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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
TOP-10 budget crossovers 2025 – affordable and reliable cars / Largus
Ukrainian drivers often joke that the best car for local roads is a crossover. They are reliable, versatile, have higher ground clearance (the distance from the ground to the lowest point of the car) and stronger suspension. That is, they are great for both dirt roads and uneven asphalt, plus such models often have all-wheel drive.
When it comes to the most reliable and budget crossovers , we take into account the availability of models on the market (including used ones), the cost of maintenance, as well as the reviews of the owners themselves. The Delo.ua editorial team has compiled an updated rating of the ten most affordable crossovers, which are also recognized by international publications such as JD Power, Consumer Reports, WhatCar, etc.
Toyota RAV4 (4th generation, 2013–2018)
One of the most popular crossovers in the world thanks to its combination of reliability and practicality. The main “trick” of the model is the durable 2.0 and 2.5 atmospheric engines, which can easily cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~185 mm.
- Resource: engines and automatic transmissions easily withstand 350–400 thousand km
- Maintenance costs: average maintenance (oil change, filters, minor checks) — $120–150; major maintenance (brakes, fluids, belts) — $300–400. Average cost on the Ukrainian market: in showrooms (new, 2018 remnants): from $28,000–32,000 (rarely available); used cars (2013–2018, depending on condition and mileage) can cost $14,000–23,000.
The RAV4 has a reputation as one of the most durable crossovers in the world and is ranked as one of the cars with the lowest repair costs. It is an ideal option for those who want to buy a car and not worry about breakdowns.
Honda CR-V (4th–5th generation)
A legendary crossover, which is considered almost “eternal” among used cars thanks to its extremely durable naturally aspirated engines and easy-to-maintain design.
The Honda CR-V is considered an ideal family car thanks to its spacious interior and one of the largest trunks in its class.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: 170–185 mm (depending on version).
- Resource: 2.0 and 2.4 engines easily withstand 350–400 thousand km without overhaul.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance — $120–160; major maintenance — $300–450.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: in showrooms (new, remnants of 2018–2019): from $30,000–35,000 (rarely available), and on the used market (2012–2019, depending on condition and mileage) they cost $15,000–25,000.
The Honda CR-V is known as one of the most trouble-free crossovers in the world, great for family and daily use. It is a car that easily withstands Ukrainian roads and does not require expensive repairs for years.
Mazda CX-5 (1st generation, 2012–2017)
The first-generation Mazda CX-5 is considered one of the most successful representatives of its class and is consistently among the top crossovers .
The model has an interesting feature: SkyActiv technology, which provides balanced fuel consumption and durability of units. Owners often praise the car for its excellent handling, stylish design and strong suspension.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~210 mm (one of the highest in the class).
- Resource: SkyActiv 2.0 and 2.5 engines can withstand 300–350 thousand km with proper maintenance.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance — $120–150; major maintenance — $350–450.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: in showrooms (there are almost no new ones, only the CX-5 restyling from 2017): from $30,000+, and on the used market (2012–2017) – $13,000–20,000.
In short, the CX-5 is a crossover for those who want to combine reliability and drive behind the wheel. Global ratings and owner reviews unanimously claim that it is one of the best choices among budget SUVs ( Sport Utility Vehicle ).
Hyundai Tucson (3rd generation, 2015–2020)
One of the most popular budget crossovers in its class due to its comfort and rich equipment. The model offers modern safety systems and driver assistance systems (blind spots, lane keeping, adaptive cruise).
In addition, the car has good handling. The naturally aspirated 2.0 and 2.4 are considered more reliable, while the turbocharged 1.6 T-GDI versions can have transmission problems.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~172–195 mm (depending on year and configuration).
- Resource: naturally aspirated engines and classic automatic transmissions can withstand 300–350 thousand km; 1.6 T-GDI + DCT may require repair earlier.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance (oil, filters) — $100–150; major maintenance (brakes, fluids, belts) — $300–400.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: there are no new ones in showrooms (only the 4th generation is relevant, starting at ~$28,000); used (2015–2020) — $13,000–20,000, depending on mileage and condition.
Tucson is a comfortable and technologically advanced crossover with a wide range of equipment, optimal for the city and the highway.
Kia Sportage (4th generation, 2016–2021)
Almost a twin of the Hyundai Tucson, as it is based on the same platform and has similar engines and transmissions. The main “trick” is a modern design and a more premium interior compared to the same Tucson.
The reliable 2.0 and 2.4 naturally aspirated engines have proven themselves well, while the 1.6 T-GDI with the “robot” can cause problems. In the secondary market, the Sportage is usually slightly more expensive than the Tucson.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~172–182 mm (depending on configuration).
- Resource: naturally aspirated engines and automatic transmissions last 300–350 thousand km; 1.6 T-GDI + DCT have a risk of problems earlier.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance (oil, filters) – $100–150; major maintenance (brakes, fluids, belts) – $300–400.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: there are no new ones in showrooms anymore; used (2016–2021) — $14,000–22,000, depending on the year and condition.
