For many Americans, buying a new car in today’s market feels harder than ever. Prices have climbed rapidly over the past five years, supply chain disruptions have pushed average transaction prices above $47,000, and even used-car pricing hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Yet despite this landscape, a handful of new vehicles still undercut the norm and give shoppers a way to get into a fresh, warranty-backed car without jumping into sky-high monthly payments.
The list of truly low-priced new cars keeps shrinking as automakers exit the budget segment, but a few models remain that balance affordability with reasonable safety, tech, and ownership costs.
Below is a detailed look at the 10 lowest-priced new cars available in America right now, and what makes each one worth considering for frugal buyers, commuters, and first-time car owners.
1. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa has become the unofficial king of affordability in the U.S. market. With the lowest starting price of any new car sold in America, it continues to attract drivers who need a dependable commuter without unnecessary extras.
The Versa’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine isn’t quick, but it is economical, delivering strong fuel efficiency for daily highway or city travel.
Nissan has also equipped the Versa with modern technology like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a touchscreen interface features that weren’t common in entry-level cars just a few years ago.
For buyers prioritizing warranty coverage, low operating expenses, and the ability to stretch every dollar, the Versa offers one of the safest bets in the segment.
The third generation of the Nissan Versa, the brand’s most affordable model, was introduced for the 2020 model year and remains largely unchanged for 2022. In an era when few automakers continue to produce subcompact sedans, vehicles in this segment deserve credit for their impressive fuel economy and the rare availability of a manual transmission.
While Nissan made certain compromises to keep the Versa affordable, such as a cabin featuring lower-grade plastics and more engine noise than desired, the car still offers value. The inline four-cylinder engine feels underpowered, and the available CVT requires some retuning. Steering feedback is minimal, leaving the driver somewhat disconnected from the road.
Despite these shortcomings, the Versa excels in key areas. Its fuel economy is excellent, handling is surprisingly smooth, and styling is acceptable rather than off-putting. The inclusion of modern active safety technology, even on base trims, adds significant value, making the 2022 Versa a rare subcompact that combines efficiency, practicality, and contemporary features.
Performance-wise, the 2022 Versa comes with a 122-hp 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine. The base Versa S pairs this engine with a five-speed manual transmission, while the SV and SR trims are equipped with a CVT.
All models feature front-wheel drive. While enthusiasts may prefer the manual for engagement, the CVT is the more practical choice for fuel economy, achieving EPA ratings of 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The manual drops slightly to 27/35 mpg, still just below the segment-leading 2021 Kia Rio sedan’s 33/41 mpg ratings.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is another long-time player in the budget-friendly world, often competing closely with the Versa for the lowest MSRP.
While its three-cylinder engine makes it one of the least powerful cars on U.S. roads, the Mirage compensates with remarkable fuel efficiency and a standard warranty that outlasts most competitors.
Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage makes the Mirage attractive for long-term ownership, particularly for urban drivers who value reliability over performance.
The lightweight design also helps new drivers or city-focused commuters navigate dense areas with confidence. While the cabin materials and noise insulation reflect its low price, the Mirage fulfills its mission: inexpensive, new, and dependable transportation.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is aptly named, as its initial appeal tends to fade upon closer inspection. On paper, the Mirage looks compelling: it boasts an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars available, and it is also among the least expensive new vehicles on the market.
Its compact dimensions should make it highly maneuverable, and the idea of a small, affordable car with excellent fuel economy seems ideal at first glance.
However, the Mirage’s impressive efficiency comes at a cost. Power is extremely limited, as the subcompact is propelled by a tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing just 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque.
While adequate for city driving, this underpowered engine struggles with acceleration, particularly when merging onto highways, making higher-speed driving stressful. The car’s build quality is modest at best, and road and engine noise are noticeable, resulting in a fairly unrefined driving experience.
The Mirage remains affordable, but not overwhelmingly so. Competitors like the Chevrolet Spark and Kia Rio are similarly priced, with the Rio offering a significantly more comfortable and refined experience. As such, while the Mirage initially seems like a practical choice, its shortcomings, lack of power, noise, and quality issues, erode the reasons to buy the closer you examine it.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is a front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback offered in four trim levels: ES, LE, SE, and Carbonite Edition. Every model is equipped with the same 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque, making performance and economy largely consistent across the lineup.
3. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio sits at the intersection of affordability and quality two things that didn’t always align in the subcompact segment.
Even as some major manufacturers abandon small cars entirely, the Rio remains a thoughtfully engineered and well-packaged model. Powered by an efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder, the Rio provides enough real-world drivability for highway merging and sustained cruising.
Inside, buyers get a cabin that feels carefully assembled, with user-friendly controls, a sensible infotainment system, and a sense of refinement that outperforms many other budget cars.
With an excellent warranty and strong reliability records, the Rio is a standout for anyone who wants a low-priced car that doesn’t feel like a penalty box.
