The average new SUV in America now costs $57,799. We analyzed the full specification set of all 102 SUV models on sale in the U.S. for the 2026 model year — every price, seat count, towing rating and efficiency figure — to build a single snapshot of the market. The result: affordable SUVs are nearly extinct, “compact” no longer means cheap, and hybrids have quietly reached price parity with gas. All data is free to reference with attribution (see how to cite) or download as CSV.
Updated August 2026
After reader requests, this index now tracks three new fields for every model: second-row captain’s chairs, true low-range 4WD, and body-on-frame construction — plus a free downloadable CSV of the full dataset. Thanks to everyone who asked.
- Prices by size
- Under $25K
- EV vs hybrid
- Value rankings
- 3-row & captain’s chairs
- True SUVs vs crossovers
- Efficiency
- Download the data
- FAQ
Key Findings at a Glance
What SUVs Actually Cost in 2026, by Size Class
| Size class | Models | Avg price | Median price | Starting-price range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subcompact | 12 | $28,377 | $29,509 | $21,395–$27,115 | |
| Compact | 31 | $46,585 | $46,550 | $28,565–$65,400 | |
| Midsize | 47 | $63,627 | $58,500 | $33,005–$89,900 | |
| Full-size | 12 | $93,365 | $81,049 | $58,530–$109,025 |
Average price = midpoint of each model’s base-to-top trim range, averaged across the class.
The Disappearing Affordable SUV
Out of 102 SUV models on sale in 2026, only 16 start below $30,000 — and just 4 start below $25,000. Here is the complete under-$25K list:
| Model | Starting price | Fuel economy | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Venue | $21,395 | 31 mpg | 5 |
| Chevrolet Trax | $21,895 | 30 mpg | 5 |
| Nissan Kicks | $23,220 | 31 mpg | 5 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | $24,395 | 28 mpg | 5 |
The cheapest SUV in America is the Hyundai Venue at $21,395. At the other end, the Range Rover tops out around $200,000 — a 9× spread within a single vehicle category.
→ What can your income actually buy? — we applied the 20/4/10 financing rule to all 102 models, by household income level. The results are rough.
The Real Cost of Going Electric (and the Hybrid Surprise)
| Powertrain | Models offering it | Avg price | Median mpg / MPGe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 84 | $56,334 | 25 |
| Hybrid | 21 | $46,883 | 36 |
| Plug-in hybrid | 21 | $63,677 | 26 |
| Electric | 14 | $67,202 | 97 |
48 of 102 models (47%) now offer at least one electrified powertrain — hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV.
Value Rankings: Where the Data Says Your Money Goes Furthest
Cheapest Price per Seat
| # | Model | Price per seat | Seats | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Venue | $4,279 | 5 | $21,395 |
| 2 | Chevrolet Trax | $4,379 | 5 | $21,895 |
| 3 | Nissan Kicks | $4,644 | 5 | $23,220 |
| 4 | Kia Sorento | $4,715 | 7 | $33,005 |
| 5 | Nissan Pathfinder | $4,750 | 8 | $38,000 |
| 6 | Mazda CX-90 | $4,756 | 8 | $38,045 |
| 7 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | $4,879 | 5 | $24,395 |
| 8 | Kia Telluride | $4,899 | 8 | $39,190 |
| 9 | Hyundai Santa Fe | $5,000 | 7 | $35,000 |
| 10 | Hyundai Palisade | $5,054 | 8 | $40,430 |
Cheapest Way Into a 3-Row SUV
| Model | Starting price | Seats | Max towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento | $33,005 | 7 | 4,500 lbs |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $35,000 | 7 | 4,500 lbs |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $38,000 | 7 | 6,200 lbs |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $38,000 | 8 | 6,000 lbs |
| Mazda CX-90 | $38,045 | 8 | 5,000 lbs |
| Kia Telluride | $39,190 | 8 | 5,500 lbs |
| Volkswagen Atlas | $39,625 | 7 | 5,000 lbs |
| Hyundai Palisade | $40,430 | 8 | 5,000 lbs |
Best Towing Value (5,000+ lb Capability)
51 of 102 SUVs can tow at least 5,000 lbs. Ranked by dollars paid per pound of towing capacity:
| # | Model | Max towing | Starting price | Cost per towing lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dodge Durango | 8,700 lbs | $42,000 | $5 per lb |
| 2 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 6,200 lbs | $38,000 | $6 per lb |
| 3 | Jeep Wagoneer | 10,000 lbs | $62,000 | $6 per lb |
| 4 | Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 lbs | $38,000 | $6 per lb |
| 5 | Ford Expedition | 9,600 lbs | $63,995 | $7 per lb |
| 6 | Toyota Sequoia | 9,520 lbs | $64,120 | $7 per lb |
| 7 | Jeep Wrangler | 5,000 lbs | $34,090 | $7 per lb |
| 8 | Nissan Armada | 8,500 lbs | $58,530 | $7 per lb |
| 9 | Toyota 4Runner | 6,000 lbs | $42,220 | $7 per lb |
| 10 | Kia Telluride | 5,500 lbs | $39,190 | $7 per lb |
Third Rows & Captain’s Chairs: The Family-Hauler Cut
46 of the 102 SUVs on sale (45%) offer a third row. The cheapest way in is the Kia Sorento at $33,005. But the question families actually ask is about second-row captain’s chairs — the two individual seats that make third-row access civilized. So we added it to the database.
36 of the 46 three-row SUVs (78%) offer second-row captain’s chairs on at least one trim or configuration. The cheapest entry point is the Kia Sorento at $33,005 (captain’s chairs typically arrive on mid trims and up). The full list:
→ See the full captain’s chairs breakdown — every model with prices and 6- vs 7-seat configurations.
