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Cheapest New Cars
Most Affordable Cars for 2020
April 8th, 2020
Cheapest Cars
- Starting price (including destination):
- $14,095
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $16,096
- Fuel economy:
- 33 mpg combined
2020 Chevrolet Spark hatchback
The Spark's distinction as the cheapest new car available today belies its, uh, sparks of actual goodness. Sure, it's tiny, and rear-seat and cargo space suffer accordingly. It's also slow. But the Spark is easy to maneuver and park, its fuel economy is… impressive at 33 mpg combined, and it comes with good tech, including a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, and even a Wi-Fi hotspot.- Starting price (including destination):
- $14,790
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $17,067
- Fuel economy:
- 36-39 mpg combined
2020 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback
Given that its Chevy competitor is better by nearly every measure and has a lower starting price, it's hard to make a case for the Mirage. Frankly, it's hard to make a case for the Mirage no matter what. That said, the Mirage does offer an eye-popping EPA fuel… economy rating of 39 mpg combined, while its 10-year/100,000-mile warranty brings peace of mind. It could be a good fit for drivers seeking maximum fuel economy for long commutes, although the profound lack of power turns every passing or merging maneuver into a white-knuckle affair.- Starting price (including destination):
- $15,625
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $18,427
- Fuel economy:
- 30-35 mpg combined
2020 Nissan Versa sedan
The Versa was once the least expensive car in America. The new model, redesigned for 2020, now costs a little more but is a better car for it. The price increase brings more standard features (including power windows and keyless entry), a slightly more… powerful engine that doesn't sacrifice fuel economy, and more expressive styling. The Versa is also roomier than its hatchback rivals and boasts a sizable trunk.Compare Cheapest Cars
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Cheapest SUVs
- Starting price (including destination):
- $17,485
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $21,544
- Fuel economy:
- 27-30 mpg combined
2020 Kia Soul
The Soul is surprisingly roomy for its small size. Its tall, boxy shape and clever interior packaging give it more passenger and cargo space than many of its subcompact SUV rivals. Freshly redesigned for 2020, the Soul also comes packed with features, and its… 147-horsepower engine helps it come alive on twisty roads.- Starting price (including destination):
- $26,995
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $32,463
- Fuel economy:
- 23-25 mpg combined
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
The stylish Santa Fe strikes an impressive balance with its roomy interior, comfortable ride, useful features and wallet-friendly price. Even the base-model SE trim comes with thoughtful touches such as noise-reducing glass, reclining rear seats and adaptive… cruise control. Just keep in mind that the base 2.4-liter engine is no great shakes, and the desirable turbocharged 2.0-liter alternative is only available in pricier variants.- Starting price (including destination):
- $30,995
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $39,220
- Fuel economy:
- 21 mpg combined
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Need maximal room for minimal cash? The Traverse has you covered. It's one of the roomiest three-row crossover SUVs you can buy, and it's cheaper than its primary Honda and Toyota competitors. The Traverse is quiet, offers a cushy highway ride, and comes with… a strong V6 engine. Caveat: You'll need to hunt around for the low-priced L trim -- many dealers won't stock them -- but even the next-rung LS trim is a solid value.Compare Cheapest SUVs
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Cheapest Electric Cars
- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $32,525
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $39,387
- EV range:
- 149-226 miles
2020 Nissan Leaf
Recently redesigned, the current Nissan Leaf is a significantly better electric vehicle than the previous-generation model. It's quieter, more comfortable and more rewarding to drive, and it offers plenty of range for almost any commute. However, the Leaf's… steering wheel doesn't telescope, making the car less comfortable for taller drivers, and the steering feels artificial. But overall, the Leaf has far more strengths than weaknesses, especially if you don't need the chart-topping range offered by the Kona and the Bolt. And if you do, consider that the Leaf Plus variant cranks up the range to a competitive 226 miles.- Starting price, including destination:
- $34,000
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $35,590
- Fuel economy:
- 136 mpge combined
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
For an electric car, the Ioniq Electric delivers decent value. While incrementally more expensive than its Nissan rival, the Ioniq Electric also offers more versatility thanks to rear seats that fold nearly flat and a top-notch infotainment system. For 2020,… it gets more power and a range bump up to 170 miles, addressing some of our biggest issues with the model and making it more competitive in the affordable EV segment.- Starting price, including destination:
- $37,495
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $39,192
- Fuel economy:
- 119 mpge combined
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Most competitors are still chasing the Bolt's range of 259 miles, which has increased significantly for 2020. Only notables such as the pricier Tesla Model 3 and the new Hyundai Kona Electric travel farther on a single battery charge. The Bolt's tidy size… makes it an ideal city car, yet it's also adept at long highway commutes. The Bolt's uncomfortable seats and drab interior, though, would push us to consider the only slightly pricier Kona.Compare Cheapest Electric Cars
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Cheapest Trucks
- Starting price (including destination):
- $22,395
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $34,007
- Fuel economy:
- 20-23 mpg combined
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Even in base extended-cab form, the Colorado offers impressive capability. Equipped with a 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine, it achieves 23 mpg combined and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Factor in a comfortable ride, easy maneuverability, and the option to… upgrade to V6 or diesel power, and the Colorado represents an exceptional midsize-truck value. A few more creature comforts are available on the slightly pricier but mechanically identical GMC Canyon.- Starting price (including destination):
- $30,340
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $51,237
- Fuel economy:
- 16-22 mpg combined
2020 Ford F-150
It's no coincidence that the F-150 is America's top-selling vehicle. For less than $30K, the F-150 offers impressive utility, comfort and technology. The base model is a no-nonsense regular-cab work truck, powered by a strong V6 that can tow loads up to 9,100… pounds. You'll need to make do with a three-passenger bench and a decidedly few creature comforts, but you won't find a truck that works harder for the money.- Starting price, including destination:
- $35,440
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $51,647
- Fuel economy:
- N/A
2020 Ram 2500
The Ram 2500 offers a class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension that keeps the ride smooth, while comfortable seats and vast interior space ― even in the base Tradesman regular-cab model ― make it a truck you can easily live with every day. When it's time to… do work, the base Ram 2500 can handle 3,000 pounds of payload and nearly 14,000 pounds of towing, right out of the box.
Cheapest Hybrid Cars
- Starting price (including destination):
- $23,885
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $25,153
- Fuel economy:
- 52 mpg combined
2020 Honda Insight
The Insight is one of our favorite fuel-sippers for good reason. It delivers 52 mpg combined while still offering zesty acceleration, a refined and roomy interior, and subtle styling that doesn't loudly proclaim its hybridness. The engine sometimes sounds… raspy, and the sedan shape cedes some cargo utility to hatchback rivals, but the Insight remains today's top hybrid. Its nice price only strengthens its appeal.- Starting price (including destination):
- $24,055
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $23,212
- Fuel economy:
- 52 mpg combined
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The regular Toyota Corolla offers such strong fuel economy that a hybrid version seems almost redundant. But thanks to a highly efficient hybrid powertrain borrowed from the Prius, the Corolla Hybrid can deliver up to 52 mpg combined. The only limiting factor… is its availability in a single, modestly equipped trim level.- Starting price (including destination):
- $24,155
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $26,505
- Fuel economy:
- 55 mpg combined
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
A compelling alternative to the ubiquitous Prius, the Ioniq offers more cargo space, better fuel economy, a better tech interface and a lower price. Slam dunk, right? Well, not exactly. While the Ioniq beats out the Prius on some key metrics, it can't match… the Toyota's more refined ride and driving feel. Still, the Ioniq's price is right if you can handle the trade-offs.Compare Cheapest Hybrid Cars
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Cheapest Sedans
- Starting price (including destination):
- $16,250
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $17,664
- Fuel economy:
- 33-36 mpg combined
2020 Hyundai Accent
The Accent isn't the outright cheapest sedan you can buy (that honor belongs to the Nissan Versa), but it's still an outstanding value. Redesigned two years ago, the Accent comes with a responsive and fuel-efficient engine rated at 36 mpg (a realistic number,… we've found) and a well-calibrated suspension that makes for a surprisingly sporty drive. For drivers who need a sensible commuter car, the Accent fits the bill with Bluetooth, USB/aux inputs, a touchscreen media display, and a fold-down split rear seat. It's a solid pick with a dash of style that's rare in this class.- Starting price (including destination):
- $18,855
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $20,861
- Fuel economy:
- 28-35 mpg combined
2020 Kia Forte
