Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy in 2023
The average price for a new passenger vehicle sold in the U.S. is nearly $50,000. But there are still a handful of genuinely cheap new cars on sale today that check most of the same boxes. You won't be getting the most comfortable, tech-filled cars in the world for under $20,000, but you will be getting reliable, warranty-backed transportation you can count on.
2023 Toyota Corolla
Price: $22,795
Toyota is known for its elite reliability, which alone makes the Corolla a standout on this list. Toyota's smallest car is also a hoot to drive, with a nice interior, handsome looks, and an available stick shift. Need more space? It's also available as a hatchback for $24,250.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
Price: $21,750
The Volkswagen Jetta is the only German car on this list, so if you're looking for a more premium vibe, this is the budget sedan for you. It's also one of the most comfortable, fuel-efficient cars in its segment, which is pretty good considering it gets a turbocharged engine as standard.
Check out our review of the high-performance GLI
2023 Hyundai Elantra
Price: $22,065
While it might not be much of a looker, we love the Hyundai Elantra for its quality driving characteristics, nice cabin, and 10-year powertrain warranty. If you have an extra 10 grand to spare, we highly recommend upgrading to the sporty Elantra N.
Here's why the Elantra N is such a bargain
2023 Nissan Kicks
Price: $21,775
The Nissan Kicks is one of just two crossovers on this list, representing the very entry-level SUV in the Japanese automaker's lineup. No, it's not exactly luxurious, but there's plenty of space in the cabin and lots of fuel efficiency to go around.
We prefer its predecessor, the Juke
2023 Kia Soul
Price: $21,215
Certainly the funkiest and most interesting car on this list, the Kia Soul has carved out a niche for itself as a quirky, affordable mode of transportation. The latest model doesn't come with a stick, but it's still plenty spacious inside.
2023 Nissan Sentra
Price: $21,145
The Versa isn't the only Nissan sedan on this list. There's also the slightly bigger Sentra. You can't get a manual paired to the 149-hp engine, but there's lots of standard tech considering its price.
We miss the SE-R performance variant
2023 Hyundai Venue
Price: $20,985
Unique looks and a healthy powertrain warranty aren't the only good things the Hyundai Venue has going for it. It's also plenty spacious and packed with driver assistance features.
2023 Kia Forte
Price: $20,815
The new Kia Forte is the best-looking $20,000 car on the market right now. Pair the stylish design with the healthy fuel efficiency and available six-speed manual transmission, and you have a true winner on your hands.
2023 Kia Rio
Price: $17,875
The Kia Rio comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which alone should make it a compelling choice for budget-minded buyers. Of course, with a starting price under $18,000, don't expect a lot of performance from the Kia Rio's 120-hp four-cylinder and standard continuously variable automatic transmission.
It even comes in hatchback form
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
Price: $17,450
The Mitsubishi Mirage has somehow stood the test of time to become one of the last sub-$20,000 vehicles in America. With, refreshed looks, a tiny footprint, and an available stick shift, it's more appealing than ever.
Read our full road test right here
2023 Nissan Versa
Price: $16,925
The Nissan Versa holds the title for cheapest new car in America, with a 122-hp inline-four connected to a five-speed manual as standard—just how we like it. The cabin is pretty spartan, but at least there's air conditioning and a radio. You don't need much else, do you?
The Versa is also surprisingly good at holding its value
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