It's a stylish and well-equipped crossover with the same tech as the Tucson, but with a more expensive image. It's the perfect choice for those who want Korean-school reliability and a bit more “premium” feel.
Nissan Qashqai (2nd generation, after 2014)
One of the most popular crossovers in Europe, which actually set the trend for budget crossovers in its class. The main “trick” is a comfortable suspension and good handling in the city.
There is also a peculiarity: the 1.2 and 1.3 turbo engines are considered problematic (oil consumption, turbine and timing chain life), while the naturally aspirated 1.6 has gained a reputation for being “eternal”.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~180 mm.
- Resource: 1.6 atmospheric — 300–350 thousand km without serious problems; turbo versions 1.2/1.3 often require repair after 100–150 thousand km.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance (oil, filters) — $100–130; major maintenance (brakes, fluids, belts/chain) — $300–450.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: there are practically no new ones in showrooms; used (2014–2020) — $12,000–18,000, depending on condition and mileage.
The Nissan Qashqai is one of the most popular budget crossovers in the world. The best choice is the naturally aspirated 1.6, which combines simplicity, resource and cheap maintenance.
Suzuki Vitara (since 2015)
A compact crossover that has won over the European market with its simplicity and reliability. Suzuki Vitara economical engines and low fuel consumption (petrol and diesel versions consume an average of 5–7 l/100 km).
The car is known for its ease of service and unpretentiousness, which makes it a good choice among budget crossovers . In addition, like all Japanese cars, Suzuki is distinguished by reliability, combined with affordability.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (ALLGRIP AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~185 mm.
- Resource: 1.6 naturally aspirated gasoline engines can easily cover 300+ thousand km; 1.4 BoosterJet turbo versions can withstand 200–250 thousand km with high-quality fuel.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance — $90–120; major maintenance — $250–350 (one of the cheapest in the class).
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: new (restyling after 2019) — from $25,000+; used (2015–2018) — $11,000–16,000.
In summary, the Suzuki Vitara is a compact, economical and easy-to-maintain crossover. This car is chosen by those who want to spend minimally on fuel and service, but at the same time maintain practicality.
Mitsubishi Outlander (3rd generation, 2012–2020)
A practical family crossover, known for its durability and simplicity of design. Its naturally aspirated 2.0 and 2.4 engines last a very long time even with intensive use. According to a study by iSeeCars (2023) , in the USA, the Mitsubishi Outlander is on the list of cars that most often overcome the 300,000 km mark.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~190–200 mm (depending on year and configuration).
- Resource: 2.0 and 2.4 engines can easily withstand 350–400 thousand km; the CVT, with regular maintenance, lasts 200–250 thousand km.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance — $120–150; major maintenance (fluid replacement, brakes, belts/chain) — $350–450.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: practically no new ones (only remnants from 2020 with a price of $28,000+); used (2012–2020) — $12,000–20,000 depending on condition and mileage.
Overall, it's a reliable and hardy crossover that's chosen by those who want a simple and “unkillable” car for many years to come. Plus, the model has one of the most reliable engines in the budget SUV segment.
Skoda Karoq / Yeti (until 2017 – Yeti, after – Karoq)
Compact crossovers from the Czech brand, based on the German Volkswagen platform. The most reliable are the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI engines, while the turbocharged TSI sometimes causes problems with the timing system and oil consumption. In the ADAC 2023 rating, the Skoda Yeti was among the least problematic cars in its segment.
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~170–180 mm.
- Resource: the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI easily withstands 300 thousand km+; TSI versions more often require repairs at 150–200 thousand km.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance — $100–130; major maintenance (brakes, fluids, belts/chain) — $300–450.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: new Karoq (restyling from 2022) – from $28,000–32,000; used Yeti (2013–2017) – $10,000–15,000, Karoq (2018–2020) – $17,000–23,000.
The Yeti and Karoq models are compact and practical crossovers from the Czech company Škoda, created on the basis of Volkswagen technologies. They combine German quality and Czech functionality and are deservedly in demand among the top crossovers for the city and travel.
Dacia Duster (Renault Duster, 1–2 generations)
A very budget-friendly and easy-to-repair crossover from the Romanian brand Dacia, which is sold as the Renault Duster in some markets. The model is especially popular in Europe due to its low price and unpretentiousness.
The car has a minimum of electronics and simple mechanical components, which ensures a low probability of breakdowns. In Europe, Duster is considered the “best value for money SUV”, that is, the best price-benefit ratio among budget crossovers .
- Drive: front or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Ground clearance: ~200 mm (one of the highest in the budget SUV class).
- Resource: naturally aspirated gasoline and diesel engines can withstand 250–300 thousand km; turbocharged versions of 1.5 dCi – up to 250 thousand km with regular maintenance.
- Maintenance costs: minor maintenance — $80–120; major maintenance (brakes, fluids, belts) — $250–350.
- Average cost on the Ukrainian market: new Duster (2nd generation) — from $17,000–22,000; used (2012–2020) — $7,000–15,000, depending on condition and mileage.
Duster is the simplest, most reliable and affordable crossover, suitable for both city and country trips. It is ideal for those looking for a budget crossover with minimal problems and repair costs, but with all-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
