Navigating the world of affordable new cars can seem daunting with a multitude of options at one’s disposal. In this post, we will dive into the pros and cons of the top ten cheap new cars, helping you decide which suits your budget and lifestyle best.
Kia Rio
Starting at a base price of $17,875 and a top price of $18,515, the Kia Rio is a cost-effective choice for those seeking reliability and efficiency. It comes in two trim levels. The compact sedan’s pros are its sporty style, excellent fuel economy, and a decent list of standard tech features. However, the Rio’s small size translates into a cramped rear-seat space, and it lacks some advanced safety features that rivals offer.
Kia Rio 5-Door
Priced slightly higher at $18,815, the Kia Rio 5-Door offers the same reliability and efficiency as the sedan model but with the added versatility of a hatchback. This model boasts an expanded cargo space, which might be a selling point for those needing extra storage. The downside remains the lack of some advanced safety features and slightly higher cost than the sedan model.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Starting at $17,340 and going up to $19,240 with five trim levels, the Mitsubishi Mirage offers a good range of customization options. Its key advantages include impressive fuel efficiency and an exceptional powertrain warranty. However, its underpowered engine and hard plastic interior may not be appealing to everyone.
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
The Mirage G4 sedan starts at $18,340, with a top price of $20,040. It shares many of the same features as the Mirage but offers a slightly more spacious interior. Its cons are similar to the Mirage, including a weak engine and lackluster interior.
Nissan Versa
Priced from $16,925 to $20,915 across four trims, the Nissan Versa is the least expensive option on our list. It stands out for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and advanced safety features. On the downside, its acceleration can be sluggish, and it offers less cargo space than some rivals.
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue, with its price range of $20,985 to $24,235, offers an excellent blend of comfort, technology, and style. Its compact size makes it ideal for city dwellers, and it has an impressive list of standard features. However, its limited cargo space and lack of all-wheel-drive option could be cons for some buyers.
Nissan Sentra
Starting at $21,145 and reaching up to $24,035, the Nissan Sentra offers excellent fuel efficiency, a refined interior, and a smooth ride. Its spaciousness sets it apart from many in the compact car class. However, its acceleration is relatively slow, and its base model lacks some features found standard in competitors.
Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is priced between $21,775 and $24,335. It stands out with its exceptional fuel economy, generous cargo space, and a host of standard driver assistance features. However, it doesn’t offer an all-wheel drive, and its performance might seem uninspiring to some.
Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax, priced from $21,495 to $24,995, offers a comfortable ride and user-friendly infotainment system. Its upright shape provides decent headroom. On the flip side, its interior quality and performance are lackluster compared to competitors.
Kia Soul
With a starting price of $21,215 and a top price of $25,515, the Kia Soul is a compact car that offers spacious interiors, plenty of cargo space, and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, it lacks an all-wheel-drive option and its ride might feel firm on rough roads.
Wrapping It Up
Here’s a summary table that includes each model’s body style, price range, and number of available trim levels:
| Model | Body Style | Starting MSRP | Top MSRP | Trim Levels |
| Kia Rio | Sedan | $17,875 | $18,515 | 2 |
| Kia Rio 5-Door | Hatchback | $18,815 | $18,815 | 1 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage | Hatchback | $17,340 | $19,240 | 5 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | Sedan | $18,340 | $20,040 | 4 |
| Nissan Versa | Sedan | $16,925 | $20,915 | 4 |
| Hyundai Venue | SUV | $20,985 | $24,235 | 3 |
| Nissan Sentra | Sedan | $21,145 | $24,035 | 3 |
| Nissan Kicks | SUV | $21,775 | $24,335 | 3 |
| Chevrolet Trax | SUV | $21,495 | $24,995 | 5 |
| Kia Soul | Hatchback | $21,215 | $25,515 | 4 |
In conclusion, these ten cheap new cars offer a blend of affordability, comfort, and reliability. The best choice will ultimately depend on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences in terms of features and body style.
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