The Kia Rio is noticeably underpowered and somewhat underwhelming on the road. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces just 120 horsepower, which is adequate for city driving but requires every bit of output to reach highway speeds.
Maneuvering in traffic, lane changes, and overtakes demand extra caution, as gaps that would feel effortless in most cars take more thought to navigate due to the Rio’s lack of punch. One redeeming feature is its continuously variable automatic transmission, which operates smoothly and makes the most of the limited power available.
Driving dynamics are further limited by the Rio’s soft suspension tuning and nearly gripless all-season tires, making spirited driving less engaging. Steering is overly eager to recenter and feels elastic, leaving the driver disconnected from the road. The Rio feels most comfortable and composed at moderate speeds, which is likely sufficient for the vehicle’s intended audience.
4. Hyundai Accent
Although production has ended for some trims, new Hyundai Accent units remain available at many dealerships, and their pricing keeps them firmly among the lowest-cost new vehicles on the market.
The Accent has long been praised for its blend of efficiency, simplicity, and everyday comfort. Its four-cylinder engine is smooth, its ride quality outperforms many competitors, and the interior feels more upscale than its price implies.
Budget shoppers love the Accent because it feels more like a downsized version of Hyundai’s bigger sedans rather than an ultra-cheap econocar.
For U.S. drivers looking for minimized ownership costs, strong fuel economy, and durable build quality, the Accent is one of the smartest remaining buys.
5. Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax may surprise some people by appearing on a list of low-priced new cars, but its recent redesign dramatically improved value while keeping pricing exceptionally accessible.
As one of the most affordable crossovers in America, the Trax gives buyers SUV practicality extra ground clearance, cargo space, and an elevated seating position at a price typically associated with compact sedans.
Its turbocharged engine is both efficient and lively enough for daily use. Inside, the Trax boasts tech features like a digital display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an intuitive layout that appeals to younger buyers.
Families and first-time drivers gravitate toward the Trax because it offers more versatility than a traditional entry-level car without a major price premium.
The Chevrolet Trax comes exclusively with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower. While we haven’t had the opportunity to test this powertrain firsthand, it is paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front- or all-wheel drive.
The Trax delivers a firm ride and steady handling that gives the subcompact SUV a solid, composed feel, and its quick steering makes it surprisingly agile in parking lots and city streets.
Despite its tall stance, the Trax exhibits less body roll than expected, though its handling isn’t quite as sharp or eager as that of rivals like the Mazda CX-30 or Kia Soul. One of the Trax’s strong points is its braking performance, the brakes are among the most capable in the class, with a pedal feel that is firm and confidence-inspiring.
6. Kia Forte
Compact sedans remain some of the best values in the automotive marketplace, and the Kia Forte exemplifies why.
Despite its low starting price, the Forte brings impressive standard safety equipment, a strong warranty, and well-designed cabin ergonomics.
The Forte’s powertrain options give it flexibility: buyers can choose a highly efficient setup for commuting or opt for sportier trims if they want more engagement.
The car also stands out for its quiet ride, roomy seating for adults, and trunk space that competes with midsize sedans. For Americans seeking a cost-conscious car that still feels modern and substantial, the Forte delivers exceptional bang for the buck.
In everyday driving, the Kia Forte feels adequately responsive. The CVT automatic generally performs well but occasionally feels unrefined. It delivers power promptly when demanded, yet it tends to drop revs too aggressively when the throttle is eased slightly, resulting in a somewhat surging power delivery.
Handling is another area where the Forte leaves room for improvement. While the steering weight is acceptable, feedback is minimal and the on-center feel is vague. The Forte corners relatively flat, but midcorner bumps can unsettle the car more than expected.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Forte offers undeniable value. Its equipment balance differs slightly from competitors, yet it provides a wealth of features at a lower price point. The interior design feels more refined than the cost might suggest, with cost-cutting measures only becoming apparent upon closer inspection.
Additionally, Kia, along with corporate cousin Hyundai, offers one of the best warranties in the industry: six years or 60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Roadside assistance is included for five years or 60,000 miles, which is competitive for the class, though Hyundai slightly edges Kia by offering unlimited mileage during the same period.
7. Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra has grown into a more refined and comfortable compact sedan than earlier generations, offering a value proposition that fits U.S. buyers who want size, safety, and affordability in one package.
Its two-liter engine balances decent power with fuel efficiency, making it a great companion for long commutes.
The Sentra also prioritizes comfort, giving drivers a smooth ride and quiet cabin. Safety continues to be a major selling point thanks to Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in many trims.
For price-focused shoppers who want more space and comfort than subcompacts provide, the Sentra represents a smart alternative.
8. Subaru Impreza
For drivers who need affordability but can’t compromise on all-weather traction, the Subaru Impreza remains one of the most compelling low-priced cars in the U.S.
It is the most affordable new vehicle with all-wheel drive as standard, a major advantage for people living in colder climates, mountainous regions, or rural areas.
The Impreza’s flat-four engine, practical hatchback layout, and Subaru’s reputation for longevity help it stand out from the pack.
