Cheapest new cars for 2025: The lowest-cost conveyances for a new ride
Even the cheapest new cars are better than they’ve ever been before, and (using an expansive definition of the word “cars”) this includes options in the sedan, hatchback and crossover SUV form factor. For less than $25,000, you can get a subcompact or compact vehicle with a practical amount of space, good gas mileage and in many cases excellent driver assistance systems. Safety, comfort and longevity have likely never been better in cheap vehicles than with these affordable runabouts.
12. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | $24,790
As the cheapest SUV in the Chevrolet lineup, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer attempts to provide Chevy loyalists with a value proposition — and this subcompact crossover SUV only partially delivers. It looks great and offers a ton of interior space for the price point. Its base barely-more-than-a-liter I-3 engine is lethargic, and the cabin is loud, but at least fuel economy is decent. If you have the money to option the hands-free liftgate or panoramic roof, those upgrades add appeal, but better all-around options exist for less money.
12. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Playful styling
- Spacious interior
- Optional niceties
Cons
- Lethargic launches
- Loud cabin
- Underused space around driver screen
- Price: $24,395
- Base Engine: 1.2L 137-hp/162-lb-ft I-3
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 30/31 mpg
- Cargo Capacity (rear seats up/down): 25.3/54.4 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 40.9 inches
- Rear Legroom: 39.4 inches
11. 2025 Subaru Impreza | $24,665
As per normal, the 2025 Subaru Impreza does things somewhat differently. Standard all-wheel drive, a horizontally opposed H-4, and no available sedan version — the hatchback is the only body style — differentiate the Impreza from its compact car rivals. Pricing is somewhat higher than those rivals, such as the Corolla and Mazda3, but not enough to detract from the value of standard AWD. Despite its inherent quirkiness, the Impreza doesn’t have the sportiness of the Mazda or fuel economy of the Toyota. All that said, it offers a solid amount of space and great practicality for the segment.
11. 2025 Subaru Impreza | Pros and Cons
- Price: $24,665
- Base Engine: 2.0L 152-hp/145-lb-ft H-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 27/34 mpg
- Cargo Capacity: 20.4 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 42.9 inches
- Rear Legroom: 36.5 inches
10. 2025 Toyota Corolla | $23,310
Somewhat cramped but incredibly efficient, the 2025 Toyota Corolla understands the cheapest car assignment. Not just affordable to buy but highly economical to run, the Corolla is the cheapest car Toyota builds and also one of the best value propositions. But while the Corolla might make plenty of sense intellectually, the non-GR variants don’t exactly stir the soul. It’s comfortable in the front row and will get you where you need to go without fail and without draining your wallet, but don’t expect the base model to put a smile on your face.
10. 2025 Toyota Corolla | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sedan and hatchback body styles
- Comfy ride, plush seats
Cons
- Feels cramped inside
- Dated tech
- Price: $23,310
- Base Engine: 2.0L 169-hp/151-lb-ft I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 32/41 mpg
- Cargo Capacity: 17.8 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 42.0 inches
- Rear Legroom: 29.9 inches
9. 2025 Nissan Kicks | $23,220
Newly redesigned, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is the least expensive SUV Nissan makes. The updates are massive, making an ugly duckling into a looker with a better engine and more spacious interior. It comes standard with a range of active driver assists, as well, though that’s about the only feature the base Kicks delivers. Like other small “SUVs,” its compares less than favorably with the best hatchbacks in most metrics, including gas mileage and cargo space. That said, for the those who prefer a slightly higher seating position than a typical car, the Kicks is a genuine competitor.
9. 2025 Nissan Kicks | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cool exterior design
- New stronger engine; available AWD
- Many standard driver aids
Cons
- Base model is light on features
- No hybrid powertrain
- Tough competition in the segment
- Price: $23,220
- Base Engine: 2.0L 141-hp/140-lb-ft I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 31/36 mpg
- Cargo Capacity (rear seats up/down): 30.0/60.0 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 42.7 inches
- Rear Legroom: 34.5 inches
8. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta | $23,220
You win some and lose some with the mildly updated 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, which offers new bodywork but returns worse fuel economy than before. That said, this is still an affordable sedan that returns up to 42 mpg on the highway, offers a spacious back seat and has a reasonable amount of trunk space. Unfortunately, the Jetta’s pricing isn’t competitive enough among its compact competitors, and its driving dynamics are notably worse than much of the segment. The hotted-up (and more expensive) GLI certainly fixes that, but the best that can be said for this refreshed base car is that the new interior materials are indeed a step up.
8. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Refreshed styling, tech offerings
- Spacious back seat and trunk
- Affordable price
Cons
- Manual transmission only on GLI
- No increase in power
- Poorer fuel economy than before
- Price: $23,220
- Base Engine: 1.5L 158-hp/184-lb-ft turbo I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 29/42 mpg
- Cargo Capacity: 14.1 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 41.1 inches
- Rear Legroom: 37.4 inches
7. 2025 Kia K4 | $23,145
Fresh on the scene and ready to replace the aging Forte, the 2025 Kia K4 matches bold looks with a well-worn powertrain. The cheapest car Kia makes now no longer looks so cheap, though its dynamics and performance don’t quite live up to the snazzy bodywork. At least it has a generous amount of interior space and cargo room. There’s also reportedly a hatchback version on the way. For now, though, it slots in as the compact with more room than a Corolla but not quite the same driving ability as the Civic.
7. 2025 Kia K4 | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Edgy, audacious styling
- Promises ample interior space
- Available big-screen tech
Cons
- Weak engine on most models
- Trying to find the rear door handles
- Better than Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla?
- Price: $23,145
- Base Engine: 2.0L 147-hp/132-lb-ft Atkinson I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 30/40 mpg
- Cargo Capacity: 14.6 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 42.3 inches
- Rear Legroom: 38.0 inches
6. 2025 Hyundai Elantra | $23,025
Outwardly, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra looks nothing like the mechanically related Kia K4, though it maintains the same impressive interior dimensions for its small footprint. Yet another compact sedan for a very budget-friendly price, the Elantra gets a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS while maintaining a more audacious look than the Civic and better fuel economy than the Impreza. Like its K4 cousin, the Elantra is cheapest car its brand makes, so it offers excellent value for the budget.
6. 2025 Hyundai Elantra | Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lots of features for the money
- Great safety scores, features
Cons
- Gritty, slow standard engine
- Some evident cost-cutting
- The Honda Civic is still better
- Price: $23,025
- Base Engine: 2.0L 147-hp/132-lb-ft I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 32/41 mpg
- Cargo Capacity: 14.2 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 42.3 inches
- Rear Legroom: 38.0 inches
5. 2025 Nissan Sentra | $22,730
The cheapest compact sedan on the market is the 2025 Nissan Sentra, though only by a hair. The problem is that while cheaper than vehicles like the Elantra, under the skin the Sentra doesn’t quite keep up. Handling is "meh", and so too are the underwhelming safety ratings. Rear passengers will feel the squeeze, unlike the more spacious second rows of rivals. The Sentra looks much more upscale than it is, and fuel economy remains good, but for roughly $23,000 there are options that give you more bang for your buck.
5. 2025 Nissan Sentra | Pros and Cons
- Price: $22,730
- Base Engine: 2.0L 149-hp/146-lb-ft I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 30/40 mpg
- Cargo Capacity: 14.3 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 44.0 inches
- Rear Legroom: 34.9 inches
4. 2025 Hyundai Venue | $21,795 (est)
Back in the subcompact SUV world, the cheapest SUV Hyundai builds is the 2025 Hyundai Venue — which is a carryover from the 2024 model we’ve spent some time in. Unfortunately, it feels like one of the cheapest cars on the market, though it perhaps doesn’t look like one. The 1.6-liter engine barely gets the Venue out of its own way, while interior plastics are clearly from the bottom of the barrel. It’s also very small inside indeed. While that small footprint makes it easier to navigate in tight spaces, there are better options for roughly the same price.
4. 2025 Hyundai Venue | Pros and Cons
- Price: $21,135 (2024)
- Base Engine: 1.6L 121-hp/113-lb-ft I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 29/33 mpg
- Cargo Capacity (rear seats up/down): 18.7/31.9 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 41.3 inches
- Rear Legroom: 34.3 inches
3. 2025 Kia Soul | $21,665
Although the Venue feels very cheap inside, the cheapest Kia — the 2025 Kia Soul — has plenty of space, endearing design and surprisingly pleasant driving dynamics. Like its hatchback ancestors, the Soul has a surprising amount of interior volume for its diminutive footprint, and in general it provides great value for its sub-$22,000 price. All that said, the base engine is only somewhat quicker than the sluggish Venue — just enough to make merging a nonevent. If you’re not buying a cheap car for its engine or all-wheel-drive (the Soul is front-drive only) but rather for space and style, the Soul is a solid option.
