2014 Best Cheap SUVs

Ford Escape

Ford taps its global design portfolio to bring Americans a compact crossover with genuine European road manners. The styling is fashion-forward inside and out and is a matter of taste. Subpar rear-seat legroom might be a deal-breaker if that’s a priority for you. But there’s no arguing Escape’s top-notch cabin-materials and its world-class blend of handling, ride composure, and sense of control. Our Cheap choice is the midline SE model with AWD. Priced from $28,195, it comes with a willing 178-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder furnishing decent punch and a respectable 25-mpg combined rating. Alloy wheels, fog lamps, satellite radio, backup camera, and a power driver’s seat are standard. We’d consider adding the $1,395 Equipment Group 201A. It boots the sticker to $29,590, but adds the SE Convenience Package with dual zone automatic climate control, roof rails, a perimeter anti-theft alarm, and a reverse-obstacle warning system, plus Sync with MyFord Touch. This infotainment system features hands-free and touchscreen control over a range of audio and smartphone-linked services. It can provide turn-by-turn directions, though an actual mapping navigation system costs an additional $795, messing with our $30,000 target.