Overview
Despite the fact that the cost of new cars is increasing, there are still a number of affordable options. In fact, we were able to locate 15 brand-new vehicles with beginning costs of around $23,000, several of which were under $15,000.
Having said that, a cheap automobile could not provide everything you require or desire, and some cheap cars are affordable because they perform poorly compared to the competition. That's not always the case, though, and several of the inexpensive automobiles on our list have a lot to offer in terms of appeal for a number of different reasons.
This implies that you can buy an inexpensive car that not only has excellent overall quality but also has distinguishing qualities that make it deserving of your consideration. These benefits include a reasonable fuel consumption rate, spacious accommodations, reliable performance, and enticing technology and safety features.
Read on to discover the most affordable new cars available right now, and more importantly, what you get for your money.
2022 Chevrolet Spark
Starting Base Price: $13,600
Value-For-Money Features:
- Amazingly low cost
- EPA estimates that the optional automatic transmission will achieve 38 mpg on the freeway and 30 mpg in the city.
- Simple to handle and park in confined urban spaces
The Chevrolet Spark is currently available on the market for the lowest price, and it shows. Despite not being superior to any other vehicles we've identified in this article, we nevertheless advise it over the Mirage.
The four-seater Chevrolet subcompact hatchback has a simple cabin with large front seats and a cramped back row. All of the seats lack support or padding. Although the rear seats may be folded down, there isn't much room for cargo behind them.
While the Spark has a 98-horsepower engine that produces sluggish acceleration, it is extremely fuel-efficient and simple to park and handle in traffic. It excels at urban driving but is a poor open-road vehicle.
At this price point, Spark's inclusion of a simple 7-inch touch screen and smartphone app connectivity is a bonus. There aren't many driver-assist systems available, and none are included in the standard model. Also not standard are power door locks and windows.
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2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
Starting Base Price: $14,645
Value-For-Money Features:
- The hatchback offers a practical load compartment and reasonably spacious rear seats.
- Impressively achieves 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway when equipped with an automatic transmission.
- Dirt cheap
One of the most affordable vehicles available is the Mitsubishi Mirage, which we regrettably cannot endorse over any of the other vehicles listed here. Although it is more fuel-efficient and is available as a hatchback, there aren't many other things it performs better than its rivals.
The 78-horsepower engine in the Mirage provides just enough power to move you out of the driveway. The ride is harsh, the engine is noisy, and the handling is poor.
This Mitsubishi subcompact car's interior is uninspiring, unpleasant, and poorly constructed. The hatchback boasts more rear-seat legroom and generous cargo capacity, but the second-row seats are uncomfortable and the trunk is short.
A user-friendly 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian recognition are all standard on the Mirage.
2022 Nissan Versa
Starting Base Price: $15,180
Value-For-Money Features:
- Possesses good handling and offers a comfortable ride
- Has an automatic transmission that gets an EPA-rated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
- A lovely interior and a big trunk
The Versa shares first place in our rankings for subcompact cars with the Hyundai Accent and offer a comfortable ride, a well-built interior, and a sizable trunk.
The Versa's 122 horsepower engine is capable enough for the majority of drivers despite its lack of power. It handles turns well and has a good steering feel.
Although this little sedan's rear seats aren't as roomy as those of competitors, a couple of adults should fit there without any problems. For an entry-level sedan, the inside is pleasant. Although smartphone connection requires an upgrade, the base model comes with a 7-inch touch screen and other active safety features.
Also Read - The 15 Most Affordable New Cars Of 2022
2022 Kia Rio
Starting Base Price: $16,250
Value-For-Money Features:
- Excellent fuel economy
- EPA estimates 33 city mpg and 41 highway mpg.
- Hatchback option that starts at $17,090.
The Hyundai Accent's cousin, the Kia Rio, is not only less expensive but also, in some ways, a better choice. This Kia does not, however, get an overall rating because the safety information is still pending. The Rio comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, and its standard touch screen is larger than the Accent.
The Rio offers a comfortable ride and outstanding fuel efficiency. It shares the same 120-horsepower engine, interior measurements, and trunk space as the Accent. However, a hatchback version of this Kia subcompact car is also offered for those who prefer to transport cargo.
The Rio is a comfortable and nimble vehicle on the road. For the majority of driving scenarios, its engine provides sufficient power, but when pushed, it becomes loud. There are a number of available safety features, like lane departure warning and lane keep assist, even if this Kia doesn't come equipped with any as standard.
2022 Hyundai Accent
Starting Base Price: $16,645
Value-For-Money Features:
- Excellent fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 33 city mpg and 41 highway mpg.
- Unexpectedly roomy seats
- Touch-screen infotainment device that is simple to use
Compared to the bigger Elantra, the Hyundai Accent is approximately $3,000 less expensive. The Accent's 120-horsepower engine, however, is insufficient for assured highway travel.