Availability is trim-dependent and changes between model years; we track “offered on at least one 2026 trim/configuration.” Spot an error? Tell us and we’ll fix it.
True SUVs vs. Crossovers: Who Still Has Low-Range 4WD?
Almost everything sold as an “SUV” today is a unibody crossover. By the two classic definitions of a real SUV, the numbers are stark:
Every 2026 model that qualifies on at least one count, cheapest first:
| Model | Starting price | Body-on-frame | Low-range 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | $34,090 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $38,000 | — | ✓ |
| Ford Bronco | $39,995 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dodge Durango | $42,000 | — | ✓ |
| Toyota 4Runner | $42,220 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | $58,150 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nissan Armada | $58,530 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Land Rover Defender | $58,800 | — | ✓ |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | $61,195 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Jeep Wagoneer | $62,000 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chevrolet Suburban | $63,695 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ford Expedition | $63,995 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Toyota Sequoia | $64,120 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lexus GX | $66,000 | ✓ | ✓ |
| GMC Yukon | $69,200 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Range Rover Sport | $83,700 | — | ✓ |
| Cadillac Escalade | $91,000 | ✓ | — |
| Lincoln Navigator | $101,990 | ✓ | — |
| Range Rover | $109,025 | — | ✓ |
→ See the full low-range 4WD guide — standard vs optional per model, plus what 4-Low actually does.
“Low range available” = a two-speed transfer case offered on at least one 2026 trim. Crawl-ratio drive modes without a mechanical low gear don’t count.
Efficiency: The Best and Worst of 2026
| # | Most efficient SUVs | Rating | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 120 MPGe | Electric |
| 2 | Chevrolet Equinox EV | 117 MPGe | Electric |
| 3 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 110 MPGe | Electric |
| 4 | Chevrolet Blazer EV | 107 MPGe | Electric |
| 5 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 103 MPGe | Electric |
| 6 | Tesla Model X | 102 MPGe | Electric |
| 7 | Honda Prologue | 99 MPGe | Electric |
| 8 | Audi Q6 e-tron | 95 MPGe | Electric |
Among pure-gas models the ceiling is far lower: Hyundai Venue (31 mpg), Nissan Kicks (31 mpg), Chevrolet Trax (30 mpg). The thirstiest SUVs on sale — Cadillac Escalade (16 mpg), Chevrolet Suburban (17 mpg), GMC Yukon (17 mpg) — use roughly 7× more energy per mile than the most efficient EV.
Methodology
This index covers all 102 SUV models on sale in the United States for the 2026 model year, compiled and maintained for our SUV Finder database. For each model we record manufacturer base and top-trim MSRP (excluding destination fees), seating capacity, EPA combined fuel economy (MPGe for EVs), maximum rated towing capacity, drivetrain availability, powertrain options, and — as of August 2026 — second-row captain’s-chair availability, low-range 4WD availability, and body-on-frame construction. “Average price” refers to the midpoint of a model’s base-to-top trim range averaged across the group; medians are reported alongside averages where the distribution is skewed.
These are model-lineup statistics: each of the 102 models counts once, regardless of how many units it sells. A sales-weighted average would land lower, because America’s best-selling SUVs are concentrated in the compact segment (roughly $29K–$34K starting prices) — a useful reminder that what’s offered and what’s bought are different markets. Trim-level statistics, dataset requests and corrections: see our contact page.
Download & Use This Data
Download the full dataset (CSV)102 models · 14 fields · free for any use with attribution
Journalists, bloggers and researchers: every statistic on this page is free to republish with a link to this study as the source. Suggested citation:
“2026 SUV Market Index, RoadSUV.com — analysis of all 102 SUV models on sale in the U.S.”
Need a custom cut of the data (by brand, segment, or powertrain)? Ask us — we’ll run it for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the average SUV cost in 2026?
A: The average new SUV sells for $57,799 based on all 102 models on sale in the U.S.; the median is $50,189. Subcompacts average $28,377, while full-size SUVs average $93,365.
Q: What is the cheapest SUV you can buy in 2026?
A: The Hyundai Venue, starting at $21,395. Only 4 SUVs start under $25,000: Hyundai Venue, Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Q: Are electric SUVs more expensive than gas SUVs?
A: Yes — electric SUVs average $67,202, a 21% premium over the $55,597 gas-only average. Hybrids, however, now average $46,883, slightly below gas models.
Q: How many SUVs have a third row in 2026?
A: 46 of the 102 SUVs on sale (45%) offer a third row, and 36 of those offer second-row captain’s chairs on at least one trim. The cheapest three-row is the Kia Sorento at $33,005.
Q: How many SUVs still have true 4WD with low-range gearing?
A: Just 17 of 102 (17%) offer a two-speed transfer case, and 14 (14%) are body-on-frame. The cheapest with low range is the Jeep Wrangler at $34,090.
Q: What SUV offers the most towing for the money?
A: The Dodge Durango — 8,700 lbs of towing from $42,000, or about $5 per pound of capacity.
Q: How often is this index updated?
A: The underlying database is maintained continuously; the index is refreshed for each model year, and new fields are added when readers ask for them.
Ready to narrow 102 SUVs down to the right one for you? Try the free SUV Finder — filter by budget, seats, fuel type and lifestyle in 30 seconds.
Written by Jake Ryder
Jake Ryder is the founder and lead reviewer at Road SUV. He has spent more than a decade behind the wheel of everything from subcompact crossovers to full-size 4x4s, logging thousands of highway and off-road miles across the United States. His reviews focus on what actually matters to real drivers: cargo space you can use, safety features that work, and honest talk about fuel economy and pricing.
