Affordable, Stylish, Reliable: 7 Cars You Can Buy Right Now
Looking for a new car that actually fits your budget? Here are some affordable options, including compact sedans, small SUVs, and feature-packed models with great fuel economy and warranties.
A New Car Can Still Be In Your Budget
The average price for a new car officially crested $50,000 this past September, but its been right around that mark since late 2021. That said, there are a few cars that actually dropped in price this year. The reasons behind the overall increase are many, but those points are irrelevant if you’re in the market for a new ride and don’t want to drop that kind of coin.
Here’s the good news: There are, in fact, plenty of affordable cars, including a strong selection of reasonably priced hybrids, still on the market. Here are some of our favorites for less than $25,000. Those interested in spending even less and transitioning to an EV should check out the incoming Slate pickup truck/SUV.
Nissan Sentra SV: $24,475
All-new for 2026, the latest Nissan Sentra features fresh, bold styling and starts under $24,000 for a base S model. But the mid-tier SV is better equipped with alloy wheels, remote engine start, and adaptive cruise control. All new Sentras earn 33 mpg in the combined cycle and deliver 35 inches of back seat leg room. But the SV also brings dual 12.3” cabin displays. One for the instrument panel and the other for infotainment, with the latter featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Volkswagen Jetta S: $24,220
The Volkswagen Jetta remains a great value, as even the base model ups the power ante, versus most in this segment, from its turbocharged inline-4 that’s good for 158 hp, but more importantly, 184 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is competitive at 33 mpg combined and VW includes 2 years of complimentary maintenance on the Jetta. In S guise, the infotainment interface is on the small side at 8”, but these models do come with LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitoring and intervention system.
Kia K4 LXS: $24,185
Another new entrant to the compact car segment, Kia’s K4 arrived for the 2025 model year with sharp-edged styling and the automaker’s signature 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Like the Sentra, power is on the low side at just 149 hp, but the K4 makes up for it with a relatively big back seat offering 38” of leg room and fuel efficiency of 34 mpg combined. Heated side mirrors and 16” alloy wheels are included on the LXS trim line, as is a 12.3” central touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, and a 6-speaker stereo. The base LX model offers a bit less content, but comes in $1,000 lower.
Chevrolet Trax LT: $24,095
Chevy put the small SUV class on notice when it released the new Trax in 2024. Base models slip under $22,000, but the LT is still an affordable “car”, and is very nicely outfitted with 17” rims, an 11” touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and automatic high beams. The first service visit is on the house, and this little crossover packs outsized cargo space with 54 cubic feet of volume behind the first row and 26 cubes behind the second row.
Nissan Kicks: $23,220
Yet another new entrant to the affordable car segment, the Nissan Kicks stands out with distinctive looks, a 34 mpg combined rating, and 50 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. Midpack SV trim lines push just past $25,000, but the base S model is nicely setup with keyless entry, a 7” central touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, forward collision mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Plus, it is the rare vehicle at this price point that offers all-wheel drive.
Kia Soul S: $24,435
The Kia Soul has become more mature since its hamster driving ways of the past, but continues to pack value into that squared-off shape. It also packs a ton of cargo space, besting the Trax by offering 62 cubic feet of room behind the first row. In S trim, the Soul comes with alloy wheels, a 10.25” central touchscreen, 6 speakers, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Back seat legroom is healthy at 39” and Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is included as well.
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