3. 2025 Kia Soul | Pros and Cons
- Price: $21,315
- Base Engine: 2.0L 147-hp/132-lb-ft I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 27/33 mpg
- Cargo Capacity (rear seats up/down): 24.2/62.1 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 41.1 inches
- Rear Legroom: 38.8 inches
2. 2025 Chevrolet Trax | $21,495
With a glow-up like few vehicles ever receive, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax is no longer a dowdy little egg. More shapely and sleeker than before, the Trax is now front-drive only, making it more like a raised hatchback than a true crossover, much like its Kia Soul competitor. That said, on upper trims it still looks SUV-ish with some choice styling cues. Considering its extremely low entry pricing, the Trax drives well, though don’t expect anything approaching sportiness. It’s 1.2-liter base engine can get it going, if only just, but fuel economy lags behind the best in the segment. Interior space isn’t bad, and like in most new vehicles, Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay are standard.
2. 2025 Chevrolet Trax | Pros and Cons
- Price: $21,495
- Base Engine: 1.2L 137-hp/162-lb-ft I-3
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 28/32 mpg
- Cargo Capacity (rear seats up/down): 25.6/54.1 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 49.1 inches
- Rear Legroom: 38.7 inches
1. 2025 Nissan Versa S (Manual) | $18,330
The cheapest car available for 2025 is still a sedan, for now: the 2025 Nissan Versa S with a manual transmission. The Versa is not only the cheapest new car you can purchase by some margin, but it’s also the last subcompact sedan left standing and the last with a manual transmission (a five-speed at that). The capable Kia Rio and often-maligned Mitsubishi Mirage used to compete with the Versa for the hardest-earned dollars of the motoring public, but they’ve both gone extinct. The Versa is basic indeed, but that doesn’t stop us from liking it (something we couldn’t say for all its former competitors). Fuel economy isn’t bad at all, it has a sizable trunk for a subcompact sedan, and it’s more car than its $18,000 price point suggests. It’s even rather comfortable. Just don’t expect it to be quick or quiet.
1. 2025 Nissan Versa S (Manual) | Pros and Cons
- Price: $18,330
- Base Engine1.6L 122-hp/114-lb-ft I-4
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 27/35 mpg
- Cargo Capacity: 14.7 cubic feet
- Front Legroom: 44.5 inches
- Rear Legroom: 31.0 inches
Cheapest new cars for 2025
- 1.2025 Nissan Versa S (Manual) | $18,330
- 2.2025 Chevrolet Trax | $21,495
- 3.2025 Kia Soul | $21,665
- 4.2025 Hyundai Venue | $21,795 (est)
- 5.2025 Nissan Sentra | $22,730
- 6.2025 Hyundai Elantra | $23,025
- 7.2025 Kia K4 | $23,145
- 8.2025 Volkswagen Jetta | $23,220
- 9.2025 Nissan Kicks |$23,220
- 10.2025 Toyota Corolla | $23,310
- 11.2025 Subaru Impreza | $24,665
- 12.2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | $24,790
Cheapest new cars for 2024
Average car prices continue to be up across the board, and even the least expensive vehicles are inching upward in price, though there's still plenty of value at the low end of the new car market. Compact cars like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 offer as much car as most will need and, with a few options, can make more expensive alternatives seem superfluous. Even subcompact cars are classing up these days without much of a price jump, such as the newly updated Nissan Versa's sharp styling. There are also the truly bare-bones options, as evidenced by the least expensive subcompacts, though we're normally much quicker to recommend the cheapest new cars at the top or middle of this list's price bracket than those at the very bottom, budget allowing.
10. 2024 Mazda 3 | $25,335
You'd be hard pressed to find another five-passenger vehicle on the market within $10,000 of the 2024 Mazda 3 that looks anywhere near as good as it does, inside and out. The Mazda 3's overall driving experience isn't bad, either, with the base car's 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four mill with 191 hp providing enough juice to keep things interesting. Although its rear seating is more cramped than most due in part to the car's sultry profile, its overall performance and available all-wheel drive help make the Mazda 3 a serious contender in a segment full of tough challengers.
9. 2024 Honda Civic | $25,045
More mature than previous-generation models, the 2024 Honda Civic still drives excellently and brings a substantial value proposition, especially in terms of safety, though many of the Civic's best features are reserved for higher-spec models. Even so, the base Civic delivers great bang for the buck, that is if you can live with the car's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 158 hp. Yes, it delivers up to 40 mpg on the highway, but it barely manages a 9.2-second 0-60 time, meaning those looking for reasonable straight-line performance will need to opt for the 1.5-liter turbo engine.
8. 2024 Subaru Impreza | $24,115
Personality trumps looks when it comes to the 2024 Subaru Impreza. Pretty it isn't, but the plucky Subaru has genuinely great handling, and as with all Subarus, all-wheel drive comes standard. Despite its well-sorted chassis and suspension, calling the Impreza (or even its rebooted RS trim) "sporty" is a bridge too far. The Subaru's CVT just doesn't cut it as an athletic transmission, and the Impreza's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four base engine with 152 horsepower is still firmly in the slow-but-not-unsafely-so category.
