The most inexpensive SUVs for the trails require two qualities: an affordable price and 4WD. If you want new models, you’ll want to check out this list.
Going off-road isn’t the cheapest form of travel, but it can be the most fun. Whether you want to venture out on the trails every day or you’re looking for some fun on the weekends, these SUVs have the chops to get you out there. You could drive down to a remote area of the beach for a surfing weekend or go into the forest to pitch a tent near your favorite fishing pond.
Check out some of the most inexpensive SUVs for your time on the trails.
Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux 4WD – MSRP $37,695
The Altitude Lux trim gives you the benefits of standard 4WD, making this a great off-road SUV that you can drive for less than $40,000. This Cherokee has a 180-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission to give you enough power for your drive. The Cherokee has an impressive infotainment system and solid off-road performance with the Selec-Terrain traction-management system with sport, snow, and sand settings.
Nissan Pathfinder S 4WD – MSRP $37,220
The Pathfinder S is the base model, which is upgraded with 4WD for only $1,900 to make it an off-road SUV. If you’re looking for the most inexpensive SUVs for the trails, this Nissan can handle the job. You’ll have a V6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and mates with a 9-speed automatic transmission to give you good power. This model also features tri-zone automatic climate controls and several driver-assist features. The Pathfinder earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and has three rows of seats, giving you a versatile and capable SUV to drive.
Ford Bronco Base 2 Door 4WD – MSRP $34,890
Every model of the Bronco comes with 4WD, which makes the base model a good choice when you’re on a budget. This base version comes with an impressive 300-horsepower engine that gives you more than enough grunt to get things going. Put the G.O.A.T. modes to work and tackle every terrain in your way. The Bronco has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a full package of tech features made to give you a great experience on the trails.
Jeep Wrangler Sport 2 Door 4WD – MSRP $31,895
Many upgraded Jeep Wrangler trims are expensive, but the base version is one of the most inexpensive SUVs for the trails that you can buy. This Jeep stands tall and uses the venerable Pentastar V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission to give you an old-school off-road feeling. The latest Wrangler comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and the Uconnect system to give you the desired connectivity. Every Jeep Wrangler has a two-speed transfer case, tow hooks, and skid plates to give this SUV serious off-road capabilities.
Ford Bronco Sport Base 4WD – MSRP $29,215
Like the Bronco, every Ford Bronco Sport comes with standard 4WD, making it one of the top models to take on the trails. This impressive SUV packed a robust suite of driver-assistance tech and excellent crash test scores to make the Bronco Sport a Top Safety Pick+ vehicle. The base model has a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower to all four wheels. The Bronco Sport is useful on and off the roads, making it a great daily driver.
Jeep Compass Sport 4WD – MSRP $28,400
The Jeep Compass won’t blow you away with high-end features or comfort, but it is one of the most inexpensive SUVs for the trails. This little Jeep might be noisy and rough on the roads, but it’s perfectly at home on the trails. The base model receives the Jeep Selec-Terrain 4WD system with drive modes that include snot, sand, and mud settings. You’ll also enjoy the impressive infotainment system with wireless connectivity while driving the Compass.
Jeep Renegade Latitude 4WD – MSRP $27,850
The Jeep Renegade might look a bit cartoonish, but it comes with the Jeep off-road chops, which means it’s nothing to laugh at. This little Jeep has chunky roof pillars and rounded panels to make it look a bit rugged and ready to drive. The small 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is sluggish on the road but good on the trails. You’ll have eight inches of ground clearance, which is more than enough to ride over many obstacles in your path.
Which of the most inexpensive SUVs for the trails is the model you want to drive and enjoy every day? These seven SUVs make it easy to head out for a great drive in the wilderness without spending too much.
This article might include affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, without any additional cost to you. We have thoroughly researched and tested all products featured to provide a trustworthy review.
Stacy Wilson 
Lily Campbell