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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Ben Shimkus is a reporter for the Business News desk. He writes about cars, transportation, retail, and jobs. Ben's reporting has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Verge, Automotive News, USA Today, AutoBody News, LGBTQ Nation, TopSpeed, and Out Magazine. He's also held staff writing positions at The U.S. Sun and the Daily Mail. He graduated from NYU with a Master's in journalism in 2024. Email Ben at [email protected] or message him privately on Signal at bshimkus.41.
