13 Cars More Affordable Than A Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that has been struggling in its highly competitive segment. According to Toyota Motor Sales, this nameplate experienced a 37.1% fall in sales volume between 2024 and 2025, only selling around 56,208 units in 2025. The model's high price tag could be a major factor in its waning popularity, with Car and Driver reporting its starting 2026 MSRP ranges between $47,865 and $55,520.

If you're thinking twice about buying new, the long-running Highlander has plenty of pre-owned options as well. For instance, the 2022 base model starts at around $26,900 in 2026, per Kelley Blue Book (KBB). In addition to these upfront costs, Highlander owners are also looking at a projected $6,224 in maintenance and repair costs within the first 10 years of ownership, per CarEdge. While far from the most egregiously priced models on the market, there are more affordable options out there worth considering.

To help consumers better understand the full range of options, we found 13 cars more affordable than the Toyota Highlander. By comparing each new car's starting MSRP to the 2026 Highlander's, and doing the same with each used model's estimated starting price, we calculated the relative affordability of each car on this list. We also factored long-term upkeep costs into each of these calculations to provide a more realistic sense of what drivers can expect to save by opting for these models instead of a Highlander.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting MSRP of $36,650, according to Car and Driver, although more expensive trims can push this price to $51,000. Meanwhile, a 2022 model starts at around $17,900 in 2026, per KBB. Or, if you look back to 2020, you can buy the Santa Fe for under $15,000. Within the first decade of ownership, CarEdge estimates that Santa Fe owners will commit approximately $8,719 to general repairs and maintenance. Overall, this means a new Santa Fe is 13.9% more affordable than the Highlander and 22.43% more affordable on the pre-owned market.

In addition to offering a more cost-efficient deal, the Santa Fe is a solid match for the Highlander's spacious design with seven seats split between three rows. The model is recognized for its exterior aesthetic, upscale interior, and spacious cargo area. Plus, the 2026 front-wheel drive Santa Fe achieves 24 miles per gallon combined, per FuelEconomy.gov, which is right in line with the Highlander.

According to Car and Driver, the 2026 Kia Sorento has a starting MSRP of between $33,885 and $49,285, depending on trim level. At the same time, a pre-owned 2022 model starts around $19,500, per KBB. Over the first 10 years of ownership, CarEdge suggests that Sorento drivers budget $8,610 for routine maintenance and repairs. These upfront and long-term costs mean that a new Sorento is 19.08% cheaper than the Highlander, and 17.63% more affordable when buying used. In addition, the Sorento is one of the most affordable Kia cars for drivers on a budget.

The Kia Sorento is another spacious three-row SUV that comfortably seats between six and seven passengers. This well-designed nameplate offers a stylish interior and exterior, as well as smooth handling and decent fuel efficiency for its segment. FuelEconomy.gov reports that the baseline 2026 Kia Sorento gets 26 miles per gallon combined.

The 2026 Ford Escape has an entry-level MSRP of $31,845, although different trim upgrades can bump the price to $38,705, according to Car and Driver. At nearly half that price, the 2022 model starts at around $14,750, per KBB. CarEdge predicts that the average Escape owner spends $9,416 on general upkeep within the initial decade of routine driving. Looking at the combined upfront investments and prolonged ownership expenses, the Ford Escape is 20.76% cheaper than the Toyota Highlander when bought new, and you may find pre-owned models for around 30.7% less than used Highlanders.

The Ford Escape is a functional compact SUV with a roomy cabin, purpose-built engine, and a no-nonsense design. It comfortably seats five adults, with plenty of space in both rows. The 2026 baseline front-wheel drive option averages 30 miles per gallon combined, per FuelEconomy.gov, making it more fuel efficient than both the Highlander and the industry average of 28 miles per gallon. Notably, 2026 is the last production year for the Escape, so drivers interested in this American-made crossover may see its used pricing fluctuate throughout the late 2020s and early 2030s.

Per Car and Driver, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander's most accessible trim has an MSRP of $32,205, while the priciest model goes for $47,240. On the other hand, KBB reports that the used 2022 model has a starting price of around $17,600 in 2026. The Outlander's 10-year maintenance and repair costs add up to $7,838, according to CarEdge. When tallying up these varying expenses, the Mitsubishi Outlander undercuts the Highlander by 23.92% for those buying new, and by 25.5% when purchased used. However, you'll want to be especially cautious when seeking this car out on the pre-owned market, as the 2021 model is one of the worst used cars you can buy.

Don't be fooled by the Mitsubishi Outlander's classification as a compact SUV. This deceptively designed model features seven seats and three rows. On top of that, this cost-effective crossover features a quiet and comfortable ride. FuelEconomy.gov reports that the 2026 Outlander has a market-average fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon combined, which outperforms the Highlander.

