11 Cheapest Cars in 2023: Top Performing and Affordable
While the days of the sub-$10,000 new car are long gone and the days of the sub-$20,000 new car may be as well, there are still some models that deserve consideration if you’re looking for a rock-bottom starting price. Many of these cars get good gas mileage and are likely to help keep ownership costs low for as long as you own one.
1. 2022 Chevrolet Spark
a) Pros:
- The rock-bottom base price is impressive!
- The car has a lot of cool tech features
- Gets really good gas mileage
b) Cons:
- The vehicle has a limited amount of cargo space.
- Fewer safety features
c) Combined Mileage:
32 – 33 mpg
d) Overview:
The 2022 Spark is a low-priced vehicle with great fuel economy, lots of available tech features, and a range of trim levels and configurations. It has some drawbacks, though: there’s only average cargo space for its size class, and few safety features are available. The Spark comes in four styles: the LS CVT ($15,695), 1LT Auto ($17,195), 2LT Auto ($18,895), and LTZ Auto ($21,695). The most popular Spark model is the LS CVT; it comes with a 1.4L I4 engine and Front-Wheel Drive. This Spark delivers 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway.
e) Complete Assessment:
If you have a limited budget, the Chevrolet Spark is one of the least expensive new cars on the market. It gets great gas mileage and will save you money at the pump. It’s easy to park in a crowded city, too. The Spark offers tech features like Wi-Fi that are missing from some rivals like the Hyundai Accent.
The Chevrolet Spark’s biggest weakness is its limited range of safety features. For example, it doesn’t offer a blind-spot warning. However, the car does have a lot to offer for its low price tag. It has more cargo space than the Nissan Versa or Hyundai Accent, though it falls short in some other areas—such as its starting price and acceleration. Overall, this little Chevy gives you a lot for less than you’d expect to pay for a brand-new car.
2. 2023 Nissan Versa
a) Pros:
- Low starting price.
- Excellent fuel economy.
- Comfortable and roomy interior.
- Manual transmission is available.
b) Cons:
- Rivals offer more power.
- Limited back-seat space.
- Not as refined as Nissan’s other models.
c) Mileage:
30 – 35 mpg
d) Overview:
Nissan Versa is the most affordable new car in the U.S., a small sedan offering good fuel economy, standard safety technology, and an ample interior for under $16,000. This model comes with standard front-wheel drive and gives its driver nimble handling and a standard 6-speed manual transmission, making it sportier to drive than other commuter vehicles. The Nissan Versa is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SV CVT model which starts at $20,115 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This car is estimated to deliver 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
3) 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
a) Pros:
- Standard smartphone apps.
- Long warranty coverage.
- Great cargo space.
b) Cons:
- Interior materials feel cheap.
- Few driver safety aids.
- Lacks a luster engine.
c) Mileage:
37 – 39 mpg
d) Overview:
The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the least-expensive new cars on the market, an inexpensive way to get from point A to B with the basic creature comforts expected from a modern vehicle. One of its most attractive features is the impressive fuel economy and warranty coverage it provides. The Mirage has some safety systems available and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen that is satisfactory. The Mitsubishi Mirage comes in 4 trim levels: G4 ES CVT ($18,290); G4 ES ($21,320); GS CVT ($27,640); GS ($32,080). The most popular style is the G4 ES CVT ($18,290), which comes with a 1.2L I3 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Mirage model is estimated to deliver 35 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
4) 2023 Kia Rio
a) Pros:
- Great fuel economy.
- Standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Easy to drive and live with.
b) Cons:
- Limited cargo capacity.
- No standard driver-assistance tech.
- Kia Soul is more fun to drive.
c) Mileage:
36 mpg
d) Overview:
The Kia Rio is a small, stylish sedan that starts at under $17,000. It has an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but that’s not all; it also has surprising refinement and excellent gas mileage. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto makes the commute more manageable. The Kia Rio is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the S Sedan IVT, which starts at $18,285 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Rio is estimated to deliver 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
5) 2022 Hyundai Accent
a) Pros:
- The fuel economy is impressive.