Strong fuel economy, loads of features and generous warranty coverage make the Forte one of the better small sedans on the market. It just so happens that the Forte is one of the cheapest small sedans too. Even the base model comes equipped with plenty of… today's common driver safety features. The Forte is a compelling proposition compared to its Honda Civic rival, although the Civic offers a smoother ride and is simply more fun to drive.- Starting price (including destination):
- $24,355
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $26,172
- Fuel economy:
- 24-31 mpg combined
2020 Kia Optima LX
Like the Forte, the Optima applies a value-oriented formula to the midsize sedan class. You get an impressive list of standard features, a stylish interior, and one of the more user-friendly tech interfaces available in any car. The Optima's attractive styling… limits rear passenger space, however, and handling is a bit lifeless.Compare the Cheapest Sedans
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Cheapest Coupes
- Starting price (including destination):
- $21,905
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- Currently unavailable
- Fuel economy:
- 30-35 mpg combined
2020 Honda Civic
While the Civic hatchback and sedan get the bulk of the attention, the Civic Coupe bundles all of the joy of those two body styles into a sleek, two-door shape with a swoopy roof. Your taller rear passengers might not enjoy the pinched headroom, but you'll… love the Civic's sharp reflexes, advanced safety features and spirited turbo engine from the driver's seat. Notably, the Civic is our top-ranked mainstream coupe. Nothing beats it, especially for the money.- Starting price, including destination:
- $25,995
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $38,947
- Fuel economy:
- 16-25 mpg combined
2020 Chevrolet Camaro
Today's Camaro is the most comfortable daily driver in the marque's long, vaunted history. Last year's refresh improved on that score with an updated and more intuitive infotainment system, but the Camaro's bona fides remain intact. Even the base trim gets a… hearty turbo four-cylinder engine that, though not as powerful as the base engine in its Mustang rival, still puts down ample low-end grunt. The Camaro's main weak spots remain a worthless rear seat and awful visibility.- Starting price (including destination):
- $27,865
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $38,803
- Fuel economy:
- 18-25 mpg combined
2020 Ford Mustang
The entry-level Mustang comes with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and while that might not conjure up tire-smoking images of muscle Mustangs from the past, this is a stout engine. With 310 horsepower, it provides more than enough entertainment on twisty… roads and in straight-line sprints. You also get the Mustang's lovable retro design blended with modern tech features, limited only by tight rear-seat and cargo space.Compare the Best Used Coupes
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Cheapest Hatchbacks
- Starting price (including destination):
- $19,795
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $25,353
- Fuel economy:
- 25-30 mpg combined
2020 Hyundai Veloster
The Veloster's unique three-door design (there's a rear door on the passenger side only) is a consistent conversation starter, so this car may not be the best one for introverts. But you won't want to lie low anyway with the Veloster's sporty handling. The… base engine isn't blessed with robust power, to put it mildly, but you can pair it with a manual transmission for maximum fun. Road noise is ever-present in the Veloster, but with its generous features set and huge cargo hold, we doubt you'll be too bothered.- Starting price (including destination):
- $21,245
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $23,822
- Fuel economy:
- 31-35 mpg combined
2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
With sedan, hybrid and hatchback body styles, the Corolla offers something for everyone. This is just the second year for the current Corolla hatch, and its nice price, athletic handling and generous standard safety features make it a compelling new choice. A… punchy 168-hp engine should make you forget about the Corolla's middling cargo space and scant rear legroom.- Starting price (including destination):
- $20,295
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- Currently unavailable
- Fuel economy:
- 29-31 mpg combined
2020 Chevrolet Sonic
Like its sedan counterpart, the hatchback Sonic delivers excellent value and spirited performance. The base-level hatchback costs more than the sedan but starts one trim level higher. For the extra money, the hatchback includes alloy wheels, upgraded… upholstery and a better sound system (among other items), along with the lively turbocharged four-cylinder engine. You'll find more room for rear passengers in the Honda Fit, but the Sonic is arguably more fun to drive.Compare the Best Cheapest Hatchbacks
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Cheapest AWD Cars
- Starting price (including destination):
- $19,595
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $22,327
- Fuel economy:
- 25-32 mpg combined
2020 Subaru Impreza
Standard all-wheel drive is Subaru's bread-and-butter feature. The Impreza is the best deal going for drivers needing wet-weather traction at a bargain price, and the comfortable, roomy cabin just sweetens the deal. The base-model Impreza also comes with a… manual transmission, which helps extract the most from its modest four-cylinder engine.- Starting price (including destination):