7. 2024 Toyota Corolla | $22,995
A perennial favorite for melding cheap with cheerful, the 2024 Toyota Corolla comes in sedan or hatchback body styles and combines impressive interior space with solid safety ratings. The downsides include interior materials and driving dynamics that trail those of the Civic, though the base Corolla, which is powered by 169-hp 2.0-liter I-4 and CVT combo, is noticeably quicker than other base compact cars, thanks in large part to its power and lighter weight. The Corolla can get truly wild thanks to the turbocharged, manual, all-wheel-drive GR Corolla at the top of the lineup. But if good looks, reliability and affordability is the point, a base Corolla or Corolla Hybrid will perform admirably.
6. 2024 Volkswagen Jetta | $22,585
Anonymous styling and good mpg are among the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta's defining attributes. The Volkswagen compact sedan is inexpensive to a fault before options, though unfortunately this is more a case of a car stripped of features to achieve a price point. Ride and handling are far from ideal, the interior feels cheaper than it is, and any engagement gleaned from the Jetta's available manual transmission can be lost thanks to its uncommunicative steering. While the chassis and interior leave much to be desired, the base Jetta's 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 producing 158 hp gets it moving quicker than its rivals while using less fuel. At the top of the range, however, the Jetta GLI is one of the better sport compacts going. (Note: A 2023 Jetta is pictured.)
5. 2024 Hyundai Elantra | $22,065
Arguably one of the best bang-for-buck vehicles of any type, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra easily trades blows with the Civic and Corolla as equals, for less. Spacious, fuel-sipping and a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Elantra gets better looks for the 2024 model year while remaining the best budget pick of the compact car segment. The base Elantra, which is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four producing 147 hp mated to a CVT, certainly has plenty of feature advantages over similarly priced rivals. That advantage continues as you climb the trim ladder, with the high-performance Elantra N beating a slew of more expensive sport compacts.
4. 2024 Nissan Sentra | $21,295
If you're looking for a good deal on a solid entry-level car, then you'd be well advised to give the newly refreshed 2024 Nissan Sentra a closer look. While it's not quite the match of the leaders in the segment in certain areas, it features attractive exterior styling, top-rated mpg figures and copious interior space, all for a price that's a couple thousand less. On the downside, a poky power-to-weight ratio means the Sentra's 2.0-liter inline-four engine developing 149 hp will likely have a hard time getting it properly motivated, and AWD is not available for any trim.
3. 2024 Kia Forte | $20,915
The cheapest compact car you can get is the 2024 Kia Forte, whose simplicity could easily be considered an asset. The base Forte is basic indeed and is saddled with a somewhat unrefined CVT and less than stellar safety scores. The Forte makes up for it in important areas, namely the impressive fuel economy from its 2.0-liter I-4 producing 147 hp, though that engine doesn't exactly do a stellar job motivating the base car. But at the top of the ladder, the genuinely fun Forte GT makes up for it with a lively powertrain and a plethora of features at a lower price than much of the competition.
2. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage | $18,110
Now the second-cheapest vehicle on the market, the subcompact 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage resorted to trickery and still wound up off the top of the cheapest car podium. The Mirage's base price doesn't include two mandatory options, the $165 "Welcome Package" and $155 tonneau cover. As one might expect from a car where even the owner's manual is technically an optional extra, the Mirage is the barest definition of basic for a 2024 automobile. Despite weighing practically half of what the average 2024 vehicle does, its driving dynamics are less than ideal, to put it mildly, safety is marginal and performance is negligible. Even when factoring in how inexpensive the Mirage is, its negatives are substantial.
1. 2024 Nissan Versa | $17,405
The car that humbled the exceedingly basic Mirage for the title of cheapest new car is the 2024 Nissan Versa. Beating the Mirage in every aspect besides fuel economy, the Versa still manages to be cheaper. We don't hold the Nissan in the same regard as the discontinued-for-2024 Kia Rio, but it is effectively the last remaining cheap subcompact car as the market trends more expensive. Fuel economy isn't bad at all, its 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-four that develops 122 hp is relatively refined (the cheapest model gets a five-speed manual transmission or available CVT), the ride is somewhat comfortable, and it has ample cargo space for its size. Road noise can be an issue in the cabin, and quick isn't in the Versa's vocabulary, but solid safety ratings and the lowest base price on the market make the cheapest car you can buy a solid option.