- Superb warranty coverage
- Pleasant driving dynamics
b) Cons:
- Lags the class in cargo space
- Popular safety features aren’t available
c) Mileage:
36 mpg
d) Overview:
The Hyundai Accent offers affordable pricing, generous warranty coverage, and agreeable handling. However, keep in mind that other models in this segment have more room for cargo and a broader range of safety features. The Hyundai Accent is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL, which starts at $18,995 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Accent is estimated to deliver 33 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
6) 2023 Kia Forte
a) Pros:
- Outstanding warranty coverage
- It has a big trunk
- Many standard features at a relatively low price
b) Cons:
- Not available as a hatchback
- No hybrid variant
- Competing models provide more horsepower from their base engines
c) Mileage:
26 – 32 mpg
d) Overview:
The Hyundai Accent is a solid choice if you’re in the market for a small car. With its affordable price and generous warranty coverage, it offers good value. The Accent comes in three trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL, which starts at $18,995 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Accent is estimated to deliver 33 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
7) 2023 Subaru Impreza
a) Pros:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Excellent selection of safety features
- Comfortable cabin
b) Cons:
- Leisurely acceleration
- Lags the class in fuel efficiency
c) Mileage:
25 – 32 mpg
d) Overview:
The Hyundai Accent’s affordable pricing, generous warranty coverage, and agreeable handling make it a solid choice. Keep in mind that other models in this segment offer more room for cargo and a broader range of safety features. The Hyundai Accent is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL, which starts at $18,995 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Accent is estimated to deliver 33 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
8) 2022 Nissan Sentra
a) Pros:
- Classy interior design with good seats
- Impressive set of driver aids for the price
- Sharp exterior style
b) Cons:
- Dull steering and handling
- Slow
- No performance or hybrid engine options
c) Mileage:
32 – 33 mpg
d) Overview:
The redesigned Nissan Sentra, with its new-found panache, will keep it from rental lot obscurity. The 2018 Sentra is an affordable compact sedan choice with a comfortable cabin and evocative design. It comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SV CVT, which starts at $22,125 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Sentra is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway.
9) 2023 Kia Soul
a) Pros:
- Excellent warranty
- Unique exterior design
- Ample room for passengers and cargo
b) Cons:
- Noticeable wind noise at freeway speeds
- Rival models have more upscale cabins
- Limited engine selection
c) Mileage:
30 – 31 mpg
d) Overview:
The Kia Soul is a compelling pick for its pleasant handling, distinctive design, and spacious interior. The luxury vehicle comes in 4 trim levels with the most popular style being the LX IVT. This model features a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. It is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
10) 2023 Hyundai Elantra
a) Pros:
- Industry-leading warranty
- Spacious interior for the class
- Comprehensive list of safety features
b) Cons:
- Base engine is merely adequate
- Abundance of hard interior plastics
c) Mileage:
23 – 54 mpg
d) Overview:
The Hyundai Elantra has established itself as a popular compact sedan with great roominess, a long list of standard safety features, and a very generous warranty. There are also plenty of models available, from efficient hybrids to a high-performance variant. The Hyundai Elantra is available in 7 trim levels: SEL IVT, which starts at $22,845 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Elantra is estimated to deliver 30 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
11) 2023 Volkswagen Jetta
a) Pros:
- Spacious cabin and a big trunk for its class
- GLI is a blast to drive
- Refined driving experience
b) Cons:
- Some interior trim feels cheap
- Key rivals have more standard driver-assist features and higher overall safety ratings
c) Mileage:
30 – 35 mpg
d) Overview:
The Volkswagen Jetta is a standout in the small-car segment, offering an engaging European driving experience with a satisfying ride and handling balance. It has a strong value proposition, as well. The Jetta starts at $25,480 with a 1.5L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. It’s estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