Even with its accessible pricing, buyers get a well-designed interior, strong safety ratings, and the kind of real-world durability that makes this car a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, college students in snowy states, and families on a budget.
Affordably priced and equipped with standard all-wheel drive, the 2022 Subaru Impreza is a practical but largely unremarkable compact car. Subaru offers this smallest model in both sedan and hatchback configurations, with a choice of a manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Impreza’s flat-four engine delivers slow acceleration regardless of transmission choice, and the manual gearbox is particularly imprecise, earning little recommendation. Inside, both body styles feature a functional cabin and an intuitive infotainment system, while base trims include a suite of driver-assist features, though only when paired with the CVT.
Despite these conveniences, the Impreza’s modest fuel economy and lack of refinement place it toward the lower end of the compact-car segment, though its value and fun-to-drive character make it a reasonable option.
Under the hood, the Impreza is a tortoise among hares, powered by a 152-horsepower, 145-pound-foot four-cylinder engine. Standard all-wheel drive is a perk, but the engine’s limited low-end torque means both the sedan and hatchback require frequent throttle inputs to stay in their power band.
In testing, the five-speed manual in our Impreza Sport sedan felt slightly more sluggish than the CVT-equipped long-term Sport hatchback. Still, we tend to favor the automatic for its smoother operation, as the manual can feel notchy and imprecise. On the road, the Impreza achieves an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling.
The body remains composed through corners, and the responsive steering adds a touch of liveliness to the compact chassis. We also noted the Sport’s firm brake pedal and short stopping distances during emergency maneuvers, which are impressive for the class.
9. Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta continues to appeal to American drivers by offering a European-flavored experience at a surprisingly low price point. Its turbocharged engine gives it smooth, effortless acceleration, and the cabin design feels more mature than the typical economy sedan.
VW’s emphasis on solid road manners planted handling, crisp steering, and composed highway refinement makes the Jetta enjoyable for long daily drives.
Fuel economy remains strong, and the roomy interior helps the Jetta serve as a capable family vehicle despite its low MSRP.
For shoppers who want a budget-priced car that still feels like a step above mainstream competitors, the Jetta is one of the best-kept secrets in the affordable car world.
Don’t let the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta’s compact size fool you, this small sedan feels surprisingly spacious and refined. Compared with flashier competitors like the Hyundai Elantra, the Jetta takes a more understated approach, offering a calm and composed ride. Its 158-hp turbocharged four-cylinder won’t set pulses racing, but pairing it with a manual transmission provides a touch of engagement for those who want it.
The standard Jetta comes with a solid lineup of infotainment and active safety features, though the most sought-after tech and luxury options require stepping up the trim. While it may not be a car for driving enthusiasts, the 2022 Jetta delivers a satisfying experience for most buyers.
All Jettas drive the front wheels via a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual comes standard, with an eight-speed automatic available for those preferring convenience. On our test track, the automatic SEL managed 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, shaving 0.6 seconds off the previous automatic model we evaluated.
On the road, the sedan offers a quiet, comfortable ride. The steering is light and effortless, though it sacrifices some precision. Compared with rivals like the Mazda3, the Jetta isn’t particularly fun through tight corners or quick maneuvers, as it tends to lean at higher speeds. Still, its serene and composed nature makes it an appealing choice for drivers seeking comfortable, no-fuss transportation.
10. Hyundai Elantra
Rounding out the list is the Hyundai Elantra, a compact sedan that has grown into one of the most technically advanced low-priced cars offered today.
With futuristic styling, exceptional fuel economy, and generous standard tech including touchscreens, smartphone connectivity, and advanced safety the Elantra feels modern in ways its price doesn’t suggest.
Hyundai is increasingly earning a reputation for bold, daring designs, and the 2021 Elantra is the latest compact sedan to showcase the brand’s fresh approach. With sharp, angular exterior styling and an upgraded interior, the new Elantra aims to stand out in a segment dominated by the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra.
The base model comes with a 147-hp four-cylinder engine, while buyers can opt for the sportier 201-hp turbocharged N Line or a fuel-efficient hybrid variant. A wide array of standard driver-assistance features is included, with more advanced technology available on higher trims.
The standard non-hybrid Elantra carries over the previous generation’s 147-hp four-cylinder engine, paired with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The hybrid model combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor to deliver 139 horsepower, using a six-speed automatic for gear changes.
Neither setup offers particularly spirited acceleration, but in our test drive, the non-hybrid model provided a comfortable ride and sufficient pep for everyday city and highway driving.
The standout is the performance-focused N Line, which pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. A brief spin in the N Line impressed us with its livelier acceleration and nimble handling, which add a sense of sportiness without making the ride overly harsh.
American buyers appreciate its long warranty, roomy interior, and comfortable ride quality. It’s also a strong value for commuters who want excellent mileage without paying hybrid-car premiums.
Among affordable new vehicles still sold in the U.S., the Elantra stands out for offering sophistication at a starter-car price.
