Low cost vehicles are dying in America. With manufacturers like Chevrolet, Nissan, and Mitsubishi not too long ago killing off a few of their most cost-effective choices, the unhappy actuality is: there isn’t a single new automobile in America that prices lower than $20,000.
That stated, there are nonetheless some glorious choices at slightly below $25,000. They vary from compact sedans to tiny crossovers, with a large number of automakers represented. After all, all of those costs embody the obligatory vacation spot payment, however should you’re out there for one thing low cost, you possibly can’t go improper with certainly one of these automobiles.
Hyundai Venue: $22,150
Gasoline Financial system: 31 MPG Mixed
The most affordable automobile in America—properly, technically it’s not a automobile in any respect. The Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV is available in at simply $22,650 for the 2026 mannequin yr with the obligatory $1,600 freight cost included (which, frankly, looks like loads). Earlier than together with freight fees, Hyundai advertises a $20,550 base worth for the Venue.
The Venu packs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, just a few commonplace security options, and fuel-economy returns of as much as 31 miles per gallon mixed. Not unhealthy for what you’re paying.
Chevrolet Trax: $23,495
Picture by: Chevrolet
Gasoline Financial system: 30 MPG Mixed
Second solely to the Venue is one other subcompact SUV: the Chevrolet Trax. With a beginning worth of $23,495 (together with the obligatory $1,700 vacation spot payment), it’s the most cost effective car Chevy gives and the one American automobile that prices lower than $25,000.
That stated, the Trax isn’t some bare-bones commuter automobile. The bottom LS mannequin comes with a decently punchy turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch wheels, and even cruise management. To not point out, it will get you a strong 30 miles per gallon mixed.
Kia K4: $23,535
Gasoline Financial system: 33 MPG Mixed
Regardless of being one of many newer, nicer compact sedans available on the market in the present day, the Kia K4 can also be the most cost effective. For 2026, a base LX mannequin begins at simply $24,535 with the obligatory $1,245 vacation spot payment included. It’s just a few hundred {dollars} cheaper than the subsequent automobile on this record, however it’s no much less properly geared up.
A base K4 LX nonetheless will get you a 2.0-liter engine with 147 horsepower, automated emergency braking, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—and extra. It additionally returns a powerful 33 miles per gallon mixed.
Nissan Sentra: $23,845
Picture by: Nissan
Gasoline Financial system: 33 MPG Mixed
Just some hundred {dollars} greater than the Kia K4 is the 2026 Nissan Sentra. With a beginning worth of $23,845, with the obligatory $1,245 vacation spot payment included, the not too long ago up to date Sentra takes the place of the now-discontinued (a minimum of within the US) Versa as the most cost effective sedan within the Nissan lineup. However as with so most of the different automobiles on this record, it’s by no means “low cost.”
A base Sentra S nets you a 2.0-liter engine with 149 horsepower and a powerful 33 miles per gallon mixed. Nissan additionally throws in its Security Defend 360 at no additional value, which comes with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam help, and extra. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come commonplace, too.
Hyundai Elantra: $23,870
Picture by: Hyundai
Gasoline Financial system: 35 MPG Mixed
Third solely to the K4 and Sentra within the compact section is the equally glorious Hyundai Elantra. With a base worth of $23,870, with the obligatory $1,245 vacation spot payment included, Hyundai’s entry within the compact area provides you a ton of bang for the buck.
The Elantra is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that makes 147 horsepower and returns as much as 35 miles per gallon mixed. Customary tools consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen show with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus security options like ahead collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring.
Nissan Kicks: $24,275
Picture by: Nissan
Gasoline Financial system: 31 MPG Mixed
Solely the third SUV on this record is the Nissan Kicks, which underwent a reasonably main makeover for the 2025 mannequin yr. At $24,275 to start out, with the obligatory $1,545 vacation spot payment included, the Kicks is available in at slightly below the $25,000 mark. But it surely may be a greater purchase than any of the sedans on this record.
Not solely do you get the additional advantage of additional cargo room and passenger area, however the Kicks is powered by a punchy 2.0-liter engine making 141 horsepower and returning as much as 31 miles per gallon mixed. Better of all, the subcompact SUV is lastly out there with all-wheel drive, which implies it’s a good higher possibility for inclement climate, like rain or snow.
Toyota Corolla: $24,285
Picture by: Toyota
Gasoline Financial system: 35 MPG Mixed
The usual Toyota Corolla sedan hasn’t modified a lot, admittedly, since this Twelfth-generation mannequin arrived in 2018. However that doesn’t imply it’s not value contemplating for underneath $25,000. For 2026, the Corolla sedan begins at $24,285 with the $1,160 vacation spot payment included.
The excellent news is that the Corolla has one of many punchier powertrain choices on this record—its 2.0-liter engine makes a strong 169 horsepower. Even with that additional oomph, the Corolla nonetheless returns as much as 35 miles per gallon mixed within the base LE trim. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes commonplace.
Simply Over $25,000
Picture by: Chevrolet
The sub-$25,000 market is shrinking in America—as evidenced by the truth that there are solely seven new automobiles you should purchase within the US at that worth with vacation spot included. However should you’re keen to shell out just a few additional hundred bucks, listed here are some strong choices that are available in at simply over $25,000.
- Chevrolet Trailblazer: $25,095
- Volkswagen Jetta: $25,250
- Kia Seltos: $25,285
- Mazda3: $25,885
- Honda Civic: $25,890
