As new car prices climb higher each year, finding a truly affordable model has become harder than ever. Vehicles that used to be considered economy cars now start closer to $25,000, and anything cheaper is often stripped down to the basics. Yet there are still a handful of cars on the market that keep costs low while offering solid reliability, acceptable comfort, and in some cases even a little personality. These are the 15 cheapest cars available in North America today, expanded with more detail on what you get, what you give up, and whether they’re worth your money.
What “Cheapest” Really Means in 2025
Cheap doesn’t mean the same thing it did a decade ago. Back in the early 2010s you could find cars for under $15,000 brand new. Today, the very cheapest start closer to $18,000, and that’s before dealer markups, destination charges, or taxes. At this level, expect bare bones features, smaller engines, and sometimes manual transmissions. Most come with cloth seats, plastic-heavy interiors, and only basic infotainment systems. You might not get heated seats, advanced driver assistance, or premium finishes. However, you will get a brand new vehicle with warranty coverage, modern safety equipment, and generally low running costs. That’s the trade-off buyers are making.
2025 Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is consistently the most affordable new car sold in the U.S., with a starting price around $18,330. Powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with about 122 horsepower, it’s not built for thrills but for cheap commuting. Inside, the Versa is simple but not unpleasant, with a usable touchscreen and decent space for its size. It’s also one of the easiest cars to insure, thanks to low repair costs and modest performance. For anyone needing a no-frills daily driver that’s brand new and still has modern safety features like automatic emergency braking, the Versa delivers surprising value.
2025 Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage often competes with the Versa for the title of cheapest car in North America. Starting under $19,000, it comes with a tiny 1.2 liter three-cylinder engine making just 78 horsepower, which means it’s one of the slowest cars on sale today. Still, it has unbeatable fuel economy, often topping 40 mpg on the highway, and it comes with Mitsubishi’s 10-year powertrain warranty. The Mirage is often criticized for feeling flimsy and noisy at highway speeds, but for city drivers who just need reliable, fuel-sipping transport, it’s hard to argue with the price.
2025 Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is one of the cheapest crossovers you can buy in North America, with pricing starting around $21,000. It offers a slightly taller ride height, more cargo room than a small sedan, and modern styling that helps it stand out in the economy segment. Power comes from a 1.6 liter four-cylinder, giving it just enough punch for city driving. The interior is more upscale than expected, with decent tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. While it lacks all-wheel drive, it makes up for it with practicality and Hyundai’s excellent warranty, making it appealing to budget-conscious families.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
Chevy’s Trax has been completely redesigned to be more stylish and spacious, yet it still starts under $22,000, keeping it in the budget conversation. The base LS trim gets you a 1.2 liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 137 horsepower, which is more responsive than you’d expect. Interior space is generous for its class, and standard safety features make it competitive. While you won’t mistake it for a luxury SUV, the Trax offers a lot of practicality for a small monthly payment, especially compared to more expensive compact SUVs.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul continues to stand out for its funky boxy styling and surprising amount of interior room. Prices start around $21,500, and the base model offers a 147 horsepower four-cylinder engine. The Soul’s playful design makes it feel more fun than its competitors, and it has an impressive warranty. Critics note that ride quality can feel stiff on rough roads and that the interior materials aren’t fancy, but for the money, the Soul is one of the most characterful choices in the affordable segment.
2025 Nissan Sentra
If you want a sedan with a little more size and refinement, the Nissan Sentra starts in the low $22,000s. It feels like a big step up from the Versa, with better interior space, higher quality materials, and smoother ride comfort. The 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine delivers 149 horsepower, which makes it much more comfortable on highways than the smaller subcompacts. While not as flashy as some rivals, the Sentra gives you a car that feels like it belongs in the next class up without a huge jump in price.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is another crossover entry that keeps prices low, starting just over $22,000. It’s front-wheel drive only, but it’s light and efficient, with a 122 horsepower engine and fuel economy in the mid-30s mpg. Cargo space is generous for a small crossover, and it’s one of the easiest cars in its class to maneuver in crowded cities. Its quirky styling appeals to younger buyers, though the lack of power and all-wheel drive limits its usefulness in snowy climates.
2025 Kia K4
Replacing the old Forte, the Kia K4 enters the market as one of the more stylish compact sedans. With a starting price around $23,000, it isn’t as cheap as the Versa or Mirage, but you get more modern tech, sharper looks, and a well-finished cabin. Standard safety features and Kia’s long warranty make it a better long-term choice than some of the absolute bottom-dollar cars. If you want something affordable that doesn’t scream “budget car,” the K4 is a strong option.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta has long been Volkswagen’s affordable gateway car, starting around $21,500. While not the absolute cheapest, the Jetta delivers a level of refinement that many competitors can’t match. Its turbocharged 1.5 liter engine gives it lively performance and excellent fuel economy. Inside, it feels more upscale than its price suggests, and handling is sharper than most budget sedans. For buyers who want affordable transportation without giving up a European driving feel, the Jetta makes sense.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra remains a value leader, starting in the $22,000 range. It stands out with bold styling, excellent fuel economy, and a long list of standard features, even on the base model. The cabin is well laid out and offers more tech than most rivals at this price. While the ride can feel a little firm and the base engine isn’t particularly exciting, the Elantra balances affordability with modern looks and strong reliability, making it one of the smartest choices in the cheap car category.
2025 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla might not be the cheapest on paper, starting closer to $23,500, but it’s one of the most cost-effective cars to own long-term. Toyota’s reputation for reliability, strong resale values, and affordable maintenance make the Corolla cheaper in the big picture. The base 2.0 liter engine makes 169 horsepower, more than most cars in this price bracket, and fuel economy is excellent. Buyers often spend a little more up front knowing they’ll save money on repairs and depreciation down the road.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is unique in this list because it offers standard all-wheel drive at a starting price under $25,000. That makes it a bargain for drivers in snowy climates who don’t want to stretch for a crossover. The 2.0 liter engine delivers modest power, but the grip and security of AWD set it apart from front-wheel drive competitors. While the interior isn’t fancy, it’s functional, and Subaru’s reputation for safety adds peace of mind.
What Makes These Cars Cheap
There’s a pattern across all these vehicles. They use smaller, naturally aspirated or light turbo engines to keep costs low. Interiors are built from durable but inexpensive plastics. Features like heated seats, advanced driver assists, and large touchscreens are often reserved for higher trims. Even wheels and tires are typically smaller, which cuts both purchase and replacement costs. Buyers aren’t paying for performance or prestige—they’re paying for functional, reliable transportation that won’t empty their bank account.
Should You Buy the Cheapest Car? Pros and Cons
There are clear upsides to buying one of the cheapest cars in North America. Monthly payments stay low, insurance rates are more affordable, and fuel economy is generally strong. They are simple to maintain, and with warranties as long as 10 years in some cases, long-term ownership can be stress-free. But compromises are part of the deal. Expect noisier cabins, less power, fewer luxury touches, and less impressive safety scores in some base trims. The cheapest cars often look and feel basic, but for city drivers, students, or anyone watching their budget, they still make sense.
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