If you’re in the market for a new car but your budget is tight, then consider the humble sedan or compact crossover.
They might not turn heads on the highway, but they will reliably get you to your destination for a fraction of the cost and carbon footprint of a giant SUV. (Here are America’s most eco-friendly vehicles.)
According to vehicle pricing and information provider Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price for a new automobile hit an all-time record high of $42,736 in July, an 8.2% increase from the same month in 2020.
COVID-19 drove up new vehicle prices as the pandemic choked global supply chains. This year, GM, Ford, Honda, and other automakers curbed North American vehicle production because of a global shortage of the microchips used to control many of the features and functions of modern passenger cars.
But the total average transaction price is just that, an average. Despite rising prices, there are plenty of vehicles on the market right now that cost half or less than the average. To determine the most affordable cars in America, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the base MSRP for all makes of major auto manufacturers selling in the United States using data from U.S. News and World Report. Prices are for the 2021 model year.
So If you’re willing to sacrifice space and cutting edge in-car technologies, then there are several reliable models to choose from for less than $22,000. Some of these cars are among the fastest-selling cars in America.
Here’s a list of the most affordable cars in America.
Source: toyota.com
25. Toyota C-HR
> Base MSRP: $21,595
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Source: JFsPic / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
24. Chevrolet Trax
> Base MSRP: $21,400
Source: Courtesy of Honda
23. Honda Civic
> Base MSRP: $21,250
22. Honda HR-V
> Base MSRP: $21,220
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Source: baronvsp / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
21. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
> Base MSRP: $20,995
20. Mazda CX-3
> Base MSRP: $20,790
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Source: mazdausa.com
19. Mazda3
> Base MSRP: $20,650
18. Hyundai Kona
> Base MSRP: $20,500
17. Ford EcoSport
> Base MSRP: $20,395
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Source: toyota.com
16. Toyota Corolla
> Base MSRP: $20,025
Source: shaunl / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
15. Hyundai Elantra
> Base MSRP: $19,650
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14. Nissan Kicks
> Base MSRP: $19,550
24/7 Wall St.
Source: www.nissanusa.com
13. Nissan Sentra
> Base MSRP: $19,460
Source: DarthArt / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
12. Chevrolet Trailblazer
> Base MSRP: $19,000
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Source: benedek / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
11. Volkswagen Jetta
> Base MSRP: $18,995
Source: hyundaiusa.com
10. Hyundai Veloster
> Base MSRP: $18,900
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Source: Tramino / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
9. Subaru Impreza
> Base MSRP: $18,795
8. Hyundai Venue
> Base MSRP: $18,750
Source: tomeng / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
7. Kia Forte
> Base MSRP: $17,890
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Source: www.kia.com
6. Kia Soul
> Base MSRP: $17,590
Source: www.kia.com
5. Kia Rio
> Base MSRP: $16,050
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Source: 152930510@N02 / Flickr
4. Hyundai Accent
> Base MSRP: $15,395
Source: www.nissanusa.com
3. Nissan Versa
> Base MSRP: $14,980
Source: nuttapong / Getty Images
2. Mitsubishi Mirage
> Base MSRP: $14,295
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Source: www.chevrolet.com
1. Chevrolet Spark
> Base MSRP: $13,400
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