Cheapest new cars for 2024
- 2024 Nissan Versa | $17,405
- 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage | $18,110
- 2024 Kia Forte | $20,915
- 2024 Nissan Sentra | $21,295
- 2024 Hyundai Elantra | $22,065
- 2024 Volkswagen Jetta | $22,585
- 2024 Toyota Corolla | $22,995
- 2024 Subaru Impreza | $24,115
- 2024 Honda Civic | $25,045
- 2024 Mazda 3 | $25,335
Cheapest new cars for 2023
The low end of the new car market potentially makes more sense now than it ever has before. The rapid progression of technology means that features once exclusively found in the upper tier of luxury cars and SUVs have now become standard selling points of sub-$30,000 vehicles. And while there's still a tradeoff between the lower cost of a used vehicle and the modern technology and fresh experience of a new car, if you've decided on a vehicle with that wonderful new car smell, it's easy to find one flush with features and style for less cash than the average new car.
Here we'll go through the cheapest new cars currently available and showcase just how far your car payment can go if you know what models to look for. Beyond the base price, or MSRP, we'll also be using our MotorTrend Fair Market Price (powered by IntelliChoice), which is a thoroughly researched metric of what you're likely to actually pay after negotiations. While the Fair Market Price is an approximation, including factors such as dealer inventory to bargaining skills, it does include destination, taxes and fees. Let's see what car you can get for not a lot of money.
10. 2023 Honda Civic Sport Sedan | $27,444
The benchmark for inexpensive motoring for over half a century, the Honda Civic remains the standard by which affordable cars tend to be judged. The current generation of Civic is noticeably more mature than its predecessor in terms of styling, and in general has the feel of a larger and more upmarket car. The base trim offers up to 37 mpg, with a solid 2.0-liter four cylinder.
2023 Honda Civic Sport Sedan: Pros and Cons
- Base MSRP: $24,650
- Available Engines: 2.0L inline-4 (158 hp, 138 lb-ft)
- Fuel Economy: 30 / 37 mpg
9. 2023 MINI Hardtop Classic | $26,270
Larger than Minis of the past, yet still fun to toss around a back road, the Mini Hardtop continues to define the modern Mini brand. The Mini's sporty character comes from its light 2,625-pound curb weight, rather than the comparatively low power three-cylinder turbocharged engine that motivates it. That light weight makes the Mini Hardtop a serious contender for the sportiest vehicle on this list of inexpensive cars, yet it doesn't lack practicality or technology.
2023 MINI Hardtop Classic: Pros and Cons
- Base MSRP: $26,270
- Available Engines: 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo (134 hp and 162 lb-ft), 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo (189 hp and 206 lb-ft to 228hp and 236 lb-ft)
- Fuel Economy: 27 / 37 mpg
8. 2023 Mazda Mazda3 S Sedan | $25,901
Cheap doesn't mean boring when it comes to affordable cars, nor does it mean unfashionable. The Mazda3 offers a chic exterior and an interior that feels noticeably upscale, especially for one of the most affordable cars currently available. That said, the competition has been catching up in recent years, and the attention Mazda paid to the interior no longer makes it stand out as much as before. This budget beauty's gas mileage also lags behind the pack, but if style is a priority for you, the Mazda3 is a great option.
2023 Mazda Mazda3 S Sedan: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sharp exterior styling
- Upscale-feeling cabin
- Available AWD
Cons
- Cramped second-row seating
- Improved mileage still not great
- Base MSRP: $22,550
- Available Engines:2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (191 hp and 186 lb-ft), 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-fours (227 hp/ 310 lb-ft on regular and 250 hp /320 lb-ft on premium)
- Fuel Economy: 26 / 36 mpg
7. 2023 Toyota Corolla LE Sedan | $23,816
The only name with the same staying power as Civic, Corollas have shown that affordable cars can be great for decades. With a reputation for dependability, the Corolla is budget friendly in a number of ways, from its low base price to good longevity and excellent economy. The Corolla is a good driving car in general, with excellent practicality and surprisingly sporty looks. That said, for real hot hatch performance you would need to spring for the much more expensive GR trims. Overall the Corolla is a solid overall package whose lowest price offers a seriously tempting value.
2023 Toyota Corolla LE Sedan: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excels as a comfortable and versatile daily driver
- Hybrid now available with AWD
- Strong feature-per-dollar value
Cons
- Not as refined as some compacts
- One step behind the Honda Civic
- Base MSRP: $21,550
- Available Engines: 2.0-liter four-cylinder (169hp and 151 lb-ft), 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid (134 hp total system output), 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo (300 hp and 273 lb-ft)
- Fuel Economy: 32 / 41 mpg
6. 2023 Hyundai Elantra SE Sedan | $24,295
Hyundai has had a rapid rise, now leading the industry in some ways, including in offering a compact sedan that is far more inexpensive than it looks. The Elantra's base price is substantially cheaper than other cars in its class, but this affordable machine offers plenty of interior room, super-modern styling and seriously impressive fuel economy. All that said, the Elantra is the first vehicle of this list that begins to show a real trade off in terms of what you pay for versus what you get. The Elantra's Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) is maddening, and the lower trim levels lack the performance of the higher end vehicles on this list. All that said, the Elantra offers a blend of aesthetics and cost effectiveness that many will find appealing.