The 2026 Honda CR-V has a starting MSRP of $32,370 and trim upgrades cap out at a price of $38,350, per Car and Driver. When looking on the pre-owned market, you may find a 2022 release for around $22,600 at its lowest price point, according to KBB. Looking toward long-term ownership costs, CarEdge estimates that the CR-V racks up around $7,636 in routine repair and maintenance costs over the initial decade of driving. Together, these costs place the Honda CR-V at 24.11% cheaper than the Toyota Highlander when bought new, and 10.18% cheaper when bought used.

Car and Driver ranks the CR-V as the top compact SUV available on the market in 2026. Even with the label of compact crossover, this nameplate easily seats five passengers. While a master at daily commutes, the CR-V is more than capable of long drives, with specially designed seats to minimize driver fatigue. Per FuelEconomy.gov, the 2026 Honda CR-V's fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon combined outranks both the Highlander and the market norm, saving owners cash on fuel as well as upfront costs and maintenance expenses.

Per Car and Driver, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson's lowest-cost trim has an MSRP of $31,050. However, upgraded trims can increase the cost to $42,525. According to KBB, pre-owned 2022 base models have a fair purchase price of $16,600. Over the first 10 years of ownership and routine driving, the average Tucson driver will face $8,560 in general repair and maintenance costs, per CarEdge. In combination, these comparative costs mean that a new Hyundai Tucson is 24.23% cheaper than a new Highlander, and 26.92% more affordable used. With moderate upfront and long-term costs, along with capable performance, the Tucson is one of the best Hyundai cars for retirees.

The Tucson isn't designed to knock your socks off, but it excels at the essentials. The cabin is well-designed with an upscale feel and spacious layout that accommodates five passengers. In fact, this model offers more room than many of its counterparts. The Tucson also offers a reliable driving experience with responsive handling and predictable steering. Additionally, this nameplate also comes with robust fuel efficiency for its segment: FuelEconomy.gov reports that the 2026 model gets 28 miles per gallon combined, beating out the Highlander.

The Toyota RAV4 was the No. 3 best-selling vehicle and the highest-selling SUV in 2025, moving nearly 479,288 units, according to KBB. One of the most appealing features of the 2026 RAV4 is its manageable starting MSRP of $33,495, although some trims can reach $50,095, as reported by Car and Driver. In comparison, a 2022 pre-owned model has a starting fair purchase price of $24,300 for its most affordable trim, per KBB. CarEdge predicts that the typical RAV4 owner will spend approximately $6,004 within the first decade of routine driving on general maintenance. These long-term upkeep costs aren't the worst on the market, but there are many cars with lower repair costs than the Toyota RAV4. If you're buying new, the RAV4 can save you 26.05% compared to the Toyota Highlander. These comparative savings fall to 8.75% on the used market.

As one of the top-selling models in the market, the RAV4 offers some compelling features that justify its reputation. This compact SUV comes standard with a hybrid engine, which is fairly unique for its class. It comfortably seats five adults while leaving sufficient room in the cargo hold, and the engine design offers a smooth ride and responsive handling. This hybrid-only model gets a whopping 43 miles per gallon combined, according to FuelEconomy.gov, placing it far ahead of both the average vehicle and the Highlander in terms of fuel efficiency.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek features a starting MSRP of $28,445, with higher-cost trims topping out at $35,245, as reported by Car and Driver. Meanwhile, the 2022 release has a starting fair purchase price of $19,050, according to KBB. Due to Subaru's tendency for higher repair costs, Crosstrek owners can anticipate spending around $8,459 within the first 10 years on general upkeep, as calculated by CarEdge. Overall, these prices show that a new Crosstrek could beat out the Highlander by 29.1%, while you may find used Crosstreks for around 19.42% less than pre-owned Highlanders. In addition to offering a more affordable entry point, the Crosstrek is more dependable than the Highlander.

This niche favorite among Subaru enthusiasts emphasizes practicality and functionality over raw performance or engine power, and its built-in all-wheel drive across trim types gives drivers plenty of traction. This is especially helpful when taking the Crosstrek off the road, an experience many competing subcompact SUVs fail to deliver. Additionally, this SUV doesn't take the same fuel efficiency hit as the Highlander: FuelEconomy.gov reports that the 2026 Crosstrek gets 29 miles per gallon combined, helping owners save on gas compared to the market average.

The Mazda CX-30 isn't quite as popular as other SUVs, but it costs less to own than the Honda CR-V and other top-selling nameplates. Car and Driver reports that this model's starting MSRP is $27,870, with upgraded trims reaching up to $39,395. Furthermore, KBB indicates that a pre-owned 2022 release has a starting price of $18,850. In addition to these upfront costs, the CX-30 tends to come with a 10-year upkeep cost of $7,837, according to CarEdge. When calculating these initial and prolonged costs, the Mazda CX-30 beats out the Toyota Highlander by 31.62% when bought brand new and 21.55% when bought used.

