Cars

Top 5 Most Affordable SUVs in the US Market

Despite a general decline in the availability of new cars priced under $30,000, particularly exacerbated by tariffs in 2025, there are still compelling options for consumers seeking economical sports utility vehicles. This report delves into the five most budget-friendly new SUVs on the market, each offering a heightened driving position and ample interior room, catering to popular demand. These selections are meticulously ranked by their starting price, considering only the entry-level trim for a fair comparison.

Among the top contenders are the Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trax, Kia Soul, and Hyundai Venue, each presenting a distinct blend of features, performance, and value. The updated 2025 Nissan Kicks, priced at $22,430, showcases a significant upgrade in aesthetics and boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen, powered by a 141-horsepower engine with decent fuel efficiency. Its predecessor, the Kicks Play, remains an option at $21,830, offering a more basic package with a smaller engine but superior fuel economy. The Chevrolet Trax, starting at $21,600, underwent a substantial redesign, now featuring a more commanding presence and an 11-inch touchscreen, equipped with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that, while not powerful, provides smooth operation. Finally, the Kia Soul, at $20,490, stands out for its spacious interior and a robust 147-horsepower engine, accompanied by an impressive warranty. The Hyundai Venue leads as the absolute cheapest at $20,200, though it offers a slightly less powerful engine and smaller cargo space compared to its rivals, emphasizing basic functionality and essential modern features.

Ultimately, while all five vehicles present viable, cost-effective solutions for urban and suburban commuting, discerning buyers should weigh their priorities carefully. The Nissan Kicks Play and Hyundai Venue prioritize extreme affordability, potentially sacrificing modern flair or performance, while the new Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trax, and Kia Soul offer a more balanced package of contemporary design, practical features, and sufficient power for everyday driving. The Kia Soul distinguishes itself by combining competitive pricing with a powerful engine and an industry-leading warranty, making it a particularly attractive choice. Investing in a vehicle that aligns with personal needs and budget demonstrates a thoughtful and proactive approach to modern living, enabling individuals to navigate daily challenges efficiently and joyfully.

Ford Performance Rebrands as Ford Racing, Signaling Expanded Motorsport Ambitions

Ford Performance, a division celebrated for its high-octane automotive endeavors, has announced a significant strategic shift. Moving forward, the entity will operate under a new banner: Ford Racing. This rebranding is far more than a superficial change; it represents a profound revitalization of Ford's dedication to the competitive world of motorsport, aiming to forge a stronger connection between their race-winning innovations and their production vehicles.

Accelerating the Legacy: Ford Racing Takes the Global Stage!

A New Era for Ford's Motorsport Division: Embracing the \"Racing\" Identity

This week marks a pivotal moment for Ford's high-performance arm, as Ford Performance officially transitions to its new designation, Ford Racing. This strategic pivot is designed to more accurately reflect the company's escalating commitment and broadened scope within the demanding realm of global motorsport.

Leadership's Vision for the Rebranding: More Than Just a Name

In a recent press announcement, Will Ford, the esteemed General Manager of the newly christened Ford Racing, articulated the profound significance behind this transformation. He emphasized that this initiative transcends a mere name change, describing it as a complete reintroduction of their racing brand. This bold move signifies a radically different approach to how the company conceptualizes its business, brand identity, and the cutting-edge products born from its rigorous racing programs.

Upcoming Debut and Strategic Racing Engagements

The global automotive community can anticipate the full unveiling of the reinvigorated Ford Racing identity commencing in January. This will be prominently showcased through their participation in two iconic events: the challenging Dakar Rally and the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, Florida. These events will serve as the official launchpad for the racing season, highlighting Ford Racing's renewed vigor.

Expanding Horizons: New Frontiers in Competitive Racing

Ford Racing is poised to embark on exciting new ventures, including a highly anticipated entry into Formula 1 in collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains. Additionally, the company is diligently preparing for a grand resurgence in prototype endurance racing with the introduction of an advanced LMDh car in 2027. This ambitious expansion complements their existing significant involvement in various top-tier racing disciplines, such as rally racing, NASCAR, IMSA, WEC GT3, and the Australian Supercars series.

Continuity in Leadership Amidst Transformative Changes

Despite these extensive organizational shifts, the core leadership remains steadfast. Mark Rushbrook will continue to helm the global operations as director, guiding the transition from Ford Performance to Ford Racing. His ongoing role will ensure a cohesive integration of both the racing division and the road car development sectors, leveraging synergies across the enterprise.

