Finding good, affordable cars is becoming increasingly challenging. With average transaction prices remaining high and the sub-$20,000 new car market now a relic of the past, more consumers are seeking ways to save on their next vehicle purchase. Fortunately, there are still some viable, budget-friendly options available. Consumer Reports has compiled a list of the top 10 affordable cars you can buy through the first half of 2024. Each option on the list is priced just under $25,000, ranging from entry-level sedans and crossovers to a few premium models that won’t strain your budget.
Consumer Reports provides a more comprehensive analysis of each vehicle on its website, including details on average transaction prices and the reasons these 10 models ranked so highly. These cars are all solid choices if you're in the market for an affordable vehicle.
The only luxury option, if you consider Buick a luxury brand, is the Envista. This sharp-looking crossover features a premium interior and a powerful powertrain, delivering 137 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine and achieving up to 30 miles per gallon combined. Starting at $23,995 for the 2025 model, the Buick Envista is an attractive choice.
While not as popular as the Honda Civic or as historically reliable as the Toyota Corolla, the Hyundai Elantra remains an excellent compact sedan. Priced at just $22,775 for the 2024 model, it comes with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. The Elantra Hybrid, starting at $27,400, offers up to 54 miles per gallon combined.
One of just three SUVs on the list, the Hyundai Venue is one of the most affordable crossovers in America. For the 2024 model year, it costs $21,295 and features a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 121 horsepower and achieving up to 31 miles per gallon combined. There is no hybrid option for the Venue yet, but it’s a solid, affordable SUV with ample space.
Kia’s small car, the Forte, often gets overshadowed by the likes of Honda and Toyota. However, for 2024, Kia’s smallest sedan costs $21,145 and delivers up to 41 miles per gallon combined. Rumors suggest the current Forte may be replaced or renamed in the next few years.
Mazda’s compact car, the Mazda3, boasts a big personality and numerous features. Starting at $25,135 for the sedan and $26,135 for the hatchback, it comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower. You can also upgrade to the Turbo model, which offers a 250-hp four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive.
The Nissan Kicks received a major makeover for 2025, meaning 2024 models will soon be off the lot. If you can grab a new 2024 Kicks before it’s gone, it’s a solid subcompact SUV with excellent standard safety features and a starting price of just $21,340. The new Kicks adds all-wheel drive and a more premium interior.
The cheapest new car in America, the Nissan Versa, is also excellent. Its larger sibling, the Sentra, is slightly more expensive but remains a competitive compact car. The updated 2024 Sentra starts at $21,725 and features improved styling and additional safety features.
The 2024 Subaru Impreza is available only as a five-door hatchback, as Subaru discontinued the sedan in 2023. Starting at $24,085, the Impreza hatchback comes with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine producing 152 horsepower. It’s also available as an optional RS model with a larger engine delivering 182 horsepower.
Second only to the Honda Civic on this year’s list of best-selling compact cars, the reliable Toyota Corolla makes the top 10 on Consumer Reports’ best cheap cars list. The base Corolla LE starts at $23,145 with a standard four-cylinder engine, while Hybrid models offer up to 50 miles per gallon combined for $24,760.
If you need more cargo space without sacrificing reliability and affordability, Toyota offers the five-door Corolla Hatchback. Starting at $24,725 for the base SE model, it features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, achieving up to 33 miles per gallon combined.
