Heading into 2026, new-car prices are high enough to make many buyers think twice. While used cars may seem like the safer bet, there are still some surprisingly affordable new options out there.
With inflation squeezing wallets, fuel costs lingering, and the market shifting toward NEVs, many buyers want a new ride without draining their savings. That’s where 2026’s cheapest car brands come in—names like the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Kicks continue to offer solid value.
Subcompact and compact cars are the main battleground for budget-friendly options. Japanese, Korean, German, and American brands compete for attention, with Toyota and Honda setting the reliability standard and Subaru and Mitsubishi proving AWD doesn’t have to cost a fortune—all with starting prices under $28,000.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed.
All vehicles listed are 2026 models. Images show the model, but not necessarily the exact trim mentioned. Base MSRP listed does not include destination charges or additional fees.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly ride, here are 10 new cars that deliver style, value, and practicality without breaking the bank.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES S-AWC specs
Price
$27,695
Engine
1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Power
152 hp / 184 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
Transmission
CVT
One of the cheapest ways to get all-wheel drive in 2026 is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES S-AWC. Priced at $27,695, it beats nearly every AWD-equipped rival, and its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through a CVT.
Inside, the ES comes with an eight-inch touchscreen featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus 23.4 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats (48.4 cu-ft with them folded).
Other highlights include LED headlights and forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection. For budget-minded drivers who want AWD without breaking the bank, the Eclipse Cross ES is definitely worth a look.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base specs
Price
$26,995
Engine
2.5-liter four-cylinder
Power
180 hp / 178 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
Transmission
CVT
Subaru makes symmetrical all-wheel drive affordable again with the 2026 Crosstrek Base, starting at $26,995. The 2.5-liter boxer-four engine pumps out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT, leaving the old 2.0-liter in the rearview mirror.
X-Mode and 8.7 inches of ground clearance make light off-road trails a breeze, while water-repellent StarTex cloth keeps the interior tidy. A seven-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus 19.9 cu-ft of cargo space, rounds out the cabin.
Safety comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, including adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking, plus automatic emergency steering that kicks in if a crash seems imminent.
2026 Buick Envista Preferred specs
Price
$24,600
Engine
1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder
Power
137 hp / 162 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
Buick’s 2026 Envista Preferred looks like a $35,000 crossover but starts at just $24,600. Its fastback shape, LED lighting, and 18-inch wheels give it standout style, while a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (137 hp, 162 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive handles the power.
Inside, an 11-inch touchscreen and eight-inch driver display take center stage, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeping things connected. Cloth seats are standard, heating is available, and safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and rear park sensors.
2026 Honda Civic Sedan LX specs
Price
$24,595
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder
Power
150 hp / 133 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
CVT
For many shoppers, the Honda Civic is still the compact sedan to beat, and the 2026 Civic LX keeps that tradition alive with a $24,595 starting price. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT driving the front wheels.
Honda Sensing comes standard and includes adaptive cruise with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation, and traffic-sign recognition. Inside, you get a seven-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and comfortable cloth seats.
The only real drawback is modest low-end torque, but legendary Honda reliability and strong resale value keep the Civic LX near the top of budget shoppers’ lists.
2026 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S specs
Price
$24,550
Engine
2.5-liter four-cylinder
Power
186 hp / 186 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
Tranmission
Six-speed automatic
The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S starts at $24,550 and feels well above its price point. Its 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine delivers 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque through a quick-shifting six-speed automatic, while cylinder deactivation helps keep highway fuel use in check.
Inside, soft-touch materials, an 8.8-inch widescreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start make the cabin feel premium.
Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite includes radar cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Trunk space is 13.2 cu-ft, rear headroom is a bit snug, and AWD is optional—but it won’t match the off-road chops of the Crosstrek or Eclipse Cross.
2026 Volkswagen Jetta S specs
Price
$23,995
Engine
1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Power
158 hp / 184 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Volkswagen’s 2026 Jetta S brings a touch of European flavor with a $23,995 starting price. A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic that delivers surprisingly eager acceleration.
Inside, the cabin feels roomy, with 38.1 inches of rear legroom and a 14.1 cu-ft trunk. An eight-inch digital cockpit and matching touchscreen with wireless App-Connect come standard.
Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, and front assist. The only real caveat is that automatic emergency braking isn’t standard on the base S trim.
Affordable doesn’t mean boring. This compact sedan packs great features, comfort, and efficiency, all for well under $25,000.
2026 Kia Seltos LX specs
Price
$23,690
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder
Power
146 hp / 132 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD / AWD (optional)
Transmission
CVT
Kia technically has cheaper options on the way with the K4 sedan and hatchback, but since full 2026 pricing isn’t locked in yet, the Seltos ends up being the safer pick for now. It costs only a few hundred dollars more and comes with far more certainty.
The boxy-cute 2026 Kia Seltos LX starts at $23,690 and delivers strong value for the money. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT driving the front wheels, while all-wheel drive is available for an extra $1,200.
Inside, you get an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus cloth seating. Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning, making the Seltos LX a smart pick for city buyers who want a higher driving position and standout style without overspending.
2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan LE specs
Price
$22,725
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder
Power
169 hp / 151 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
CVT
Fun fact: the 2026 Toyota Corolla LE still sets the bar for no-nonsense, bulletproof transportation, starting at $22,725. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT sending power to the front wheels.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard and includes adaptive cruise with full stop-and-go, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. Inside, you get an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus automatic climate control.
With more than 50 million Corollas sold worldwide since 1966, its reputation for reliability, safety, and strong resale value is well earned. That’s why the Corolla LE remains the go-to choice for buyers who want the lowest-risk new car possible.
2026 Nissan Kicks SL specs
Price
$22,430
Engine
2.0-lite four-cylinder
Power
141 hp / 140 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
CVT
The 2026 Nissan Kicks S starts at $22,430 and remains one of the most affordable new cars you can buy. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT, and the Kicks’ light weight helps it feel surprisingly peppy around town.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 comes standard and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
Inside, you get a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, automatic climate control, and 25.3 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats.
2026 Hyundai Venue SE specs
Price
$20,550
Engine
1.6-liter four-cylinder
Power
121 hp / 113 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
CVT
Hyundai’s 2026 Venue SE is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy in America, starting at just $20,550. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine makes 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT, and the Venue’s light weight helps it feel lively around town.
An eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps things modern, while safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and driver-attention warning all come standard.
Backing it all up is Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, making the Venue SE an easy pick for budget-focused buyers who still want peace of mind.
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Be careful what you wish for. My trusty Subaru Outback got rear-ended and went to the body shop on Monday morning. Now I’m driving the rental car that that my insurance would cover completely: a Mitsubishi Mirage. I can’t think of anything good to say about it other than the cost isn’t coming out-of-pocket and it is marginally better than walking. I’ve driven Kei cars in Japan and even back in the days when they had <500cc engines they were veritable speedsters compared to this Mitsubishi. 