Anticipation Builds for a Comprehensive Unveiling

While the new name and logo have been revealed, enthusiasts and industry observers alike eagerly await further details. More comprehensive information regarding Ford Racing's overarching strategy and specific plans is expected to be disclosed in the lead-up to the Dakar Rally in January 2026, promising an exciting future for Ford in motorsport.

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Exploring the Redesigned 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Bold Design, Advanced Features, and an Attractive Lease Offer

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe introduces a dramatic design shift, embracing a bold, angular aesthetic that sets it apart in the crowded midsize SUV category. This fifth-generation model distinguishes itself with pronounced fender arches, unique H-pattern illumination, a wide-opening tailgate, and a reimagined cabin, offering an abundance of space and cutting-edge technology. For September, an attractive lease offer on the Santa Fe SE trim further enhances its appeal, inviting a broader range of consumers to experience its innovative features and robust performance.

This comprehensive overview delves into the design philosophy, key features, and an enticing lease opportunity for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. It highlights the vehicle's departure from conventional design, emphasizing its boxy yet sophisticated appearance, and explores the practical benefits of its spacious interior and standard third-row seating. Furthermore, it details the powertrain specifications, fuel efficiency, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies that earned the Santa Fe a top safety rating. The article also provides a thorough breakdown of the September lease deal, outlining the terms and conditions for potential lessees, while advising careful review of the agreement. This analysis serves as a guide for those considering the Santa Fe, offering insights into its market positioning and value proposition.

A Bold New Chapter: Santa Fe's Redesigned Aesthetic and Market Impact

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe marks a significant evolution in its design, showcasing a departure from conventional flowing lines to a more assertive, box-like silhouette. This bold transformation, characterized by sharp angles, distinct H-shaped lighting elements, and a remarkably wide tailgate, redefines the SUV's presence on the road. The interior mirrors this contemporary approach with an airy cabin, abundant storage solutions, and state-of-the-art technological integrations. Positioned against formidable rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Kia Sorento, the Santa Fe distinguishes itself not only through its unique visual identity but also by offering a standard third row, a rarity in its class. This strategic redesign aims to capture the attention of a market segment that values both innovative style and practical utility.

Hyundai's latest Santa Fe iteration, unveiled as the fifth generation, courageously steps into the competitive midsize SUV arena with an unmissable, squared-off profile. Moving past the smoother contours of its predecessor, the 2024 model year brought a complete aesthetic overhaul, featuring prominent fender flares, an unmistakable 'H' motif in its front and rear lighting, and a tailgate designed for maximum utility. The cabin experience is equally revolutionary, boasting expansive dimensions that translate into generous passenger volume and cargo capacity, complemented by intelligent storage solutions and advanced in-car entertainment and connectivity systems. The vehicle's competitive edge is further sharpened by its standard third-row seating, a feature that many competitors lack, providing enhanced versatility for families and adventurers alike. This blend of audacious design, thoughtful interior engineering, and comprehensive feature set positions the Santa Fe as a compelling contender, poised to attract a new wave of drivers seeking a blend of distinctive style and robust functionality.

Unlocking Value: September Lease Offer and Comprehensive Features of the Santa Fe SE

For those considering the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, the September lease offer presents a particularly attractive opportunity, especially for the SE trim. Priced at $349 per month for a 36-month term with a minimal initial payment of $3,999 and no security deposit required, this deal makes the innovative SUV more accessible. Beyond the enticing financial terms, the Santa Fe SE is equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering robust performance and competitive fuel efficiency, whether in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. A suite of advanced standard features, from 18-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting to a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless smartphone integration, underscores the vehicle's commitment to modern convenience and safety. The impressive array of driver-assistance systems, combined with its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2025, further solidifies its value proposition.

The current September leasing special for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE trim is designed to attract discerning buyers with its favorable terms. At just $349 per month over a three-year period, requiring only $3,999 at lease inception and foregoing a security deposit, it represents a highly competitive offering. This base model does not compromise on performance or features, powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that generates 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel economy is respectable, with EPA estimates reaching up to 29 highway mpg for the front-wheel-drive variant. Feature-wise, the Santa Fe SE is generously appointed, including 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting, a hands-free smart liftgate, and a sophisticated 12.3-inch infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Crucially, the vehicle boasts an extensive list of standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, culminating in its recognition as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025. With a passenger volume of 166.6 cubic feet and flexible cargo space that expands to 79.6 cubic feet with rear seats folded, the Santa Fe SE offers both peace of mind and unparalleled versatility for its occupants.

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