Although the seats are roomy for such a small car and can accommodate five passengers across two rows, they aren't very supportive. The trunk is also quite diminutive. The cabin is lovely, and the tools are simple to use, so that's a plus. This entry-level sedan offers a comfortable ride and controlled handling, making it suitable for everyday driving.
Accent's infotainment system is user-friendly. However, the conventional screen is tiny and does not support smartphone app integration. The only accessible safety features are automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning.
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2022 Subaru Impreza
Starting Base Price: $18,795
Value-For-Money Features:
- conventional all-wheel drive
- upscale interior with two rows of spacious seats
- comes with user-friendly tech features, and adding additional safety measures isn't too pricey.
The Subaru Impreza is over $4,000 cheaper than the bigger Legacy yet shares many of the same advantages. It has both rows of adult-sized seats, all-wheel drive comes standard, and it has an expensive interior. Additionally, the Impreza rides and handles well, is somewhat fuel-efficient, and is safe.
The 152-horsepower four-cylinder box engine that powers this Subaru is the main problem with it. Most drivers should be able to accelerate without incident, but highway merging and passing need patience.
A simple 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity are included in this Subaru. Advanced safety features require the $1,300 automatic transmission, which is an optional extra.
The Impreza is offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the latter of which has a large amount of storage space while the former has one of the smaller trunks in its class.
2022 Kia Forte
Starting Base Price: $19,090
Value-For-Money Features:
- Excellent fuel efficiency (EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway)
- A clear, responsive touch screen and convenient tactile controls are both features of an intuitive infotainment system.
- Spacious interior with room for five people.
For the 2022 model year, the Kia Forte gets a redesign and extra standard equipment. It's a fantastic choice for a variety of factors, including its excellent fuel efficiency, favorable crash test results, and big, upmarket cabin. Additionally, it comes with a warranty that leads the industry.
The Forte has a lot of active safety features, a user-friendly 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Its 147-horsepower four-cylinder base engine is adequate for city driving, but its crude transmission limits it. Only the top-of-the-line GT is equipped with a 201-horsepower turbo-four.
Two rows of seats in this small car are suitable for adults and are made of high-quality materials. Additionally, its trunk is one of the biggest in its class.
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2022 Nissan Sentra
Starting Base Price: $19,610
Value-For-Money Features:
- A comfortable interior with two rows of seats
- Excellent crash test results and many safety features
- Suitable acceleration and honorable fuel efficiency ratings
Although the Nissan Sentra has traditionally been one of the cheapest vehicles available, it falls short of its competitors in a number of crucial respects. The Sentra received sharper design elements, a more powerful basic engine, and a wide range of standard amenities as part of its 2020 facelift. The trunk capacity is mediocre, the infotainment system could be more user-friendly, and it still lacks the sportiness of many compact cars.
Despite these drawbacks, the Sentra is a viable option. It offers two rows of large, comfy seats in a warm, well-built interior. Additionally, it offers adequate acceleration, reasonable fuel efficiency, a smooth ride, and composed handling. The Sentra also performs well in crash tests and has a lot of safety features.
The sole engine in the Sentra produces 149 horsepower. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone app connectivity, and a reminder for the backseat are notable standard conveniences.
2022 Hyundai Elantra
Starting Base Price: $19,610
Value-For-Money Features:
- Filled with common features
- Excellent fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 33 city mpg and 43 highway mpg.
- Thanks to its pristine engines and assured handling, it is engaging to drive.
There isn't much wrong with the Hyundai Elantra besides its average cabin quality. The inside of this small car is sleek and contemporary, with large front seats and adequate baggage space. However, there are a lot of surfaces made of harsh plastic, and the soundproofing could be improved. Although the back seats aren't particularly roomy, adults can fit there for short journeys.
The Elantra has fast handling, a spirited engine, and a comfortable ride, making it a pleasure to drive. There are two turbocharged engines that are available in addition to the regular 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine. For everyday driving, the basic engine provides more than adequate power and excellent fuel efficiency.
An easy-to-use 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard in the Elantra. Numerous cutting-edge driver assistance features are also standard.
2022 Toyota Corolla
Starting Base Price: $20,175
Value-For-Money Features:
- At up to 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, the fuel economy is impressive.
- High ratings for predictability and safety
- Each model comes with a full complement of cutting-edge safety devices.
The Toyota Corolla is a storied commuter car with exceptional fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride, and a variety of cutting-edge safety systems. Additionally, it receives high grades for expected reliability and safety. However, it has a weak basic engine and less luggage room than its competitors.
The Corolla has a stylish interior and supportive front seats and is offered as a sedan or hatchback.
The hatchback's second row is best left for children, whereas the sedan's rear seats can accommodate two adults. A 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa are all standard in the Corolla.
A four-cylinder engine with barely 139 horsepower is located underneath the hood. Thankfully, there is a 169-horsepower four-cylinder that is not only a superior option for highway travel but also uses less fuel.
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2022 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting Base Price: $20,175
Value-For-Money Features:
- A big trunk and roomy seats.
- Achieves up to 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, according to EPA figures.
- A smooth ride and powerful acceleration.
