Cars

Cheapest recent cars for 2025: The lowest-expense conveyances for a recent ride

William Irvin Lewis

MotorTrend

Even the cheapest recent 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, excellent 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 worth proposition — and this subcompact crossover SUV only partially delivers. It looks great and offers a ton of interior space for the worth point. Its base barely-more-than-a-liter I-3 engine is lethargic, and the cabin is noisy, but at least fuel economy is decent. If you have the money to alternative 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
discretionary niceties

Cons

Lethargic launches
noisy cabin
Underused space around driver screen

worth: $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 worth 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

worth: $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 worth 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 require to leave without fall short 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

worth: $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 unpleasant duckling into a looker with a better engine and more spacious interior. It comes standard with a range of energetic driver assists, as well, though that’s about the only characteristic the base Kicks delivers. Like other tiny “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

chilly exterior design
recent stronger engine; available AWD
Many standard driver aids

Cons

Base model is light on features
No hybrid powertrain
Tough competition in the segment

worth: $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 triumph some and misplace some with the mildly updated 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, which offers recent 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 recent 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 worth

Cons

Manual transmission only on GLI
No boost in power
Poorer fuel economy than before

worth: $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 act don’t quite live up to the snazzy bodywork. At least it has a charitable 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 large-screen tech

Cons

frail engine on most models
Trying to discover the rear door handles
Better than Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla?

worth: $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 tiny footprint. Yet another compact sedan for a very budget-amiable worth, 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 worth for the budget.

6. 2025 Hyundai Elantra | Pros and Cons

Pros

Lots of features for the money
Great safety scores, features

Cons

Gritty, leisurely standard engine
Some evident expense-cutting
The Honda Civic is still better

worth: $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 trade is the 2025 Nissan Sentra, though only by a hair. The issue 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 excellent, but for roughly $23,000 there are options that provide you more bang for your buck.

5. 2025 Nissan Sentra | Pros and Cons

worth: $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 globe, the cheapest SUV Hyundai builds is the 2025 Hyundai Venue — which is a carryover from the 2024 model we’ve spent some period in. Unfortunately, it feels like one of the cheapest cars on the trade, 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 tiny inside indeed. While that tiny footprint makes it easier to navigate in tight spaces, there are better options for roughly the same worth.

4. 2025 Hyundai Venue | Pros and Cons

worth: $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 enjoyable 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 worth for its sub-$22,000 worth. 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 alternative.

3. 2025 Kia Soul | Pros and Cons

worth: $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 factual crossover, much like its Kia Soul competitor. That said, on upper trims it still looks SUV-ish with some selection 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 impoverished, and like in most recent vehicles, Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay are standard.

2. 2025 Chevrolet Trax | Pros and Cons

worth: $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 recent car you can purchase by some spread, 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 community, but they’ve both gone extinct. The Versa is basic indeed, but that doesn’t stop us from liking it (something we couldn’t declare for all its former competitors). Fuel economy isn’t impoverished at all, it has a sizable trunk for a subcompact sedan, and it’s more car than its $18,000 worth point suggests. It’s even rather comfortable. Just don’t expect it to be quick or silent.

1. 2025 Nissan Versa S (Manual) | Pros and Cons

worth: $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 recent 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 recent cars for 2024

Average car prices continue to be up across the board, and even the least expensive vehicles are inching upward in worth, though there’s still plenty of worth at the low complete of the recent car trade. Compact cars like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 propose as much car as most will require and, with a few options, can make more expensive alternatives seem superfluous. Even subcompact cars are classing up these days without much of a worth 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 recent cars at the top or middle of this list’s worth bracket than those at the very bottom, budget allowing.

