23 New Cars That Won't Cost You an Arm and a Leg

Looking for a new ride that won’t break the bank? No one wants to waste money on a car that doesn’t perform well. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and found 23 great vehicles that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

All details like prices, MPG, and horsepower have been carefully picked from reliable sources—Car and Driver and U.S. News & World Report—so you can trust you’re getting the latest and greatest info. Also not that hte prices are subject to change as the cars age and their value declines.

2024 Kia Seltos

Priced at $24,390, the 2024 Kia Seltos may be labeled a compact SUV, but it’ll surprise you with its roomy interior and updated look. The Seltos really stands out with its generous cabin and cargo space, easy infotainment system, and a full lineup of standard features.

Offering 29 MPG combined and standard all-wheel drive, with optional front-wheel drive on some trims, it seats five comfortably. Its standard all-wheel drive boosts its reputation as a practical, budget-friendly choice for anyone who needs a reliable ride.

2023 Hyundai Kona

Priced at $23,475, the Hyundai Kona is a great choice in the subcompact SUV category and was named the 2022 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money. With a fuel efficiency of 32 MPG combined and equipped with a 147 hp engine, the Kona is perfect for city life thanks to its compact size and easy handling.

It may be small, but it’s quick on its feet and easy on the wallet. Hyundai also loads the Kona with a nice set of standard tech and safety features, further solidifying its position as a top pick in its class.

2023 Kia Soul

At just $21,215, the Kia Soul remains a favorite for budget-conscious buyers looking for plenty of space. This subcompact SUV is easily recognizable with its boxy design, which maximizes interior room for both people and their stuff.

While it misses out on all-wheel drive—a feature many of its competitors have—the Soul offers up a solid 30 MPG combined and front-wheel drive. The interior is spacious and packed with easy-to-use tech and safety features.

2023 Mazda CX-30

Priced at $24,325, the Mazda CX-30 comes powered by a 191-hp engine, and delivers performance that really sets it apart in the subcompact crossover class. The CX-30’s agility and balance earned it a spot as a finalist for the 2023 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money, with a respectable 29 MPG combined and standard all-wheel drive.

Although the infotainment system might take a bit of learning, Mazda more than makes up for it with a feature-packed and value-laden offering.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

Priced at $24,945, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable car with tons of space. This subcompact crossover, which debuted in 2022, comfortably seats five and offers plenty of cargo capacity. It has a combined MPG of 32, powered by a 2.0 L engine delivering 169 hp, and has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs.

The Corolla Cross is known for its efficiency, but it might feel a tad underpowered, and its engine and transmission aren’t the smoothest. A more refined hybrid version is available, but it might stretch your budget.

2024 Subaru Impreza

Starting at $24,115, the Subaru Impreza is an entry-level compact car that has gone through a complete redesign for 2024, now offered exclusively as a hatchback. It features Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive as standard and gets a combined 30 MPG. The base model comes with a 152-hp engine, which provides enough but not crazy acceleration.

The Impreza really shines in terms of handling and ride comfort, so it’s a great choice for daily commuting in different weather conditions. Its spacious and comfortable and even comes with a nice user-friendly infotainment system.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is priced at $24,145, and is a standout in efficient compact sedans. The latest model introduces a new base trim for a more accessible entry price, alongside more power, an updated infotainment system, more standard features, and optional all-wheel drive.

For any parents looking for something to get their new drivers, it won the 2023 Best New Cars for Teens award. Even better, it offers a combined MPG of 50. Although the 138-hp engine can be noisy, the sedan gives a relaxed and comfortable ride.

2024 Honda HR-V

Priced at $24,600, the 2024 Honda HR-V sticks to its guns following a full redesign last year. This subcompact crossover is a jack-of-all-trades, though its engine might leave you wanting a bit more pep. It manages a combined 28 MPG, provides seating for five, and features front-wheel drive with 158 hp.

The HR-V offers a roomy and comfy cabin, smooth driving dynamics, and a comprehensive set of user-friendly tech and safety features.

2023 Ford Maverick

At just $22,595, the Ford Maverick is shaking things up in the compact pickup truck world. It comes standard with a hybrid engine that not only pumps out 191 hp but also delivers an impressive 37 MPG combined—a pretty rare find, especially without the usual hefty hybrid price tag.

While it might not handle traditional heavy-duty truck tasks like intense towing and hauling, the Maverick is great for a smaller, more affordable alternative to crossovers.

2023 Hyundai Elantra

At just $22,065, the Hyundai Elantra has a slick, sporty design, giving you the look and feel of a sports sedan without the hefty price tag. With a sweet 37 MPG combined and front-wheel drive, the Elantra can give you amazing performance at a really nice value.

The interior is as comfortable as the exterior is bold, and Hyundai doesn’t hold back on amenities, packing in comfort, tech, and safety features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2023 Volkswagen Taos

Priced at $24,155, the Volkswagen Taos offers you a comfy ride as a well-rounded subcompact crossover. It gets you around with a decent 31 MPG combined and front-wheel drive, all while seating five. While generally well-received, its transmission might lag a bit, which could dampen your driving a little.

The cabin is stylish but doesn’t quite hit the luxury mark some of its rivals hit. On the bright side, the Taos comes with solid standard features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Starting at $24,550, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a great value, crowned the 2023 Best Hybrid Car for the Money. With an impressive 54 MPG combined and front-wheel drive, this sedan will make you happy with its quick acceleration and easy handling.

