The days of the $10,000 $20,000 new car are long gone. However, when you take into account the added safety and convenience features of today’s cars, they might just be better value than ever before.
Case in point: nearly every entry on this list of the cheapest new cars for sale includes things like air conditioning, stability control, ABS, back-up cameras and touchscreen infotainment systems. Some of these features are now mandated, sure, but they make new cars safer and easier to live with for most buyers. The peace of mind that a warranty provides doesn’t hurt either.
Even the most expensive model on this list comes in barely over $25,000, including destination. Looking for a new car deal that won’t break the bank? Read on for our list of the 10 cheapest new cars to buy in the USA.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, 147 hp / 132 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 28/34/31 mpg
Base Price: $25,285
The likeable Kia Seltos kicks off this list. In its basic LX front-drive form, the Seltos features a healthy list of standard safety kit, a useful 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless phone pairing, and air conditioning. The base engine is the familiar 2.0-liter engine putting out just shy of 150 horsepower. Those wanting the extra security of AWD will be happy to know it’s only a $1,200 upgrade on the LX.
We suspect the Seltos will disappear from this list next year, as the 2027 model grows and will likely see its sticker swell to match.
Engine: 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder turbo, 158 hp / 184 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 29/40/34
Base Price: $25,270
Volkswagen’s long-running sedan quietly maintains its ninth-place spot on this list. It’s so quiet because it’s one of the few to have a turbo engine, and it’s the most powerful one here. A recent facelift saw the Jetta adopt the Taos’ potent 1.5-liter, yet it still achieves excellent fuel economy.
The S model has some surprising features at this price point: fully LED exterior lighting, a digital instrument cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is now standard on all trims. A strong standard lineup of safety assists is included too, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to boot. The Jetta goes big on value.
Engine: 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 30/31/30 mpg
Base Price: $25,095
Chevrolet has two entries on this list. The Trailblazer is one of the larger choices here, with a similar footprint to the Seltos. It too offers the option of AWD, though you won’t be finding it at this price point. In place of a naturally aspirated engine, the Trailblazer utilizes a torquey 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder, pairing it to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Standard kit is healthy with 10 airbags and a large 11.0-inch touchscreen, though adaptive cruise control is unavailable on the LS trim. A few options packages bring additional perks like rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring, plus remote start.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, 169 hp / 151 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 32/41/35
Base Price: $24,120
Want the powerhouse of this list? That would be the humble Toyota Corolla, which has the most horsepower of them all at a heady 169 hp. (All of the turbocharged entries have more torque.) The current Corolla has stayed relatively stable since the generation arrived way back in 2019, allowing it to sneak back onto this list as other options get discontinued or moved upmarket. This price nets buyers a perfectly cromulent LE model, with plenty of standard safety features, a comfortable cabin, and up to 41 mpg on the highway.
This is Toyota we’re talking about, so of course there’s a hybrid model available as well. Yes, even on the LE trim. That $1,850 upgrade would put the Corolla hybrid just outside of the scope of this list, but it would be one of the most affordable new electrified vehicles on the market.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, 141 hp / 140 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 28/35/31 mpg
Base Price: $23,925
The Nissan Kicks previously er, kicked off this list, as one of the most affordable new cars on the market. Even with a new generation debuting last year, Nissan’s littlest SUV stays on the list.
This new model sees expansion in every dimension, from the exterior to under the hood, where a 2.0-liter engine now produces 141 hp. Available all-wheel drive aligns with the rest of the market, though you won’t find it at this price. The Kicks still includes plenty of standard safety and tech, too.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, 147 hp / 132 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 31/40/35 mpg
Base Price: $23,870
The first of Hyundai’s two entries on this list is the funky Elantra sedan. Last facelifted for ’24, those sharp looks hide a generously spacious cabin, with a classy dashboard design that feels well above this sticker price. Standard kit includes an 8.0-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic avoidance assist.
The Elantra’s big advantage over most of this list is its stellar fuel economy. The small-wheeled SE model has the best efficiency ratings here, with 35 mpg combined (1 mpg worse than last year, we should point out). That’s despite its (comparatively) powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 147 horsepower. The Elantra’s value extends into the higher trims, too: the N-Line is a sporty-ish sedan that won’t break the bank, while the barking mad Elantra N is about the most fun you can have for around $35,000.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, 149 hp / 146 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 30/38/33 mpg
Base Price: $23,845
Nissan may have killed off the Versa, previously most-affordable new car on the market, but it updated the Sentra while barely bumping the price. The new model has more refinement than before, though as it rides on the same platform it still feels slightly smaller than competitors like the Kia K4 and Honda Civic.
Nissan keeps the lineup simple for the Sentra: every model uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder, sending 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels. Sure, that’s more power than just about anything else on this list, but what’s more important to value-oriented buyers is the standard-fit Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assists.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, 147 hp / 132 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 29/39/33 mpg
Base Price: $23,535
Goodbye, Forte. Kia’s compact car is now the angular K4, which offers more space at a slightly higher price now, yet still comfortably slots into this list.
Like the Kia Seltos, the K4 LX uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine exclusively hooked up to a CVT. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen sits in the center of the dash, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluetooth connectivity. Keyless entry and automatic emergency braking are standard too, alongside lane departure warning and lane keep assist. Higher trims include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights.
Engine: 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 28/32/30 mpg
Base Price: $23,495
Talk about a glow-up. The second-generation Chevrolet Trax joins the Toyota Prius in having one of the most positive transformations of the last few years. Much larger than the old car, the new Trax is comfortable, spacious, and—most surprising—fun to drive.
You get a whole lot of car with the reborn Trax. The 1.2-liter engine is strong, there’s a long list of standard equipment, and the second row is genuinely adult-friendly. Even a loaded one won’t clear $30,000.
Engine: 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder, 122 hp / 113 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 29/33/31 mpg (CVT)
Base Price: $22,150
One of the newer member of this list, the Hyundai Venue is technically a crossover but we don’t buy that. Don’t let the funky styling fool you: with only front-drive available, this is more of an urban adventurer than a rocks-and-mud one. That being said, the Venue is an entertaining little car, with all the baked-in value Hyundai is known for.
There’s only one engine option available, so even the base SE gets the 1.6-liter, 122-horsepower four-cylinder. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is also standard, with both popular phone pairing options. The Venue majors on safety, including emergency front braking, lane keep assist, automatic headlights and driver attention warning on all trims. Of course it also comes with Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.
Recent Updates:
January 13, 2026 – Removed Versa, Soul, and Kicks Play (discontinued), added Corolla, Trailblazer, and Seltos.
February 28, 2025 – Removed Mirage and Forte (discontinued), rebranded Kicks to Kicks Play, added K4 and Kicks.
December 01, 2023 – Removed Rio (discontinued) and Impreza, added Trax and Jetta.
January 03, 2023 – Removed Spark and Accent (discontinued), added Elantra and Kicks.
February 03, 2022 – Price changes for the model year, replaced Veloster with Impreza.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
More by Kyle Patrick
I had a 2015 Sentra in 2015 and 2016. Loved it. For that reason, I would probably grab the Sentra again. I do love the new Trax. And the Elantra is attractive and frugal with a excellent warranty. And I once owned a Jetta so that may be my list. Crappola. Now I can’t decide which one I would buy. Gee, thanks, guys! Lol !
Lets see…. 2010: I bought a barely used 2008 Focus for 10.5 OTD. The car still gets 42 mpg at 80mph on interstates and 32mpg combined. Has 110 k on it and has never been in a shop. New automobiles are a ripoff.
