Most Affordable Cars for 2024

ISeeCars.com

August 16, 2024 at 5:02 PM·4 min read

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
Ford Fiesta - $14,260
Ford Fiesta (hatchback) - $14,560

Most Affordable Midsize Cars

Ford Fusion - $23,170
Kia Optima - $23,390
Mazda Mazda6 - $24,475

Most Affordable Large Cars

Ford Taurus - $27,800
Chevrolet Impala - $31,620
Chrysler 300 - $33,545

Most Affordable Sports Cars

FIAT 124 Spider - $25,390
Toyota 86 - $27,060
Mazda MX-5 Miata - $28,985

Most Affordable Convertibles

FIAT 500c - $17,990
FIAT 124 Spider - $25,390
Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - $25,995

Most Affordable Wagons

Kia Soul - $20,190
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen - $21,895
Subaru Impreza (wagon) - $22,995

Most Affordable Coupes

Hyundai VELOSTER - $18,900
Honda Civic (coupe) - $21,050
Toyota 86 - $27,060

Most Affordable Hatchbacks

Chevrolet Spark - $13,600
Ford Fiesta (hatchback) - $14,560
Nissan Versa Note - $15,650

Most Affordable Subcompact Cars

Chevrolet Spark - $13,600
Ford Fiesta - $14,260
Ford Fiesta (hatchback) - $14,560

Most Affordable Compact Cars

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 - $17,795
Chevrolet Cruze - $17,995
Hyundai VELOSTER - $18,900

Most Affordable Subcompact SUVs

Hyundai VENUE - $19,900
Chevrolet Trax - $20,400
Mazda CX-3 - $20,790

Most Affordable Small SUVs

Toyota Corolla Cross - $23,860
Volkswagen Taos - $23,995
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross - $26,345

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

Hyundai VENUE - $19,900
Chevrolet Trax - $20,400
Mazda CX-3 - $20,790

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

Dodge Journey - $23,675
Hyundai SANTA FE XL - $30,950
Kia Sorento - $31,990

Most Affordable Large SUVs

Ford Flex - $30,575
Chevrolet Traverse Limited - $34,520
Chevrolet Tahoe - $50,450

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

Dodge Journey - $23,675
Mitsubishi Outlander - $28,395
Toyota RAV4 - $28,475

Most Affordable Small Trucks

Ford Maverick - $23,815
Hyundai SANTA CRUZ - $26,900

Most Affordable Midsize Trucks

Chevrolet Colorado - $29,500
Nissan Frontier - $30,510
Toyota Tacoma - $31,500

Most Affordable Full-Size Trucks

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited - $30,400
GMC Sierra 1500 Limited - $31,200
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD - $34,500

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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About iSeeCars.com

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.

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