2023 Hyundai Elantra SE Sedan: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Edgy, eye-catching styling
- Surprisingly roomy inside
- Impressive fuel economy
Cons
- Recalcitrant CVT automatic
- Some interior materials feel cheap
- Not as good as the Honda Civic
- Base MSRP: $20,500
- Available Engines: 2.0-liter inline-four (147-hp and 132-lb-ft), 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid (139 hp total system output) 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four (201-hp and 195 lb-ft), 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (276 hp and 289 lb-ft)
- Fuel Economy: 33 / 42 mpg
5. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta S (Manual) Sedan | $22,930
When most people think of the word "car," a shape just like the Jetta's conservative and businesslike silhouette appears. The Jetta isn't the car to turn to for flair, whether in terms of exotic styling or sporty handling, but the price is certainly right. Gifted with a large trunk and a wide range of standard features like a wi-fi network and Speech to Text, the Jetta offers a no-nonsense value proposition. A value proposition that genuinely makes sense for many buyers on a budget looking for solid and comfortable transportation.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta S (Manual) Sedan: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multitude of standard features
- Big trunk
- The sportier GLI variant
Cons
- Cabin\'s cheap-feeling plastics
- Lacks personality
- Doesn\'t drive as well as the Civic
- Base MSRP: $20,415
- Available Engines: 1.5-liter turbo inline-four (158 hp and 184 lb-ft), 2.0-liter turbo inline-four (228 hp and 258 lb-ft)
- Fuel Economy: 29 / 43 mpg
4. 2023 Subaru Impreza (Manual) Sedan | $22,700
The Impreza is no doubt a small inexpensive car with excellent safety ratings and features. However, the budget Subaru's underpinnings and interior are looking increasingly long in the tooth compared to other much more recently updated affordable cars. This especially true of the infotainment technology in general, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto do come standard. While the cabin and underlying bones of the vehicle haven't been updated in a while, this carries the positive side effect of the Impreza keeping some older features that many other compacts have dropped, like the manual transmission option. The Impreza is also highly spacious both front and rear, and all Imprezas come standard with all wheel drive. Some charms are timeless.
2023 Subaru Impreza (Manual) Sedan: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Standard AWD
- Strong safety ratings
- Still offered with a manual transmission
Cons
- Dated technology
- Unimpressive engine
- Dated cabin
- Base MSRP: $19,795
- Available Engines:2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder (152 hp and 145 lb-ft)
- Fuel Economy: 23 / 31 mpg
3. 2023 Kia Forte LX Sedan | $22,757
Kia has long produced some of the cheapest cars available on the new market, but these days that affordability is matched by quality. The Kia Forte might have a tiny base price, but it has a long list of standard features including CarPlay and Android Auto. A recent facelift keeps the Forte's exterior looking modern. The Forte might be among the cheapest cars on sale in the US, but has the same livability as much more expensive automobiles. If you have the means to go further up the options list, the Forte GT is among the sportiest cars available in its price range.
2023 Kia Forte LX Sedan: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Still-cheap exciting Forte GT trim
- Excellent fuel economy
- Base model has CarPlay and Android Auto
Cons
- Slow base engine
- Somewhat harsh suspension
- Available dual clutch gearbox unrefined in city driving
- Base MSRP: $19,490
- Available Engines: 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 hp and 132 ft-lb), 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 195 ft-lb)
- Fuel Economy: 30/40 mpg
2. 2023 Nissan Versa S | $15,730
The Versa gets a facelift for the 2023 model year, and with a fresh face comes a comparatively tiny price increase. Many other automakers have stopped producing subcompact cars entirely, focusing on more profitable (and expensive) vehicles. Not Nissan, who continue putting effort into the cheapest car in their lineup. The Versa has a solid set of standard features like remote keyless entry, automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning. But with cheapness comes compromise: The Versa offers less interior space than many of its competitors, and lots of great features require a step up the trim list — including adaptive cruise control and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The base model does, however, come with CarPlay and Android Auto.
2023 Nissan Versa S: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Still among the cheapest cars available
- Sharp updated looks
- Base model has CarPlay and Android Auto
Cons
- Less rear legroom than competition
- Slightly increased price
- Estimated Base MSRP: $15,880
- Available Engines: 1.6-liter four-cylinder (122 hp)
- Fuel Economy: 32/40 mpg
1. 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES Hatchback | $18,780
The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is a throwback to an era where "no-frills subcompact" really meant no-frills subcompact. If we're being charitable, it nails the brief for being unapologetically spartan.
