Most Affordable Cars for 2024

( iSeeCars ) – 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

1. Chevrolet Spark – $13,600
2. Ford Fiesta – $14,260
3. Ford Fiesta (hatchback) – $14,560

Most Affordable Midsize Cars

1. Ford Fusion – $23,170
2. Kia Optima – $23,390
3. Mazda Mazda6 – $24,475

Most Affordable Large Cars

1. Ford Taurus – $27,800
2. Chevrolet Impala – $31,620
3. Chrysler 300 – $33,545

Most Affordable Sports Cars

1. FIAT 124 Spider – $25,390
2. Toyota 86 – $27,060
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata – $28,985

Most Affordable Convertibles

1. FIAT 500c – $17,990
2. FIAT 124 Spider – $25,390
3. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible – $25,995

Most Affordable Wagons

1. Kia Soul – $20,190
2. Volkswagen Golf SportWagen – $21,895
3. Subaru Impreza (wagon) – $22,995

Most Affordable Coupes

1. Hyundai VELOSTER – $18,900
2. Honda Civic (coupe) – $21,050
3. Toyota 86 – $27,060

Most Affordable Hatchbacks

1. Chevrolet Spark – $13,600
2. Ford Fiesta (hatchback) – $14,560
3. Nissan Versa Note – $15,650

Most Affordable Subcompact Cars

1. Chevrolet Spark – $13,600
2. Ford Fiesta – $14,260
3. Ford Fiesta (hatchback) – $14,560

Most Affordable Compact Cars

1. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 – $17,795
2. Chevrolet Cruze – $17,995
3. Hyundai VELOSTER – $18,900

Most Affordable Subcompact SUVs

1. Hyundai VENUE – $19,900
2. Chevrolet Trax – $20,400
3. Mazda CX-3 – $20,790

Most Affordable Small SUVs

1. Toyota Corolla Cross – $23,860
2. Volkswagen Taos – $23,995
3. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – $26,345

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

1. Hyundai VENUE – $19,900
2. Chevrolet Trax – $20,400
3. Mazda CX-3 – $20,790

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

1. Dodge Journey – $23,675
2. Hyundai SANTA FE XL – $30,950
3. Kia Sorento – $31,990

Most Affordable Large SUVs

1. Ford Flex – $30,575
2. Chevrolet Traverse Limited – $34,520
3. Chevrolet Tahoe – $50,450

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

1. Dodge Journey – $23,675
2. Mitsubishi Outlander – $28,395
3. Toyota RAV4 – $28,475

Most Affordable Small Trucks

1. Ford Maverick – $23,815
2. Hyundai SANTA CRUZ – $26,900

Most Affordable Midsize Trucks

1. Chevrolet Colorado – $29,500
2. Nissan Frontier – $30,510
3. Toyota Tacoma – $31,500

Most Affordable Full-Size Trucks

1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited – $30,400
2. GMC Sierra 1500 Limited – $31,200
3. 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!

More from iSeeCars:

• Safest Cars for 2024
• Best Family Cars
• Best Small Cars

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.

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