(iSeeCars) – Here is a roundup of the most affordable new cars across 21 different categories, ranked by their lowest starting cost. These base prices reflect the entry-level version of each model, commonly known as the “base model,” representing the most budget-friendly option in each lineup. This pricing information is sourced directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer and is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
While these prices represent the suggested price as determined by a car’s manufacturer, dealerships are allowed to charge whatever price they want. This can result in a car being priced lower or higher than the MSRP.
Shoppers can start their research by looking at these rankings, but buyers seeking the most affordable cars should always confirm a specific vehicle’s price by checking the dealer’s website listing or calling the dealership and speaking to a sales professional.
When seeking a cheap car it’s important to remember a vehicle’s purchase price represents the first of many costs related to owning and operating a vehicle. Everything from car insurance to fuel economy should be considered part of a car’s affordability calculation, and should be confirmed by checking vehicle specs and getting insurance quotes before purchase.
The best cars for saving money tend to be smaller subcompacts and hatchbacks powered by their three- or four-cylinder base engine. Over the past few model years these small cars have evolved past delivering the best gas mileage, useful cargo space, and low auto insurance rates. Their list of advanced technology and standard safety features goes well beyond cruise control, reading more like premium luxury cars than basic commuter cars.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, high-definition touchscreens, and Wi-Fi connectivity come standard on even the cheapest new cars today, with high quality interior materials, extensive warranty coverage, and advanced safety technology, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, also quite common.
Consumers living in cold-weather climates can opt for all-wheel drive, and performance-enthusiasts can consider higher-trim levels with more powerful turbo engines, though both of these features will negatively impact mpg and increase insurance rates. Moving up from subcompact cars like the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio to compact models like the Honda Civic or Nissan Sentra will add more space and features, but also increase the up-front purchase price and long-term ownership costs.
See below for the most affordable cars in each category.
Most Affordable Small Cars
- Chevrolet Spark – $13,600
- Toyota Yaris – $15,650
- Honda Fit – $16,190
Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars
- Acura ILX – $27,300
- Acura Integra (hatchback) – $33,000
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class – $33,950
Most Affordable Midsize Cars
- Ford Fusion – $23,170
- Kia Optima – $23,390
- Mazda Mazda6 – $24,475
Most Affordable Luxury Midsize Cars
- Buick Regal Sportback – $25,370
- Lincoln MKZ – $36,750
- Lexus ES 250 – $42,040
Most Affordable Luxury Large Cars
- Lincoln Continental – $46,305
- Acura RLX – $54,900
- Cadillac CT6 – $58,995
Most Affordable Sports Cars
- FIAT 124 Spider – $25,390
- Toyota 86 – $27,060
- Mazda MX-5 Miata – $29,530
Most Affordable Luxury Sports Cars
- INFINITI Q60 – $42,250
- Mercedes-Benz SLC – $49,950
- Audi TT (coupe) – $52,200
Most Affordable Convertibles
- FIAT 124 Spider – $25,390
- Mazda MX-5 Miata – $29,530
- MINI Convertible – $33,950
Most Affordable Luxury Convertibles
- BMW 2 Series (convertible) – $41,850
- Mercedes-Benz SLC – $49,950
- BMW Z4 (convertible) – $55,000
Most Affordable Wagons
- Kia Soul – $20,490
- Subaru Impreza (wagon) – $24,360
- MINI Clubman – $34,050
Most Affordable Luxury Wagons
- Buick Regal TourX – $29,370
- Volvo V60 – $40,950
- Audi A4 allroad – $47,600
Most Affordable Coupes
- Hyundai VELOSTER – $18,900
- Honda Civic (coupe) – $21,050
- Toyota 86 – $27,060
Most Affordable Luxury Coupes
- BMW 2 Series (coupe) – $41,700
- INFINITI Q60 – $42,250
- Lexus RC 300 – $45,270
Most Affordable Hatchbacks
- Chevrolet Spark – $13,600
- Honda Fit – $16,190
- Mitsubishi Mirage (hatchback) – $16,695
Most Affordable Luxury Hatchbacks
- Buick Regal Sportback – $25,370
- Acura Integra (hatchback) – $33,000
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class – $33,950
Most Affordable Subcompact Cars
- Chevrolet Spark – $13,600
- Toyota Yaris – $15,650
- Honda Fit – $16,190
Most Affordable Luxury Subcompact Cars
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class – $33,950
- BMW 2 Series (coupe) – $41,700
- Mercedes-Benz CLA – $44,400
Most Affordable Compact Cars
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 – $17,795
- Hyundai VELOSTER – $18,900
- Subaru Impreza – $19,795
Most Affordable Luxury Compact Cars
- Acura ILX – $27,300
- Acura Integra (hatchback) – $33,000
- Cadillac CT4 – $35,600
Most Affordable Subcompact SUVs
- Hyundai VENUE – $20,200
- Chevrolet Trax – $20,500
- Mazda CX-3 – $20,790
Most Affordable Luxury Subcompact SUVs
- Buick Encore – $24,600
- Buick Encore GX – $25,900
- Lexus UX 200 – $33,450
Most Affordable Small SUVs
- Toyota Corolla Cross – $24,135
- Volkswagen Taos – $24,995
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – $26,545
Most Affordable Luxury Small SUVs
- Buick Envista – $24,600
- Acura ADX – $35,000
- Buick Envision – $36,500
Most Affordable Crossover SUVs
- Hyundai VENUE – $20,200
- Chevrolet Trax – $20,500
- Mazda CX-3 – $20,790
Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs
- Buick Encore – $24,600
- Buick Envista – $24,600
- Buick Encore GX – $25,900
Most Affordable Midsize SUVs
- Dodge Journey – $23,675
- Kia Sorento – $31,990
- Jeep Wrangler – $32,095
Most Affordable Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Lexus RX 350L – $48,750
- Lexus RX 350 – $48,975
- INFINITI QX60 – $50,200
Most Affordable Large SUVs
- Toyota Sequoia – $50,500
- Chevrolet Tahoe – $53,000
- Ford Expedition – $57,345
Most Affordable Luxury Large SUVs
- Buick Enclave – $45,100
- Cadillac XT6 – $49,195
- Volvo XC90 – $57,400
Whether you’re looking for an economical choice for daily commuting or a luxurious ride to elevate your driving experience, this list of the most affordable vehicles across various categories offers a range of options to suit your needs and budget. From compact cars to spacious SUVs and hybrids, you’ll find quality and value in each selection. Happy car hunting!
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iSeeCars.com is a data-driven car search and research company that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, including the iSeeCars VIN Check report and Best Cars Rankings. iSeeCars has saved users over $420 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.
This article, Most Affordable Cars, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.