10. 2024 Mazda 3 | $25,335

You’d be challenging pressed to discover another five-passenger vehicle on the trade within $10,000 of the 2024 Mazda 3 that looks anywhere near as excellent as it does, inside and out. The Mazda 3’s overall driving encounter isn’t impoverished, either, with the base car’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four mill with 191 hp providing enough juice to keep things fascinating. Although its rear seating is more cramped than most due in part to the car’s sultry profile, its overall act and available all-wheel drive assist make the Mazda 3 a solemn contender in a segment packed of tough challengers.

9. 2024 Honda Civic | $25,045

More mature than previous-creation models, the 2024 Honda Civic still drives excellently and brings a substantial worth 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 period, meaning those looking for reasonable straight-line act will require 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 leisurely-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 excellent 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 excellent 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 worth 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 characteristic advantages over similarly priced rivals. That advantage continues as you climb the trim ladder, with the high-act Elantra N beating a slew of more expensive sport compacts.

4. 2024 Nissan Sentra | $21,295

If you’re looking for a excellent deal on a solid entry-level car, then you’d be well advised to provide the newly refreshed 2024 Nissan Sentra a closer look. While it’s not quite the match of the leaders in the segment in sure areas, it features attractive exterior styling, top-rated mpg figures and copious interior space, all for a worth 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 challenging period 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 property. 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 significant 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 worth than much of the competition.

2. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage | $18,110

Now the second-cheapest vehicle on the trade, the subcompact 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage resorted to trickery and still wound up off the top of the cheapest car podium. The Mirage’s base worth 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 discretionary 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 act 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 recent car is the 2024 Nissan Versa. Beating the Mirage in every facet 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 trade trends more expensive. Fuel economy isn’t impoverished 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 worth on the trade make the cheapest car you can buy a solid alternative.

Cheapest recent 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

2023 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop Resolute Edition

Cheapest recent cars for 2023

The low complete of the recent car trade 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 expense of a used vehicle and the modern technology and fresh encounter of a recent car, if you’ve decided on a vehicle with that wonderful recent car smell, it’s straightforward to discover one flush with features and style for less liquid assets than the average recent car.

Here we’ll leave through the cheapest recent cars currently available and showcase just how far your car remittance can leave if you recognize what models to look for. Beyond the base worth, or MSRP, we’ll also be using our MotorTrend Fair trade worth (powered by IntelliChoice), which is a thoroughly researched metric of what you’re likely to actually pay after negotiations. While the Fair trade worth is an approximation, including factors such as dealer inventory to bargaining skills, it does include goal, taxes and fees. Let’s view what car you can get for not a lot of money.

10. 2023 Honda Civic Sport Sedan | $27,444

The point of reference for inexpensive motoring for over half a century, the Honda Civic remains the standard by which affordable cars tend to be judged. The current creation 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 history, 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 solemn 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 cruel dull when it comes to affordable cars, nor does it cruel 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 alternative.

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 additional expense)
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 amiable in a number of ways, from its low base worth to excellent longevity and excellent economy. The Corolla is a excellent driving car in general, with excellent practicality and surprisingly sporty looks. That said, for real warm hatch act you would require to spring for the much more expensive GR trims. Overall the Corolla is a solid overall package whose lowest worth offers a seriously tempting worth.

2023 Toyota Corolla LE Sedan: Pros and Cons

Pros

Excels as a comfortable and versatile daily driver
Hybrid now available with AWD
powerful characteristic-per-dollar worth

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 structure 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 worth 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 display 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 act of the higher complete vehicles on this list. All that said, the Elantra offers a blend of aesthetics and expense effectiveness that many will discover 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 excellent 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 structure 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 ponder 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 worth is certainly correct. Gifted with a large trunk and a wide range of standard features like a wi-fi network and talk to Text, the Jetta offers a no-nonsense worth proposition. A worth 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
large 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 question a tiny 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 factual of the infotainment technology in general, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto do arrive standard. While the cabin and underlying bones of the vehicle haven’t been updated in a while, this carries the positive side result of the Impreza keeping some older features that many other compacts have dropped, like the manual transmission alternative. The Impreza is also highly spacious both front and rear, and all Imprezas arrive standard with all wheel drive. Some charms are timeless.