Due to the fact that it is less stylish and dynamic than many of its competitors, the redesigned 2022 Volkswagen Jetta falls into the bottom part of our rating of compact cars. It does, however, boast a roomy interior with five adult-friendly seats. The class can fit in its trunk as well.
The Jetta's base engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder with 158 horsepower that is powerful and extremely fuel-efficient. The GLI Autobahn variant, which is the top of the line, has a 228-horsepower turbo-four. Any trim level of the Jetta will provide a comfortable ride, however, the GLI is more maneuverable.
Automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all included as standard safety features in the Jetta. Additionally, it features a user-friendly 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone compatibility.
2022 Mazda3
Starting Base Price: $20,800
Value-For-Money Features:
- Enthusiastic acceleration and agile handling.
- Excellent crash test results.
- A stylish interior created from high-quality materials.
With its quick acceleration, agile handling, and comfortable ride, the Mazda3 is a great vehicle. Furthermore, it is one of the few tiny cars with all-wheel drive. There are three engine choices, with outputs ranging from 155 to 227 horsepower (250 with premium gas).
The Mazda3 offers a luxurious cabin with room for five passengers. Both a sedan and a hatchback version are offered, but neither offers particularly roomy back seats. The hatchback has greater cargo space but isn't all that roomy, while the sedan has a modest trunk for the class. On the other hand, the Mazda3 receives excellent reviews for safety.
An 8.8-inch touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, and a number of active safety systems are notable standard equipment in the Mazda3. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are options that require a purchase above the base model.
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2022 Honda Civic
Starting Base Price: $22,350
Value-For-Money Features:
- It has undergone a complete renovation and has a contemporary cabin with new technologies.
- Large trunk and roomy seats for five people
Excellent fuel efficiency, with the standard engine achieving EPA estimates of 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, and the turbo-four achieving even higher fuel economy.
The Civic has a contemporary interior, wide seats, and a class-leading trunk. Additionally, a roomier hatchback version is offered. Numerous technological elements are included as standard, such as a simple 7-inch touch screen and support for smartphone apps.
This small car offers a smooth ride, good handling, and outstanding traction on the road. The Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technology is standard on the Civic, which also receives high ratings in crash tests.
2022 Mini Cooper
Starting Base Price: $22,900
Value-For-Money Features:
- Overall engaging driving experience.
- A luxurious cabin with top-notch construction and materials.
- The typical 8.8-inch touch screen is user-friendly and larger than the screens of most competitors.
The updated 2022 Mini Cooper features a classic look and is more opulent than many affordable vehicles. However, its captivating performance is likely what makes it most well-known. It has nimble handling, quick acceleration, and front-wheel drive. However, this Mini lacks all-wheel drive and has a firmer ride than others.
A turbocharged three-cylinder with 134 horsepower is Cooper's base engine; however, two turbo-fours with 189 and 228 horsepower are also offered. Despite having turbochargers, this subcompact automobile uses less fuel than its competitors.
There are three different versions of this Mini: the Hardtop 2 Door, Hardtop 4 Door, and Convertible. The Cooper's interior is elegant, but the second row is small, and there isn't much room in the trunk
2022 Subaru Legacy
Starting Base Price: $22,995
Value-For-Money Features:
- Conventional all-wheel drive.
- Large cabin with five passenger seats and a big trunk.
- A long list of luxury features and safety technologies that are standard.
Given that the Subaru Legacy is the only midsize sedan included on our list, it seems reasonable that it is the priciest vehicle on it. Given that it includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment and has a premium cabin, it is one of the finest values in its class.
This Subaru sedan has a big trunk and two rows of comfortable seats. It has an extensive array of cutting-edge driver-assist features and receives excellent crash test scores. Additionally,an easy-to-use 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay all come standard.
The Legacy's average standard engine, which produces 182 horsepower and does the job without any glaring wow factors, is the only significant drawback.
Expert Advice
In 2022, the year of sky-high transaction costs and low inventory, cars—as opposed to trucks or SUVs—are your best choice if affordability is your top priority in a new vehicle. Considerably the most affordable SUVs are more expensive than comparable entry-level automobiles because of the popularity of trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, with strong consumer demand driving actual prices even higher.
Customers looking at the affordable end of the auto market today might not find anything with the SUV's rugged image, but they won't be missing much else. That's because cheap modern cars are nonetheless modern cars, frequently with the newest comfort, entertainment, and safety amenities.
Interested in checking out the vehicle? Check out our website carweek.com to see or search for the latest new cars near you. Explore New cars now!
FAQs
Q. What is the most inexpensive new vehicle?
Ans: The base price of the Chevy Spark is the lowest of any new automobile in America. For those seeking a reasonably priced and effective vehicle, the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan ($15,645) are good choices. On this list, the Nissan Versa is likely the best bargain.
Q.What are the cheapest cars to buy?
Ans:The cheapest car you can buy in the US is the 2022 Spark, with an MSRP of $14,595 including destination.
