1. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage: $17,840/Mirage G4: $18,940
Unlike the Versa (spoiler alert: it’s the next car on this list), even the base 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage comes with a CVT, although it does come up a bit short on power, with 78 horsepower compared to the Versa’s 122 hp. If you need a small, efficient city car on the cheap, however, the Mirage hatch and G4 sedan are great choices.
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2. 2025 Nissan Versa: $18,330
Aside from the Mirage, which ends its run in the U.S. in 2024, the 2025 Nissan Versa is the cheapest car you can buy in America. Despite the small price, the Versa is big on features. To get the very cheapest model, you’ll have to be able to drive stick, as it comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission — but you can upgrade to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for an extra $1,800, bringing the tally to $20,130.
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3. 2024 Kia Forte: $21,145
Stepping up above the $20,000 mark brings a notable upgrade in design, materials, and equipment in the form of the 2024 Kia Forte. The base engine still leaves a bit to be desired, but the 2024 Forte’s mix of equipment and low price make it an attractive alternative to the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
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4. 2025 Hyundai Venue: $21,395
The 2025 Hyundai Venue is the cheapest crossover SUV you can buy in the United States, and it gets good gas mileage and comes with a great warranty. In addition to its low purchase price, the Venue has earned our Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own award.
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5. 2025 Chevrolet Trax: $21,495
All-new last year, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax carries forward into the new year with fresh looks and up-to-date tech, including standard Chevy Safety Assist and wireless smartphone integration on all models. Like the Venue, the Trax is front-wheel drive (FWD) only.
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6. 2025 Kia Soul: $21,665
Boxy, charming, and unusual, the 2025 Kia Soul is very space-efficient despite its small footprint and can fit up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row. The Soul also gets standard smartphone integration,
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7. 2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730
Larger, more comfortable, and more capable than the Versa, the 2025 Nissan Sentra is a noticeable upgrade over its less-expensive sibling. In base form, it gets standard Zero Gravity seats and 40 mpg on the highway, making it a solid road tripper or long-distance commuter.
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