10 Least Expensive New Cars
Check out our list of today's least expensive new cars across the 10 different market segments.
Chevrolet
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Long gone are the days when inexpensive new cars were outfitted with the bare minimum of features. The least expensive new cars you'll find on the market today are equipped with amenities that drivers both want and need. Forget paying extra for safety features or basic convenience items.
With the average price of a new car at over $45,000, it can pay—literally—to look for something well under that mark.
Rather than look at the lowest-priced cars on the market, we've structured our list to include the least expensive option within each of the 10 different market segments, arranged in order of cost. Our list looks mostly at 2022 models, albeit with some 2021 versions, as we wait for automakers to release their latest updates.
Chevrolet
Least Expensive Hatchback: The 2022 Chevrolet Spark LS
It may have a small footprint, but the Chevy Spark is a remarkably practical car with decent cargo space and plenty of features for the money, at just under $15,000. You'll find a staggering 10 air bags, a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple and Android smartphone compatibility, and other great features—all at one of the lowest manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for new cars.
Nissan
Least Expensive Sedan: The 2022 Nissan Versa
Maybe you prefer the conventional style of a sedan. For just over $16,000, you'll find a lot to like about the Nissan Versa, including a standard automatic emergency braking system, a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment screen, and one of the roomiest interiors in the segment.
Subaru
Least Expensive All-Wheel Drive Vehicle: The 2022 Subaru Impreza Sedan
You don't need to live in a wintry or wet climate to appreciate the security of an all-wheel drive car. The Subaru Impreza—at around $20,000—is a spacious compact sedan that might power through just about anything, while still earning competitive fuel economy.
Ford
Least Expensive Pickup: The 2022 Ford Maverick XL
The new-for-2022 Ford Maverick packs a huge amount of functionality into a relatively small package at just above $21,000—and it gets up to an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city, thanks to its hybrid four-cylinder engine.
Chevrolet
Least Expensive SUV: The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
With its perky style and price point of around $23,000, the Trailblazer cuts a dashing profile. It's also a fairly practical choice with its spacious cargo area, decent rear-seat space, and a good number of standard safety and convenience features. It's definitely better equipped than a similarly sized hatchback, but it's also more expensive.
Toyota
(Second) Least Expensive Hybrid: The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Why the second place? The new Ford Maverick pickup actually sweeps two categories, taking the crown for cheapest truck as well as cheapest hybrid. Though technically the winner, buyers looking for even better fuel economy should skip the truck and check out the Corolla Hybrid instead, with its ultra frugal hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined. At just below $25,000, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is all about subtle eco-friendliness, with looks that don't shout "hybrid" from the rooftops.
Chevrolet
Least Expensive Coupe: The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro LS
Though far from the cheapest car on our list at around $26,000, the Camaro LS delivers a lot of performance for the money. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine puts out an impressive 275 hp, and it features a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. For maximum visual punch, Chevy will even paint one in bright red for no extra cost.
Volkswagen
Least Expensive Three-Row SUV: The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan S
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan S packs a surprising three rows at just above $27,000, but only in front-wheel drive form. The third row of seats stretches this SUV's seating capacity from five to seven passengers.
Mazda
Least Expensive Convertible: The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
You may not think about a droptop when you're considering one of the least expensive new cars on the market, but the Miata offers surprising value at just under $28,000. This honed sports car offers sharp handling and plenty of style for the money.
Nissan
Least Expensive Electric Car: The 2022 Nissan LEAF S
Nissan sliced the price of its long-running electric car for 2022 to around $28,000, and you may qualify for even bigger discounts if you can take advantage of a $7,500 federal incentive, as well as various state and local spiffs. The base LEAF S delivers a 150 mile electric-only range, which is easily enough for a typical commute—if not an entire week's worth of commutes.
