It seems like new car prices just keep getting higher and higher over the past few years. Not only that, but the fanfare around new models can leave people feeling that automakers are only focused on making big or luxury cars. But what if your focus is on the cheaper, smaller end of the automotive sphere—as in, you’d rather stay out of a large truck or SUV, and you’re not quite ready to check out electric cars, either. Luckily, many of the best small cars are nice to drive, affordable to own, easy on leasing, reliable, and provide good fuel economy for a low price. Below, straight from the hosts of The Driveway podcast, are our top picks for the best small and affordable cars of 2026.
The Best (and Cheapest) Small Cars to Buy in 2026
The Best (and Cheapest) Small Cars to Buy in 2026
- Chevrolet Trax
- Hyundai Elantra
- 2025 Kia K4
- Nissan Kicks
- Nissan Sentra
- Nissan Versa
- Subaru Impreza
- Toyota Corolla
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Hyundai Venue
FAQs Shopping Tools Related Topics
Chevrolet Trax
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
The 2024 model year marked a fresh new generation of the Chevy Trax. It not only became a better competitor to small-and-basic crossovers like the Hyundai Venue, but also a de facto replacement for Chevy’s discontinued lineup of small cars. It starts at $20,500.
Styling combines car and small SUV attributes, but the driving experience is decidedly car-like. The Trax’s 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-three engine is also thrifty, delivering 30 mpg combined, 28 mpg city, and 32 mpg highway while producing a respectable 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The tradeoff, however, is that the Trax only comes with front-wheel drive (FWD).
Inside, its upscale dashboard design and impressive available tech connectivity features like an 11-inch touchscreen and eight-inch digital instrument cluster are impressive for the Trax’s low starting price. And the Trax has more cargo space than its main rival, the Venue.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Blending elements of compact cars and crossover SUVs, the Trax hits a sweet spot of utility and affordability. It’s also pleasant to drive and offers impressive infotainment tech, but a lack of solid safety ratings and the unavailability of all-wheel drive are the tradeoffs." -Stephen Edelstein
Search for Chevrolet Trax
See all
Hyundai Elantra
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Hyundai Elantra has grown up in recent years and is no longer the Honda Civic or Mazda3 wannabe it once was. Hyundai gives every car a long list of tech and safety kit, a stellar 10-year powertrain warranty, and a solid driving experience, all for a starting MSRP of $22,125.
The Elantra comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. A CVT and FWD are standard, but higher trims get more powerful engines. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available on the sportier Elantra N-Line, while the range-topping Elantra N is available with a manual gearbox, But these models are far more focused on high-performance than on affordability.
Hyundai equips every Elantra with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB inputs, HD radio, and more. Upgrades include a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and navigation.
The Elantra's base engine produces plenty of power to get it moving with gusto, and its interior is surprisingly roomy for a compact car. Passengers enjoy plenty of space in the rear seats, though taller adults may sometimes feel a bit cramped.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Get past the strange bodywork and plasticky interior, and you’ll find a well-mannered sedan that is equally adept at being comfortable and economical as it is sporty and truly entertaining." -Clifford Atiyeh
Search for Hyundai Elantra
See all
Kia K4
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 23.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
Kia’s new compact sedan replaced the long-running Kia Forte, which was known for its cheap and cheerful merits. With a revamped design and impressive standard tech, the Kia K4 picks up where the Forte left off, adding more cargo space and superior practicality, but retaining a sensible starting price tag of $21,990.
The K4 is only 2.7 inches longer than the Forte, but it looks more like a midsize car than a compact. In the trunk, you’ll find 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible due to the wide opening, while rear-seat passengers get a massive 38 inches of legroom.
