels, an 8-inch touch screen display with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, and intelligent cruise control, while Kicks SR gets LED headlights, sport trim orange-accented seats, and leather wrapped steering wheel. For an even cheaper option, check out the Kicks Play, $21,520 msrp, which is ultimately the previous Kicks verison sold brand new.
Chevy Traverse: $40,800 msrp
The new Traverse starts at $40,800 msrp, packing a ton of value into its large size for a not-so-large price (size-considering). It has a 2.5L turbo motor, eight speed automatic, seating for eight, side bicyclist alert, and a host of other safety features that include HD rear vision camera, lane change alert, and rear cross traffic alert. 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque propel all trims of the Traverse. Traverse Z71 includes Terrain mode, an advanced twin clutch all wheel drive system, off road suspension, skid plates, hill descent control, Z71 badging, 18-inch black machined-face wheels, all terrains, and trailering equipment.
Lincoln Aviator: $56,910 msrp
Looking very smart for a baby-Navigator that debuted in 2020, the Aviator has a twin-turbo V6 with a whopping 400 horsepower, paired to a ten speed automatic. An optional hybrid drivetrain on the top of the line Grand Touring rounds out 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, allowing for about 18 miles in EV mode. Starting at $56,910 msrp, the Aviator is noteworthy for undercutting the competition, placing it on the list as a very attractive high-end SUV option for less.
Cadillac XT4: $40,795
The entry-level Cadillac XT4 is for the luxury SUV bargain hunter, starting at just $40,795 msrp, one of the cheapest ways to find yourself behind the wheel of a new Cadillac. Recently discontinued, it’s also one of the last ways to get a small Cadillac SUV with a gas engine. Getting up to 30MPG on the highway, its standard features include LED headlamps and taillamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, parking assistance, 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display for the driver, and emergency braking. The slightly more expensive Premium Luxury trim adds leather seats, real wood or aluminum trim, hands-free power lift-gate, seat/mirror memory package, and lane departure warning. Top of the line Sport has exclusive wheels and body styling, dark accents, sport grille, a sport steering wheel, pedals, and carbon fiber trim.
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