- $21,420
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $24,847
- Fuel economy:
- 27-30 mpg combined
2020 Hyundai Kona
One of the newest small SUVs, the Kona is endearing for its nimble handling and parking-friendly size. Yet despite its tidy footprint, it offers plenty of cargo space and loads of features that make it a top all-wheel-drive value. You'll have to resign… yourself to a relatively weak base engine and elevated levels of road noise, but overall the Kona doesn't disappoint. It's a top-ranked subcompact SUV for good reason.- Starting price (including destination):
- $21,240
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $24,649
- Fuel economy:
- 25-28 mpg combined
2020 Ford EcoSport
Above-average cargo space and the user-friendly Sync 3 tech interface give the EcoSport an edge on some competitors. The availability of all-wheel drive, even on the base trim, is another perk. The EcoSport suffers from poor fuel economy, though, and the base… engine will struggle when carrying passengers and cargo. Ride quality is another lowlight, and the pint-size EcoSport lacks the substantial feel of many SUVs.Compare Best Cheap AWD Cars
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Cheapest Sports Cars
- Starting price (including destination):
- $27,525
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $31,161
- Fuel economy:
- 29-30 mpg combined
2020 Mazda Miata
The beauty of the Mazda MX-5 Miata is its broad appeal and versatility. Whether you're just learning to drive or started to drive before seat belts were introduced, you'll probably like the Miata. Key to its appeal is an affordable entry into the world of… convertible sports cars. The Miata has never been fast straight from the factory (a vast aftermarket exists to remedy that), but that too is part of its appeal. It's a mild sports car that's easy to handle and best enjoyed at an allegro tempo on a winding road.- Starting price (including destination):
- $29,745
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $30,128
- Fuel economy:
- 23-27 mpg combined
2020 Subaru BRZ
We expect today's sports cars to be little more than caffeinated versions of more comfortable passenger cars. The BRZ dispenses with those notions. The stiff ride, elevated cabin noise and crude infotainment system highlight its singular focus on performance.… Trouble is that while the BRZ can inhale a good stretch of twisty road with athletic handling, its anemic engine is a grave disappointment -- especially at this price. Discontinued for 2020 is the entry-level Premium trim, which came in at a few grand less than this year's base MSRP.- Starting price (including destination):
- $31,015
- Average transaction price, including destination:
- $35,775
- Fuel economy:
- 20-22 mpg combined
2020 Nissan 370Z
Long in the tooth, the 370Z still ranks as one of today's most elemental sports car. Sharp steering and precise handling are hallmarks of the Nissan coupe, and the refreshing lack of onboard safety nannies puts plenty of control in the driver's hands. That… said, the 370Z is unusually loud on the road, and its big V6 engine suffers from a marked lack of refinement, especially when pushed hard. Poor outward visibility is another foible.Compare the Best Cheap Sports Cars
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Cheapest New Cars
- Cheapest Cars
- 2020 Chevrolet Spark - Starting price: $14,095
- 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage - Starting price: $15,135
- 2020 Nissan Versa - Starting price: $15,625
- Cheapest SUVs
- 2020 Kia Soul - Starting price: $17,490
- 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe - Starting price: $26,995
- 2020 Chevrolet Traverse - Starting price: $30,995
- Cheapest Electric Cars
- 2020 Nissan Leaf - Starting price: $32,525
- 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric - Starting price: $34,020
- 2020 Chevrolet Bolt - Starting price: $37,495
- Cheapest Trucks
- 2020 Chevrolet Colorado - Starting price: $22,395
- 2020 Ford F-150 - Starting price: $29,750
- 2020 Ram 2500 - Starting price: $35,590
- Cheapest Hybrid Cars
- 2020 Honda Insight - Starting price: $23,860
- 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid - Starting price: $24,055
- 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid - Starting price: $24,175
- Cheapest Sedans
- 2020 Chevrolet Sonic - Starting price: $17,595
- 2020 Kia Forte - Starting price: $18,715
- 2020 Kia Optima LX - Starting price: $24,115
- Cheapest Coupes
- 2020 Honda Civic - Starting price: $21,880
- 2020 Chevrolet Camaro - Starting price: $25,995
- 2020 Ford Mustang - Starting price: $27,765
- Cheapest Hatchbacks
- 2020 Hyundai Veloster - Starting price: $19,520
- 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Starting price: $21,245
- 2020 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback - Starting price: $20,295
- Cheapest AWD Cars
- 2020 Subaru Impreza - Starting price: $19,595
- 2020 Hyundai Kona - Starting price: $21,195
- 2020 Ford EcoSport - Starting price: $21,580
- Cheapest Sports Cars
- 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Starting price: $27,525
- 2020 Subaru BRZ - Starting price: $29,745
- 2020 Nissan 370Z - Starting price: $30,985
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