While officially classified as a subcompact SUV, the CX-30 carries dimensions similar to those of a standard sedan. Although this limits head and legroom in the rear seat, it makes for sportier and more agile handling. And even if the backseat is a little snug, the CX-30 does still fit five people in total and the interior has an upscale feel that you're unlikely to find in other cars at this price point. All-wheel drive comes standard for the CX-30, similar to the Highlander, but without the associated costs. FuelEconomy.gov suggests that the 2026x CX-30 gets 27 miles per gallon in its baseline trim, falling shy of the market standard, yet still outperforming the Highlander.

Car and Driver indicates that the 2026 Honda HR-V, a slightly more compact version of the CR-V, features an entry-level trim that costs $27,950. Even its most expensive trim is more affordable than many competitors, with an MSRP of $33,300. For those in search of a still more affordable deal, a pre-owned 2022 version has a starting fair purchase price of approximately $19,500, as reported by KBB. Finally, the HR-V's maintenance and repair costs usually tally up to $7,479 over the first 10 years of ownership, according to CarEdge. Collectively, these upfront costs and prolonged upkeep expenses make the HR-V 32.34% cheaper than a new Toyota Highlander and 20.36% more affordable than a used version. With a manageable MSRP, reasonable upkeep costs, and stellar fuel economy, the HR-V is one of the best Honda cars for retirees by far.

Borrowing some of the best elements of its larger CR-V cousin, the Honda HR-V offers a suite of built-in driving assist features, a roomy cabin, reliable handling, and an overall comfortable ride. Well-designed suspension makes for a smooth driving experience, making the HR-V great for everything from daily errands to long hauls. The main tradeoffs you'll experience opting for the HR-V over the CR-V are slight hits to its engine output and fuel economy. However, the HR-V still gets 28 miles per gallon combined, according to FuelEconomy.gov, so it still outperforms the Highlander in that regard.

The Chevrolet Trax is among the best-selling and most reliable cars, making its cost-effective price point even more appealing. Car and Driver reports that this model comes with a starting MSRP of $23,495 and a top-line cost of $27,195. At the same time, a pre-owned 2022 version has a starting fair purchase price of $15,100, according to KBB. CarEdge projects that a Trax owner will spend approximately $9,000 on repairs and maintenance within the initial decade of driving. Altogether, these upfront and prolonged costs place the Chevrolet Trax 36.59% more affordable than the Toyota Highlander on the new market and 30.6% cheaper on the used market.

This subcompact SUV may sacrifice a bit of size compared to larger competitors within its segment, but it doesn't compromise on quality or performance. The Trax offers budget-aware buyers solid value for a reasonable price tag. This nameplate features a stylish exterior design and a big-for-its-size cabin, which can comfortably fit five passengers with plenty of room for cargo. Perhaps the most appealing perks of the Trax revolve around its responsive handling, smooth steering, and quiet ride. On top of those advantages, the Trax also beats out the average vehicle with a fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon combined, according to FuelEconomy.gov.

The 2026 Nissan Kicks proves you can still buy high-quality vehicles new for $30,000 or less. The entry-level trim costs around $24,275, while the priciest variant tops out at $30,005, according to Car and Driver. For budget-conscious drivers, the used 2022 model has a starting price of $14,600, per KBB. Meanwhile, CarEdge estimates that the average owner commits $7,791 to general upkeep on this model within the first 10 years they drive it. If you're buying the Nissan Kicks new, you'll save 38.12% compared to the Highlander. The savings aren't much different on the used market, with the pre-owned Kicks undercutting the Toyota SUV by 35.09%. However, the Nissan Kicks' appeal over Toyotas doesn't stop there: This is one of a handful of vehicles more reliable than the Toyota Tacoma, which boasts high dependability on its own.

The exterior design of the Nissan Kicks is a statement piece marked by bright colors, sharp lines, and a sloped roof. Despite its miniature appearance, this subcompact SUV has a five-seat, reasonably sized cabin. The modern and comfortable feel makes driving a pleasant experience, which is only emphasised by the Kicks' responsive steering. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the Nissan Kicks gets 31 miles per gallon combined, putting it far above both the Toyota Highlander and the average vehicle in terms of fuel efficiency and its associated savings.

The Hyundai Venue is one of the cheapest and best cars money can buy. The starting MSRP for the 2026 model is just $22,150, and the costliest trim is $24,425, per Car and Driver. KBB indicates that the fair purchase price of the most affordable pre-owned 2022 model is $14,850. In addition to these upfront costs, Venue owners usually spend $8,303 on general repairs and maintenance across the initial decade of routine driving, according to CarEdge. This makes the Hyundai Venue 40.65% cheaper than the Toyota Highlander when bought new and 33.07% more affordable when bought used.

You'd be mistaken to assume that the Venue pulls punches on performance or practicality due to its lower cost. While having a smaller footprint than many subcompact SUVs, this nameplate still seats five passengers in an intelligently designed cabin that leaves plenty of space for your belongings. The Venue's small stature also helps it deliver an agile performance, responsive handling, and a smooth ride overall. FuelEconomy.gov reports that the Venue averages 31 miles per gallon combined, which could help drivers access potentially stellar savings on fuel compared to the Highlander and the market standard.