With the rising cost of living and increased expenses across the board, it’s no surprise that consumers are looking for more affordable options in almost every area, including vehicles. For individuals on a budget, the good news is that there are still several great new cars on the market that don’t require breaking the bank. These models offer excellent value, blending efficiency, safety, and reliability at a price point that is accessible for many.
Five of the cheapest new cars you can buy in the U.S. in 2024, from trusted brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Nissan.
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Toyota Corolla: $22,050
When it comes to affordability and reliability, the Toyota Corolla has been a top choice for decades. With a starting price of $22,050 for the 2024 model, the Corolla offers an excellent balance of practicality, safety features, and performance at a reasonable cost.
Design and Comfort: The Corolla’s design has evolved over the years to become more modern and sleek, featuring sharp lines and an aerodynamic profile. Inside, the cabin is comfortable and offers ample space for a compact car. High-quality materials and ergonomic design make it a pleasant place to be, whether you’re commuting to work or taking a longer trip. Despite its low price point, the Corolla doesn’t skimp on comfort, with options for heated seats, a sunroof, and even ambient lighting in higher trims.
Performance: Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Corolla delivers a solid performance with 139 horsepower. While it’s not a race car by any means, the Corolla’s strength lies in its fuel efficiency and smooth ride. For those looking for an even more eco-friendly option, Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the Corolla, which boasts excellent fuel economy ratings. The hybrid model achieves up to 53 miles per gallon in the city, making it one of the most efficient cars in its class.
Safety: Toyota is known for its commitment to safety, and the Corolla comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of driver-assistance features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. These features help make the Corolla a top pick for safety-conscious buyers.
Technology: Inside the Corolla, you’ll find an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, making it easy to stay connected while on the go. The system is user-friendly and intuitive, even for those who are not particularly tech-savvy.
Conclusion: The Toyota Corolla may not be the flashiest car on the market, but it delivers in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall value. Its combination of modern technology, safety features, and comfortable design makes it a strong contender in the budget-friendly car market.
Volkswagen Jetta: $21,995
Next on our list is the Volkswagen Jetta, a compact sedan that combines European style with affordability. Priced just under the Corolla at $21,995, the Jetta provides a sophisticated driving experience without the premium price tag.
Design and Comfort: The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is a testament to the brand’s clean and timeless design philosophy. It features a minimalist yet upscale exterior with subtle chrome accents and a refined look. Inside, the Jetta’s cabin is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and soft-touch materials throughout. While it may not offer the plush luxury of higher-end sedans, it provides excellent comfort for its price.
Performance: The Jetta comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 158 horsepower, giving it a bit more pep than some of its competitors. The turbo engine adds a sense of excitement to the drive, especially when compared to naturally aspirated rivals. Despite its performance, the Jetta remains fuel-efficient, achieving up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway. The available driving modes allow you to adjust the steering and throttle response to your liking, making it a versatile choice for different driving conditions.
Safety: Volkswagen doesn’t compromise on safety, even with its budget-friendly offerings. The Jetta comes with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offer adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for added peace of mind.
Technology: Technology is another area where the Jetta shines. The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there’s an available upgrade to an 8-inch display with built-in navigation. The Jetta also features Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a fully customizable digital instrument cluster that offers a more modern driving experience.
Conclusion: The Volkswagen Jetta is a stylish, well-rounded sedan that offers more than its price suggests. With a fun-to-drive turbo engine, advanced technology, and a comfortable interior, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a bit of European flair on a budget.
Kia Forte GT: $19,990
For those who want a sporty compact car without paying a premium, the Kia Forte GT is an appealing option. With a starting price of $19,990, the Forte GT offers impressive performance, sleek styling, and a host of features typically reserved for more expensive vehicles.
Design and Comfort: The Kia Forte GT boasts a bold, aggressive design with its signature tiger-nose grille, sleek LED headlights, and sporty accents. It has a low stance and sharp lines, giving it a youthful and energetic appearance. Inside, the Forte GT doesn’t disappoint, offering a driver-focused cockpit with available leatherette and cloth sport seats, red contrast stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel for a racecar-like feel.
Performance: Under the hood, the Forte GT packs a punch with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower. This gives it one of the most powerful engines in its class at this price point. The engine is paired with either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, offering an engaging driving experience. The Forte GT handles well on the road, with responsive steering and agile cornering, making it a fun choice for driving enthusiasts on a budget.
Safety: Kia has made safety a priority in the Forte GT, equipping it with a suite of driver-assistance features that includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. These systems help keep the driver alert and prevent accidents in various driving conditions.
Technology: In terms of technology, the Forte GT comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims offer features like a premium Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, and additional USB ports for charging devices.
Conclusion: The Kia Forte GT offers a lot of car for the money, with sporty looks, strong performance, and plenty of tech and safety features. It’s a great option for buyers who want an affordable compact car that doesn’t compromise on style or excitement.
Mitsubishi Mirage G4: $17,795
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable new cars on the market, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is hard to beat. With a starting price of $17,795, it’s an incredibly budget-friendly option, perfect for those who prioritize affordability and practicality.
Design and Comfort: The Mirage G4’s design is simple and unpretentious. It’s a compact sedan with a no-frills approach to style, focusing more on functionality than flashy aesthetics. The interior is basic but comfortable, with enough room for four adults. While it doesn’t have the premium materials found in higher-end models, the Mirage G4 offers decent comfort for the price.
Performance: The Mirage G4 is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower. While this may seem underwhelming, the trade-off is excellent fuel economy, with the Mirage G4 achieving up to 41 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s not a car for speed enthusiasts, but for city driving and commuting, it gets the job done efficiently and inexpensively.
Safety: Safety features on the Mirage G4 include a rearview camera, hill-start assist, and stability control. While it may not have all the advanced safety tech of its more expensive rivals, it covers the basics well, making it a safe choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Technology: The Mirage G4 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4-speaker audio system. While it may not have the latest tech bells and whistles, it’s functional and provides the essential features most drivers need.
Conclusion: The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is one of the most affordable new cars on the market, making it a great option for those looking for basic transportation at a very low price. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, its fuel efficiency and budget-friendly price make it a practical choice for many.
Nissan Versa: $16,690
Topping our list as the most affordable new car in the U.S. is the Nissan Versa, with a starting price of just $16,690. The Versa offers exceptional value, combining affordability with a surprising number of features and a comfortable ride.
Design and Comfort: The Versa’s design has come a long way in recent years, with a more refined and modern look compared to earlier models. It features a sleek exterior with bold lines and a sophisticated front grille. Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact car, with comfortable seating and a well-organized layout.
The materials used in the interior are of decent quality, giving the Versa a more upscale feel than its price suggests.
Performance: The Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 122 horsepower, which is more than adequate for daily driving. It’s not the fastest car on the road, but it’s smooth and composed, particularly at city speeds. Fuel economy is another highlight, with the Versa achieving up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save on gas.
Safety: Despite its low price, the Versa comes with a wide range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking. These features are often reserved for more expensive models, making the Versa a standout in terms of safety for its class.
Technology: The Versa comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offer additional tech features, including a surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control, which are rare to find in a car at this price point.
Conclusion: The Nissan Versa is a remarkable option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a well-rounded and feature-packed car. With its modern design, excellent safety features, and great fuel economy, it’s hard to find a better deal for under $17,000.