2023 Subaru Impreza (Manual) Sedan: Pros and Cons

Pros

Standard AWD
powerful 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 recent trade, but these days that affordability is matched by standard. The Kia Forte might have a tiny base worth, 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 leave further up the options list, the Forte GT is among the sportiest cars available in its worth 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

leisurely 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 worth boost. Many other automakers have stopped producing subcompact cars entirely, focusing on more profitable (and expensive) vehicles. Not Nissan, who continue putting attempt 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, arrive 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 worth

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 essential 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 cruel that even the low-tech 1.2-liter three cylinder can provide upwards of 40 mpg easily. For those looking for the lowest priced recent car, that metric might be the most significant of all.

2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES Hatchback: Pros and Cons

Pros

The cheapest car you can get recent
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 recent cars for 2023

2023 Honda Civic Sport Sedan: Base worth $24,650
2023 MINI Hardtop Classic 2-Door Hatchback: Base worth $23,400
2023 Mazda Mazda3 S Sedan: Base worth $22,550
2023 Toyota Corolla LE Sedan: Base worth $21,550
2023 Hyundai Elantra SE Sedan: Base worth $20,500
2023 Volkswagen Jetta S (Manual) Sedan: Base worth $20,415
2023 Subaru Impreza (Manual) Sedan: Base worth $19,795
2023 Kia Forte LX Sedan: Base worth $19,490
2023 Nissan Versa S: Base worth approximate $15,880
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES Hatchback: Base worth $16,245

Cheapest recent cars for 2022

If affordability is your priority in a recent vehicle, cars — as opposed to trucks or SUVs — are your best alternative, especially in 2022, the year of sky-high trade 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-globe prices even higher. Yet while shoppers eyeing the cheap complete of the car trade today may not discover 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 declare this list covered the 10 cheapest recent cars you can buy? It does — but we’ve included an 11th alternative 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 alternative on this list is being discontinued halfway through 2022, and once that happens, the Corolla becomes the 10th-cheapest recent 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 energetic 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) large-car driving manners and not much else? You’re looking at it. The Volkswagen Jetta delivers decent worth, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, packed-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-recent engine.

9. 2022 Hyundai Elantra | $20,995

Even at its $20,995 base worth, the all-recent-last-year Hyundai Elantra will look like a showstopper. Okay, so it’ll ride on smaller, plainer wheels than the models you’ll view in flashy ads and in reviews elsewhere on this site, but the broad strokes — or should we declare broad slashes — will be there. Hyundai’s style roll continues, with the recent 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 charitable. 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 creation from our collective recollection. Gone are the dowdy styling, cheap interior and stumbly handling. In their place are snappy recent duds inside and out, and an altogether transformed driving encounter. 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 corporation. The truth that the Sentra is one of the most affordable cars on the trade 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 energetic 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 worth 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 characteristic is standard even at the Impreza’s sub-$20,000 starting worth. 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 alternative, Subie throws in its EyeSight energetic 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 excellent even though the base Accent SE gave up its previously available manual transmission, a decent-to-use six-speed that, along with the surprisingly powerful engine, made for a fun driving encounter. Too impoverished. So, every Accent now comes with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which pushes its base worth 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 enjoyable but commence to overlap on worth 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 silent so long as you don’t dip too far into the throttle. If you’re looking to spend as little as feasible, 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 period 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 recent 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 ponder 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 tiny. 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-expense alternative. A quick note: The Mirage is also available as a sedan, dubbed the Mirage G4, which costs slightly more than the worth-chief 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 tiny, but it’s also very, very cheap. How cheap? At less than 15 grand, it’s the cheapest recent car for sale in America by more than $1000. It also isn’t crushingly bland or dull. Chevy sells the Spark in a number of luminous, 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 act, 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.