Ten Cheap CUVs

MSRP: $20,295 - $28,495
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Forester is available in five trim levels: 2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 X Limited, 2.5 XT Premium and 2.5 XT Limited. All trim levels are equipped with a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine; in "X" variants, the engine is naturally-aspirated and produces 170 horsepower, while both "XT" variants generate 224 horsepower, compliments of an intercooled turbocharger. The 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium get a 5-speed manual transmission with Incline Start Assist, while all other trims are mated to a 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode (available on the 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium). Notable (trim-dependent) features include a panoramic glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, heated front seats and leather upholstery. An optional touch-screen GPS navigation system is offered on XT variants. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability and traction control systems, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.

MSRP: $20,340 - $23,130
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The Rogue is Nissan's entry into the crossover segment.

The Rogue offers similar styling to the iconic Nissan Murano, in a slightly smaller package. Available in S or SL trim, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. All Rogues are equipped with 2.5-liter, 170-hp, four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Rogue seats up the five passengers in it's well appointed interior. Features such as air-conditioning, bucket seats, power window and remote keyless entry are standard. Standard safety fare includes; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with panic assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side-impact and all row side-curtain airbags.

MSRP: $20,275 - $23,270
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Honda Element is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and a choice of three trim levels: the LX, the EX and the (FWD only) SC. All trim levels are equipped with a 166-hp 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, mated to available five-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The rugged LX is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, a CD player and air conditioning, while the EX adds further refinements that include alloy wheels, satellite radio, MP3 capability, an auxiliary input jack and a convertible centre console with removable cooler box. The sporty SC is exclusively outfitted with a monochromatic exterior, custom grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique seat upholstery and piano black interior trim elements. Standard safety features on every Element include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitor. New for 2009, the front seats are now equipped with active anti-whiplash head restraints.

MSRP: $20,550 - $27,055
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The Ford Escape is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle with credentials that make it equally suited to urban commutes or weekend off-road outings.

The Escape is available in XLS, XLT or Limited trims with either front or four-wheel drive. The XLS features a 171-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The XLT and Limited trims feature the same 2.5-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 is an available upgrade on Limited models. Standard safety features include front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. AdvanceTrac stability control with anti-rollover technology, four-wheel ABS and tire pressure monitoring round-out the impressive list.

MSRP: $20,490 - $28,195
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy/19 mpg City

The Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover that is based on a car-like structure. It's also capable and versatile enough to compete with large truck based sport utility vehicles.

The Journey is available in many variations ranging from the entry front-wheel drive SE trim, all the way up to the sporty all-wheel drive R/T trim. A 173-hp 2.4-liter engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the SE trim. SXT and R/T models are powered by a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, traction control, and stability control.

MSRP: $21,545 - $27,745
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The five-passenger CR-V is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L. All trim levels are powered by a 180-hp 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The LX is equipped with 17-inch styled steel wheels, a CD player with MP3 capability and air conditioning. The EX adds alloy wheels, a power moonroof and a six-disc CD changer, while the EX-L is further outfitted with heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and satellite radio. Standard safety features on every CR-V include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitor.

MSRP: $21,500 - $27,810
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the compact SUVs that created the class. It has become bigger in recent years and includes more outstanding features that make it an even more useful family vehicle.

The RAV4 seats five and has an available third-row seat (that folds flat into the cargo floor) that increases its capacity to seven. The RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle, available in three trim levels: Base, Sport and Limited. All trims are available with either a new, more powerful 2.5-liter, 179-hp inline-4 and four-speed automatic transmission or a 3.5-liter, 269-hp V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. All V6 RAV4's come with Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control. All models are available with front-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive. Standard this year on all trims is an anti-theft system and front active headrests.

MSRP: $21,590 - $24,895
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg Hwy/16 mpg City

The Dodge Nitro comes in both a 4x2 and a 4x4 version, which can be had as either the SE or the SXT trim. Both trims come with a standard 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 260-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission is offered on the SXT trim. The Nitro's SE trim offers standard amenities such as power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, air conditioning and seating for five. The SLT adds alloy wheels, power driver's seat, cruise control and an overhead console with a trip computer, compass and exterior temperature display. Standard safety features include: front airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, traction and stability control with roll-over mitigation, brake assist, and a tire-pressure monitor.

MSRP: $23,070 - $26,890
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Mercury Mariner is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle with credentials that make it equally suited to urban commutes or weekend off-road outings. The Mariner is available in Base or Premier trims with either front or four-wheel drive. Both feature a 171-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. A 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 is an available upgrade. Standard safety features include front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. AdvanceTrac stability control with anti-rollover technology, four-wheel ABS and tire pressure monitoring round-out the impressive list.