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Luxury SUVs can cost big bucks. Finding a cheap model from the popular vehicle class can be incredibly difficult. The most affordable luxury SUV costs under $35,000. Is it worth your consideration, or should consumers pass on the most affordable luxury SUV?

1 American luxury SUV is the cheapest on the market

Buick currently produces the most affordable luxury SUV. The 2023 Buick Envision starts at $34,795. Its final configuration, the Avenir, starts under $48,000.

The Buick Envision comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It gets 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The Envision’s power output is exhilarating for its size, and its fuel economy is decent. The Envision is praised for its smooth ride quality and many standard safety features. Its affordability is also a huge part of the appeal. Buick’s subcompact SUV is affordable, but is its value proposition good enough to satisfy consumers?

What comes standard on the 2023 Buick Envision?

A red 2023 Buick Envision subcompact luxury SUV is parked.
The 2023 Buick Envision | Buick

The 2023 Buick Envision comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, and cruise control. It also includes keyless entry, a following distance indicator, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The subcompact luxury SUV features a lane change alert with a side blind zone alert, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Buick’s affordable luxury SUV comes with enough creature comforts to keep many consumers happy. It also has great safety features.

The 2023 Buick Envision offers great value for the money, but its segment has better alternatives. Unfortunately for Buick, less isn’t always more. Consumers are willing to cough up extra Benjamins for high-quality luxury subcompact SUVs.

What are the best affordable luxury SUVs?

An orange 2023 BMW X1 subcompact luxury SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 BMW X1 | BMW

Subcompact luxury SUVs are great for small families or drivers that expect to regularly travel with four (or fewer) vehicle occupants. They are snazzy sedan alternatives that often offer great performance for their small size and a much lower starting price than larger SUVs with a “luxury” label.

German brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz dominate the subcompact luxury SUV vehicle segment. Some of the most popular models in this segment include the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. These entry-level SUVs allow drivers to experience luxury ownership without breaking the bank. Consumers can find used models for even cheaper and save big bucks.

The 2023 BMW X1 starts at $39,100. It uses a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The X1 gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. It’s praised for its spacious cabin and many standard features.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at $37,500. According to Mercedes-Benz, it uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLA-Class gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. It has comfy seats and a smooth ride quality. Unfortunately for the most affordable luxury SUV, plenty of great subcompact luxury SUVs are on the market for under $40K.