There are modern touches, like a backup camera and a color touchscreen, but the former is now mandated by law and the latter is necessary to make the former useful. One significant positive of the Mirage is the diminutive hatchback's incredibly light weight, at a thousand pounds lighter than some of the other cars on this list. While the equally tiny engine and less than impressive brakes and suspension aren't enough to make the Mirage much fun to drive, it does mean that even the low-tech 1.2-liter three cylinder can provide upwards of 40 mpg easily. For those looking for the lowest priced new car, that metric might be the most important of all.
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES Hatchback: Pros and Cons
Pros
- The cheapest car you can get new
- Extremely light weight
Cons
- Less refined than competition
- Uninspiring driving dynamics
- Base MSRP: $16,245
- Available Engines: three-cylinder 1.2-liter (78 hp and 74 ft-lb)
- Fuel Economy: 36/43 mpg
The cheapest new cars for 2023
- 2023 Honda Civic Sport Sedan: Base Price $24,650
- 2023 MINI Hardtop Classic 2-Door Hatchback: Base Price $23,400
- 2023 Mazda Mazda3 S Sedan: Base Price $22,550
- 2023 Toyota Corolla LE Sedan: Base Price $21,550
- 2023 Hyundai Elantra SE Sedan: Base Price $20,500
- 2023 Volkswagen Jetta S (Manual) Sedan: Base Price $20,415
- 2023 Subaru Impreza (Manual) Sedan: Base Price $19,795
- 2023 Kia Forte LX Sedan: Base Price $19,490
- 2023 Nissan Versa S: Base Price Estimate $15,880
- 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES Hatchback: Base Price $16,245
Cheapest new cars for 2022
If affordability is your priority in a new vehicle, cars — as opposed to trucks or SUVs — are your best option, especially in 2022, the year of sky-high transaction prices and limited inventory. The popularity of trucks, SUVs and crossovers has tied these vehicles’ prices to their heights, meaning even the cheapest SUVs are pricier than equivalent entry-level cars, with huge buyer demand pushing real-world prices even higher. Yet while shoppers eyeing the cheap end of the car market today may not find anything with SUV’s adventurous image, they'll miss out on little else. That's because inexpensive modern cars are still modern cars, equipped in many cases with the latest safety gear and comfort and entertainment features. While some cheap cars are tiny subcompacts, others are usefully sized compacts.
So read on for the 10 cheapest cars you can buy in 2022, listed here in descending order, from most to least expensive. Once you're done, be sure to check out our Ultimate Car Rankings, covering the subcompact and compact segments represented here.
11. 2022 Toyota Corolla | $21,200
Wait, didn’t we just say this list covered the 10 cheapest new cars you can buy? It does — but we’ve included an 11th option for two reasons. First, the least expensive Toyota Corolla you can buy is just $10 more than the next-cheapest car; second, the overall cheapest option on this list is being discontinued halfway through 2022, and once that happens, the Corolla becomes the 10th-cheapest new car in America. So, what do you get with the least expensive Corolla, the Corolla L? Surprisingly, much more than the venerated Corolla nameplate and its reputation as reliable no-frills transportation. There are standard LED headlights and taillights, an automatic transmission and even Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 active safety suite, which includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking and lane departure warning.
10. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta | $21,190
Looking for a roomy compact sedan with mature (though not sporty) big-car driving manners and not much else? You're looking at it. The Volkswagen Jetta delivers decent value, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full-LED headlights and taillights and 16-inch aluminum wheels for just over $21,000 (prices are up nearly $2,000 relative to 2021). That said, a refresh for 2022 failed to inject much pizazz into this bland four-door, despite that update including an all-new engine.
9. 2022 Hyundai Elantra | $20,995
Even at its $20,995 base price, the all-new-last-year Hyundai Elantra will look like a showstopper. Okay, so it'll ride on smaller, plainer wheels than the models you'll see in flashy ads and in reviews elsewhere on this site, but the broad strokes — or should we say broad slashes — will be there. Hyundai's style roll continues, with the new Elantra picking up some of the larger Sonata's adventurousness but with a harder, sharper edge to the look. Inside, the compact Hyundai sedan has a techy but upscale style, and standard equipment is generous. Even the entry-level model gets blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an automatic transmission.