Hyundai doesn’t skimp on extras, packing the Elantra Hybrid with an extensive array of standard safety and tech features that make it a tremendous value. Inside, the cabin is stylish, though you’ll find some hard plastic finishes, but that’s a small trade-off in an otherwise top-tier hybrid.

2023 Mazda3

At $23,715, the Mazda3 really serves up a well-rounded experience even with its slightly more compact dimensions. Sure, the back seats are a bit snug and the cargo space isn’t huge, but these are small trade-offs.

Where the Mazda3 truly shines is on the road—it offers quick acceleration, great handling, responsive steering, and a smooth ride. Inside, the cabin doesn’t skimp either, featuring a nice design, a user-friendly setup, and top-notch materials.

2023 Honda Civic

With a starting price of $23,450, the Honda Civic really sets the bar for affordable small cars. Whether you choose the hatchback or sedan, the Civic delivers exactly what buyers want in this segment. It comes with a roomy, well-designed interior with comfy seats, high-quality materials, and plenty of cargo space.

Not only does it offer a combined fuel efficiency of 35 MPG and front-wheel drive, but it’s also a blast to drive, thanks to a suspension that spices up every twist and turn. Plus, with standard safety features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, the Civic offers great value while keeping you secure on the road.

2024 Buick Envista

Starting at $23,495, the 2024 Buick Envista rolls into the compact crossover scene with plenty to offer. It sports a comfy and sweet interior that seats five, though it’s worth noting it skips the all-wheel drive option and its only engine choice might not pack enough punch for everyone.

The crowd-pleasing Preferred trim comes with a 1.2L Turbo engine and front-wheel drive, managing a respectable 30 MPG combined. Standout features like the standard 11-inch touchscreen interface and a whisper-quiet cabin make the Envista an even more solid option.

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

At $24,395, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is a fantastic pick for anyone in the market for a subcompact SUV that doesn’t skimp on space. It comfortably accommodates passengers with roomy rear seats and provides generous cargo capacity.

While it might not offer the smoothest ride or the most powerful engines compared to some competitors, the Trailblazer does offer a spacious interior and high seating position for better visibility.

The most popular LS FWD trim includes a 1.2L I3 Turbo engine and front-wheel drive, delivering an estimated 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

2024 Nissan Versa

Priced at $17,530, the Nissan Versa packs a lot into its cabin and standard features, making it a standout in its class without breaking the bank. Sure, it might not be the quickest off the line and the back seats can feel a bit cramped, but the Versa shines with its well-equipped setup and fuel efficiency.

The S CVT trim starts at $19,200, and comes equipped with a 1.6L I4 engine and front-wheel drive, promising an estimated 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. Plus, its generous front-seat headroom and legroom only add make it better.

2024 Nissan Sentra

Priced at $22,030, the Nissan Sentra offers style and comfort that you wouldn’t expect from such an affordable car. Though it’s not the fastest on the road and the driving experience might leave you wanting more, the Sentra still comes with a pretty nice interior, comfy front seats, and plenty of safety tech as standard.

The popular SV trim starts at $22,960 and features a 2.0L I4 engine with front-wheel drive, delivering a solid 30 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

At $23,395, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is a great option thah comes with a spacious interior, offering tons of passenger and cargo room. It features an easy-to-use infotainment system and competitive fuel economy ratings, with a combined 30 MPG. T

he base engine produces 137 horsepower, which may leave some desiring more performance, especially in acceleration. The Trailblazer’s ride can be firm at times, potentially affecting comfort during longer drives.

2023 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks, with a starting price of $21,925, is a versatile subcompact crossover offering a great blend of price, maneuverability, and cargo space. Its 33 MPG combined fuel efficiency and user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

The Kicks’ 122 hp engine may not offer the most exciting drive, and seat comfort could be improved, but its gas mileage and cargo capacity are commendable for its class.

2023 Kia Forte

Priced at $20,815, the Kia Forte is a top-ranking compact sedan that combines value with style. It boasts an impressive 34 MPG combined fuel efficiency and features a modest 147 hp engine that provides reasonable acceleration while being fuel-efficient.

The Forte’s spacious interior comfortably fits adults in both rows, and the cabin’s design boosts the overall sense of comfort. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and some of Kia’s best safety features.

2023 Kia Rio

The Kia Rio, starting at $17,875, is an award-winning subcompact car available in both sedan and hatchback variants. It boasts impressive driving dynamics and offers a host of standard tech features. The Rio provides a balanced and agile ride, with a focus on fuel efficiency, reflected in its 36 MPG combined rating.

While the rear seating may be a bit tight for adults, the front offers plenty of space. Standard features include an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2024 Toyota Corolla

At $23,145, the 2024 Toyota Corolla remains a go-to for anyone eyeing a budget-friendly car packed with the latest tech, solid safety features, and excellent gas mileage. Sure, it might not set your pulse racing, but it offers real bang for your buck.

It comes in eight trims, with the LE CVT being the obvious best. This model is kitted with a 2.0L I4 engine and front-wheel drive, managing an efficient 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG highway. The Corolla’s top-notch infotainment system and an available all-wheel drive in its hybrid versions make it an even better option.