Trim levels comprise the LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and the GT-Line Turbo, and every K4 comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, four USB-C ports, and a traditional PRNDL gear shifter. Lower trims use a bank of physical buttons for climate controls, while EX and above employ a four-inch touchscreen controller placed between the gauge cluster and the infotainment display. GT-Line trims swap out the two-spoke steering wheel for a two-tone, three-spoke wheel.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Kia K4 is better than the outgoing Kia Forte. It offers more impressive tech, more standard safety features, more passenger space, and more cargo space. It’s still not quite as satisfying to drive as the segment leader, but it’s a far sight less expensive, too." -Matt Smith
Search for Kia K4
See all
Nissan Kicks
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
With an all-new generation for the 2025 model year, the Nissan Kicks provides a lot of value for its $21,830 starting MSRP. Refreshed styling, larger interior dimensions, available AWD, and more power are just a portion of this compact crossover’s glow-up.
Inside, prospective buyers will appreciate the 1.7-inch increase in front shoulder room, as well as 1.9 in the back, plus about an inch of knee room. When it comes to tech, the Kicks sports a seven-inch infotainment screen as standard, though mid- and high-tier trims get a 12.3-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and plenty of USB-C ports. A four-speaker stereo is standard, though a 10-speaker Bose system is optional.
While the Nissan Kicks isn’t intended to compete with the likes of anything made by Jeep, it does sport nearly an inch-and-a-half more ground clearance than the previous generation, plus optional AWD. This’ll at least help it trudge through dirt and snow a little easier. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder puts out 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque; 20 and 26 more, respectively, over the 2024 model year. A CVT-based drivetrain transmits these figures to the road and helps the Kicks earn as much as 28 mpg city, 35 highway, and 31 combined.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2025 Nissan Kicks is poised to put rivals on notice with its fantastic value, great standard features, and premium options." -Christian Wardlaw
Search for Nissan Kicks
See all
Nissan Sentra
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Nissan Sentra has always been a price-conscious subcompact car, though its recent redesign made it more upscale than many expected. It's not a car for thrill-seekers—the naturally aspirated four-cylinder is more about smooth, quiet commuting than quick acceleration—but it more than makes up for that with content. Dual 12.3-inch displays, standard traffic-sign recognition, and Nissan's signature zero-gravity seats all show up at price points where rivals usually skimp, and the redesigned ninth-generation styling gives it a sharper look than past Sentras, especially in higher trims.
Where the Sentra really earns its keep is in the upper trims, which add leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting, a Bose stereo, and available ProPilot Assist without breaking the bank. Rear-seat space is tighter than some classmates, and the cabin tech is capable but not especially exciting to drive. Still, for buyers prioritizing features and affordability over performance, it's a strong case for one of the most content-rich cheap sedans on sale.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Nissan Sentra is a stylish and safe compact sedan that delivers impressive technology at an attractive, affordable price. It’s not the most thrilling car in its segment (look to the Honda Civic or Mazda3 for that honor), but it nevertheless delivers premium, in-demand features." -Matt Smith
Search for Nissan Sentra
See all
Nissan Versa
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
Unless you’re going to shop in the used-car market, the Nissan Versa is the least expensive model you can buy at just $17,190, recently unseating the Mitsubishi Mirage for the honor. However, that’s not to say the Versa is a bad car, not at all. Today, even the cheapest new cars offer impressive features that as standard equipment. In the Versa’s case, that includes cruise control, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and an impressive array of advanced safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning.
The Versa is no sports car, but it’s still a pretty fun car to drive. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a pokey 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, and it comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Once upon a time, the cheapest new cars on sale were basically rolling penalty boxes. Nissan’s Versa proves that’s not the story, anymore.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Nissan’s smallest sedan proves 'entry-level' doesn’t have to mean 'bad.' It’s getting hard to find a basic subcompact sedan, but Nissan is keeping the faith." -Stephen Edelstein
Search for Nissan Versa
See all
Subaru Impreza
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Subaru Impreza offers a compelling mix of standard AWD capability, value, and comfort for its starting price. Last redesigned for the 2024 model year, the latest Impreza looks a bit more aggressive and sporty than before. The car's diminutive size and standard AWD give it great handling, but it lacks power, and the engine can sometimes sound unrefined. Offsetting that is the higher RS trim, which upgrades the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder’s displacement up to 2.5, which increases output to 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Of course, if you're looking for value, the A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the way to go. Although its 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet may cedes performance to the RS motor, it still comes paired with the same CVT, and it delivers 27 mpg city, 34 highway, 30 combined.