8. 2022 Nissan Sentra | $20,635
Nissan's Sentra has made a stunning turnaround, with its 2020 redesign handily erasing the underwhelming previous generation from our collective memory. Gone are the dowdy styling, cheap interior and stumbly handling. In their place are snappy new duds inside and out, and an altogether transformed driving experience. So improved is the Sentra that it elbowed its way into the finalists' circle during our 2021 Car of the Year competition — and considering the Mercedes-Benz E-Class ultimately won, the Nissan was among heady company. The fact that the Sentra is one of the most affordable cars on the market is merely a bonus.
7. 2022 Kia Forte | $20,115
As with most compact sedans these days, the Kia Forte comes standard with a litany of active safety features, including automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and forward collision warning. Automatic headlights are also in the mix, along with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, remote keyless entry, and power locks and windows. The price has jumped a little over a thousand dollars relative to last year, but that’s because the Forte was updated with fresher styling and more features for 2022.
6. 2022 Subaru Impreza Sedan | $19,790
Meet the cheapest all-wheel-drive car on this list, the Subaru Impreza. Of course, it’s also the only all-wheel-drive car on this list, but the feature is standard even at the Impreza's sub-$20,000 starting price. That MSRP covers the Impreza sedan; a hatchback model is available for slightly more money. Every Impreza also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and if you opt for the $1,300 automatic transmission option, Subie throws in its EyeSight active safety features, too. That translates to adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automated emergency braking and lane departure warning.
5. 2022 Hyundai Accent | $17,690
The entry-level Hyundai Accent is unexpectedly good even though the base Accent SE gave up its previously available manual transmission, a decent-to-use six-speed that, along with the surprisingly strong engine, made for a fun driving experience. Too bad. So, every Accent now comes with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which pushes its base price higher by about a grand. The Accent has a nicely assembled interior, attractive looks, a comfortable ride and a killer warranty. The upper trims are nice but begin to overlap on price with larger compact cars. Stick near the bottom and keep a few bucks in your pocket.
4. 2022 Kia Rio Sedan | $17,275
The Kia Rio was updated for 2021 with a fresh face outside and a newly standard 8.0-inch touchscreen inside. Neither upgrade negatively affected the Rio's general agreeableness. The suspension delivers a refined, comfortable ride, and the engine is quiet so long as you don't dip too far into the throttle. If you're looking to spend as little as possible, the Rio sedan undercuts the smartly styled Rio hatchback by a few hundred dollars.
3. 2022 Nissan Versa | $16,205
The Nissan Versa used to be the butt of many a joke, and for a time it held the title of cheapest car available in the U.S. However, a total redesign for 2020 turned that reputation upside down, bringing the Versa snazzy looks, a nicer interior and more refined driving manners. It's still among the least expensive new cars you can buy, but it no longer looks or feels like it. Entry-level models get a five-speed manual transmission.
2. 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback | $15,925
When most people think of a cheap car, something sized and shaped like the Mitsubishi Mirage likely comes to mind. Indeed, the Mitsu is powered by a dinky 76-hp three-cylinder engine, and its wheels are small. However it is a real car, and includes automated emergency braking, lane departure warning and automatic high-beam control as standard, along with a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The five-speed manual transmission is recommended for getting the most from the sub-100-hp engine; a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is an extra-cost option. A quick note: The Mirage is also available as a sedan, dubbed the Mirage G4, which costs slightly more than the price-leader hatchback version.
1. 2022 Chevrolet Spark* | $14,595
Chevrolet's tiny Spark is so adorable, you might consider giving it a nickname — maybe "Sparky?" This subcompact hatchback is quite small, but it's also very, very cheap. How cheap? At less than 15 grand, it's the cheapest new car for sale in America by more than $1000. It also isn't crushingly bland or boring. Chevy sells the Spark in a number of bright, funky paint colors, and its standard 7.0-inch touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration software. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and is the preferred tool for extracting the most performance, such as it is, from the 98-hp 1.4-liter engine. A continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission is available, but rest assured, no Spark sells above $20,000. However, midway through 2022, no Spark will sell at all (hence our asterisk above) — Chevy will stop producing the little cars this summer. So, if you’re looking for bargain transportation, look quickly.
The cheapest new cars you can buy in 2022
- 1. 2022 Chevrolet Spark - $14,595
- 2. 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage - $15,925
- 3. 2022 Nissan Versa - $16,205
- 4. 2022 Kia Rio - $17,275
- 5. 2022 Hyundai Accent - $17,690
- 6. 2022 Subaru Impreza - $19,970
- 7. 2022 Kia Forte - $20,115
- 8. 2022 Nissan Sentra | $ 20,635
- 9. 2022 Hyundai Elantra | $20,995
- 10. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta | $21,190
- 11. 2022 Toyota Corolla | $21,200
Photos by MotorTrend staff, manufacturer, Ryan Lugo
