I found the five least expensive new vehicles to buy in the U.S. As well as a few other interesting least expensive categories. You’ll spend less than $26,000.
Here are the five least expensive new vehicles you can buy right now. As well as what makes each one stand out. I also share the least expensive truck and vehicle from Europe.
Before we dig into it, one important caveat: with the tariffs recently imposed across the world, and at constantly changes rates, vehicles prices may go up in unpredictable ways. In fact, on Tuesday, April 8th, the administration lifted many of the reciprocal tariffs, or “paused” them for 90 days. Who know where this will lead.
That said, as of right now, this is what I found.
$4400 separates the least to the fifth least expensive vehicle on this list. Two are sedans and three crossover SUVs (according to the Mfr. anyway). Japan builds two of them, Korea builds another two. The U.S. builds one. I used the MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) and included the destination charge. These prices do not account for any regional, state, or dealer specific charges or discounts.
5. Nissan Sentra
The fifth least expensive vehicle is the Nissan Sentra. More specifically, the front-wheel-drive Sentra S. It costs $22,730. You get a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder under the hood, which delivers 149 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft of torque. Courtesy of a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, you get 30 MPG in the City, 40 on the highway, 34 combined.
At just under 183 inches long, the Sentra is the longest car on this list. It also delivers the best overall fuel economy. Otherwise, it offers no frills, basic transportation. If you’re willing to go smaller, you’ll get a bit more style too.
4. Kia Soul
Number four is the Kia Soul, crossover SUV. More specifically, the Kia Soul LX with front- wheel-drive. It costs $21,885. You get also get a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder under the hood, which delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft of torque. Courtesy of a CVT, you get 27 MPG in the City, 33 on the highway, 30 combined.
In my opinion the Kia Soul is the best-looking vehicle of the group. Choose this one if you love style more than anything else
3. Chevrolet Trax
At number three sits the Chevrolet Trax crossover SUV. More specifically, the Chevrolet Trax LS with, you guessed it, front-wheel-drive. It costs $21,795. You get a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three-cylinder under the hood, which delivers 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft of torque. Courtesy of a six-speed automatic transmission, you get 28 MPG in the City, 32 on the highway, 30 combined.
The lone American to make the cut, the Trax looks cool and offers the most space behind the second row of the group here: 26 cubic feet. You also get the most torque to play with courtesy of that turbocharged engine.
2. Hyundai Venue
Sitting in the penultimate spot is the Hyundai Venue crossover SUV. More specifically, the front-wheel-drive Hyundai Venue SE. It costs $21,650. You get a 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder under the hood, which delivers 121 horsepower and 113 lb.-ft of torque. Courtesy of yet another CVT, you get 29 MPG in the City, 32 on the highway, 31 combined.
Even the base, Venue SE offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Also measuring less than 160-inches from nose to tail, the will Venue easily maneuver around tight spaces.
1. Nissan Versa
And finally, the cheapest vehicle on sale here in the U.S., and the only one to cost less than $20000, is the Nissan Versa sedan. More specifically, the front-wheel-drive Nissan Versa S. It costs $18,330. You get a 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder under the hood, which delivers 122 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft of torque. Courtesy of a 5-speed manual transmission, you get 27 MPG in the City, 35 on the highway, 30 combined.
The Nissan is both the cheapest car here and the only one with a more engaging manual transmission. But, yes, if you want a CVT Nissan offers one, but you need a bit more money too.
Least Expensive European Car
The cheapest car from Europe is the Volkswagen (VW) Jetta. It offers front-wheel-drive, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, and generally friendly driving dynamics. It costs $23,720.
Least Expensive Truck
The cheapest truck you can buy is the Ford Maverick. And it’s a great truck! I reviewed one a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Its base price is $25,515.
Get ‘em While they Last
Finally, there is another, even cheaper new car… sort of. The Mitsubishi Mirage. Mitsubishi is not selling a 2025 Mirage, but it looks like 2024 models still sit on dealer lots with an MSRP of just $16,695. That’s before destination charge, which I couldn’t find, but guess is around a grand, which means it would still cost less than $18,000 for a brand new one.
Summary
The average price of a new automobile shot up in the last several years. And the market shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. If you want something new and wish to spend as little as possible, these are your five best choices.
Price Breakdown
| Make Model | Price | Type | Country | |
| 1 | Nissan Versa | $18,330 | sedan | Japan |
| 2 | Hyundai Venue | $21,650 | SUV | Korea |
| 3 | Chevrolet Trax | $21,795 | SUV | U.S. |
| 4 | Kia Soul | $21,885 | SUV | Korea |
| 5 | Nissan Sentra S | $22,730 | sedan | Japan |
Not the cheapest, but Nissan also reduced the price on two of its popular crossover SUVs. Learn more here.
