Need a fresh set of wheels? Well, it’s a tough time to buy an affordable car.
In April, the average list price for a new vehicle accelerated past $50,000, per CarGurus.
High prices are forcing Americans into some scary-looking finances, too. The average monthly payment has stayed well above $750, and the average loan term is inching toward seven years.
Meanwhile, the supply of lower-priced new cars is shrinking. Cox Automotive data shared with Business Insider shows the affordable end of the new-car market has narrowed over the past year.
In April, Cox counted 20 models with average transaction prices below $30,000, down from 27 last May. Four of those models had average MSRPs above $30,000, suggesting some vehicles are falling below the threshold only because of discounts. Six had incentives above the national average of 6.7%, another sign that deals are helping keep some models in affordable territory.
Still, the cheap, new car isn’t fully extinct yet. A small group of new cars still starts below $25,000 — at least before mandatory destination fees, taxes, options, and dealer markups factor in.
Here are the 10 lowest-priced new cars on sale today.
Hyundai Venue: starting at $20,550
Hyundai’s Venue is the lowest-priced new vehicle on sale in the US. The diminutive SUV starts at $20,550, and even the top SEL trim starts at $22,825 before destination.
Chevy Trax: starting at $21,700
Chevrolet’s Trax got a facelift for the 2024 model year, while keeping a lower starting price than many rivals. The base LS trim starts at $21,700 before destination, while the 2RS and ACTIV trims start at $25,400.
Kia K4: starting at $22,290
Kia’s K4 replaced the Forte as the brand’s entry-level compact sedan for the 2025 model year. The K4 starts at $22,290 before destination, making it the lowest-priced new sedan on sale in the US.
Drivers can also opt for the hatchback version, which starts at $24,990 before destination.
Nissan Sentra: starting at $22,600
With the Versa gone, the Sentra is now Nissan’s cheapest sedan. The redesigned 2026 Sentra starts at $22,600 before destination for the base S trim.
Shoppers may still find remaining 2025 Sentras on dealer lots, which could give buyers another lower-priced option depending on local inventory.
Hyundai Elantra: starting at $22,625
Hyundai’s smallest sedan remains one of the few compact cars with a starting price below $25,000, even after the standard destination fee.
The Elantra lineup also includes hybrid and performance-oriented N models, though higher-end versions move far beyond budget-car territory. The Elantra N can easily push above $40,000.
Nissan Kicks: starting at $22,730
The Kicks (as in, sneakers) is Nissan’s lowest-priced SUV, slotting below the larger Rogue. The base S trim starts below $25,000 before destination.
Still, options and higher trims — including all-wheel-drive models — can quickly push the Kicks’ price above $30,000.
Toyota Corolla: starting at $23,125
Toyota’s Corolla remains one of the most familiar names in the compact-car segment, and it still clears the sub-$25,000 bar. The base LE trim starts at $23,125 before destination.
The automaker also has a hatchback version with a starting price of $24,580, while hybrid models start at $24,975.
Chevy Trailblazer: starting at $23,300
Chevrolet’s Trailblazer gives GM another lower-priced option alongside the Trax. The Trailblazer’s stance is more upright, giving it a more standard SUV-ish look.
The base LS trim starts below $25,000 before destination, though all-wheel drive and higher trims quickly move pricing into $30,000 territory.
Kia Seltos: starting at $23,790
Kia ended production of the boxy Soul SUV at the end of 2025, effectively handing over the title for the brand’s lowest-cost SUV to the Seltos.
Seltos is getting a major remodel in 2027, including modern exterior design updates, more interior room, and an optional hybrid powertrain. Pricing for the new model is expected to increase.
Volkswagen Jetta: starting at $23,995
The Jetta — which first reached American shores in 1979 — is Volkswagen’s last sedan in the US. Its base S trim remains under $25,000 before destination, while the cushier SEL model starts just around $30,000. A sports-oriented GLI trim jumps past $33,000.
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