The idea of what’s “cheap” these days is considerably different from what it was just five years ago, but there are still some remarkably affordable new cars on the market, from sedans to hatchbacks to SUVs. There are even two model lines that can be had for less than $20,000 — and our whole top 10 slots are below the $25,000 mark.
The prices quoted below include destination and freight charges but do not include other mandatory fees like tax, title, and licensing. Prices may vary by region, so be sure to check what’s available at your local dealership.
Here are the 10 cheapest new cars of 2024-2025.
1. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage: $17,840/Mirage G4: $18,940
Unlike the Versa (spoiler alert: it’s the next car on this list), even the base 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage comes with a CVT, although it does come up a bit short on power, with 78 horsepower compared to the Versa’s 122 hp. If you need a small, efficient city car on the cheap, however, the Mirage hatch and G4 sedan are great choices.
See 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage models for sale near you
2. 2025 Nissan Versa: $18,330
Aside from the Mirage, which ends its run in the U.S. in 2024, the 2025 Nissan Versa is the cheapest car you can buy in America. Despite the small price, the Versa is big on features. To get the very cheapest model, you’ll have to be able to drive stick, as it comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission — but you can upgrade to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for an extra $1,800, bringing the tally to $20,130.
See 2025 Nissan Versa models for sale near you
3. 2024 Kia Forte: $21,145
Stepping up above the $20,000 mark brings a notable upgrade in design, materials, and equipment in the form of the 2024 Kia Forte. The base engine still leaves a bit to be desired, but the 2024 Forte’s mix of equipment and low price make it an attractive alternative to the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
See 2024 Kia Forte models for sale near you
4. 2025 Hyundai Venue: $21,395
The 2025 Hyundai Venue is the cheapest crossover SUV you can buy in the United States, and it gets good gas mileage and comes with a great warranty. In addition to its low purchase price, the Venue has earned our Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own award.
See 2025 Hyundai Venue models for sale near you
5. 2025 Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
All-new last year, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax carries forward into the new year with fresh looks and up-to-date tech, including standard Chevy Safety Assist and wireless smartphone integration on all models. Like the Venue, the Trax is front-wheel drive (FWD) only.
See 2025 Chevrolet Trax models for sale near you
6. 2025 Kia Soul: $21,665
Boxy, charming, and unusual, the 2025 Kia Soul is very space-efficient despite its small footprint and can fit up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row. The Soul also gets standard smartphone integration,
See 2025 Kia Soul models for sale near you
7. 2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730
Larger, more comfortable, and more capable than the Versa, the 2025 Nissan Sentra is a noticeable upgrade over its less-expensive sibling. In base form, it gets standard Zero Gravity seats and 40 mpg on the highway, making it a solid road tripper or long-distance commuter.
See 2025 Nissan Sentra models for sale near you
8. 2025 Hyundai Elantra: $23,025
A spacious interior and generous standard safety features help the 2025 Hyundai Elantra rise above its bargain pricing. There’s a lot of tech on board, too, including standard wireless smartphone integration in the base model.
See 2025 Hyundai Elantra models for sale near you
9. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta: $23,220
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta gets a redesigned look inside and out, more safety equipment, and a slightly lower base price compared to last year’s model. It’s an attractive, roomy car with standard smartphone integration, an 8-inch digital instrument display, and VW’s IQ.Drive driver-assist suite all included in the base model.
See 2025 Volkswagen Jetta models for sale near you
10. 2025 Toyota Corolla: $23,310
Toyota’s reputation for reliable, affordable transport was at least partly built on the strength of the Corolla, and the 2025 Toyota Corolla continues the tradition. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless smartphone integration are all included.
See 2025 Toyota Corolla models for sale near you
The Cheapest New Cars of 2024-2025
- 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage: $17,840 / Mirage G4: $18,940
- 2025 Nissan Versa: $18,330
- 2024 Kia Forte: $21,145
- 2025 Hyundai Venue: $21,395
- 2025 Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
- 2025 Kia Soul: $21,665
- 2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730
- 2025 Hyundai Elantra: $23,025
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta: $23,220
- 2025 Toyota Corolla: $23,310