Around town, the Impreza's power delivery should feel more than adequate, and the Impreza offers engaging, confident handling and the ability to traverse some of the worst weather conditions, thanks to its AWD system.
The CarGurus Verdict: "As vehicle prices continue to climb to uncomfortable heights, the Subaru Impreza remains a smart purchase for its capabilities, ease of use, and fun driving dynamics." -Mark Takahashi
Search for Subaru Impreza
See all
Toyota Corolla
CarGurus expert rating: 7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling vehicles of all time, with over 50 million units sold since its inception. As an all-rounder, it’s one of the best compact cars there is: well-equipped, comfortable, and packed with advanced safety features. The base Corolla starts at $22,325 and comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. FWD and a CVT are standard.
Toyota equips every Corolla with a long list of features, including an eight-inch touchscreen running Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB inputs, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, lane-departure alerts, forward-collision warnings, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, road-sign detection, and automatic high beam headlights.
Though its standard engine isn't going to help it win drag races, the Toyota Corolla makes a solid urban runabout and a comfortable road trip cruiser. It has earned great safety ratings and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A bit more wind and road noise make their way into the cabin than many would like, but it's not intrusive or overwhelming by any means.
If you’re considering hybrid cars and you budget stretches a little further, then the Corolla Hybrid costs an additional $1,500 (don’t expect a Civic Type R at that price, but the rival Honda Civic Hybrid is available for similar money), and there’s always the faithful Toyota Prius, which starts at £28,350 at the time of writing.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Toyota Corolla rightfully has a reputation for being boring. However, the current 12th-generation model is also more stylish, technologically advanced, and rewarding to drive than previous Corollas. The new-for-2025 Corolla FX sedan demonstrates that with exclusive design details and sport-tuned steering and suspension." -Christian Wardlaw
Search for Toyota Corolla
See all
Volkswagen Jetta
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Volkswagen Jetta is a stalwart small car that brings solid gas mileage, a spacious cabin, and a comfy ride. With a base price of $22,495, the car also offers serious value, and its fuel-efficient engine reduces operating costs for people who drive extensively.
The Jetta comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, the manual transmission is no longer available—the sole way to move through gears is via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Jetta’s four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power from a standstill, but the grunt fizzles at higher speeds. Still, the Jetta will return up to 40 mpg on the highway in its most fuel-efficient configuration, so it’s a proper road trip hero, especially now the Volkswagen Golf is no longer available in non-high-performance guise.
The CarGurus Verdict: "While the changes to the 2025 VW Jetta are appealing, some are missteps, such as the touch-sensing climate control system interface. Also, the Jetta isn’t a leader in its segment regarding safety ratings. Nevertheless, its sensible German design and engineering shine through, giving it a distinctive driving experience unlike other compact cars." -Christian Wardlaw
Search for Volkswagen Jetta
See all
Hyundai Venue
CarGurus expert rating: 5.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
Cheap cars aren’t limited to hatchback and sedan body styles. Amazingly, you can still buy an SUV for just a little over $22,000. Admittedly, that SUV is the Hyundai Venue, and it’s small—very small. The Venue is Hyundai's entry-level crossover, replacing the discontinued Accent sedan with a tall-hatchback-meets-SUV body style. It's easy to maneuver, with low ground clearance and a tight wheelbase that make it a breeze to park and thread through traffic, plus solid fuel economy. The tradeoff is a thoroughly underpowered engine that drones under hard acceleration, a noisy cabin with minimal sound deadening, and an interior dominated by hard black plastic that makes the cost-cutting obvious from the driver's seat.
The higher SEL trims add worthwhile extras like heated seats, wireless charging, and a sunroof, making them the better picks over the stripped-down base trim. Safety tech is respectable for the segment, with standard automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, though crash-test ratings are middling. Ultimately, shoppers might be better served stretching their budget toward a larger compact car like the Civic, K4, or Elantra, which offer more power and refinement for similar money — making the Venue more of a "cheapest" pick than a "best" one for this list.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Hyundai Venue sacrifices refinement for a price point that isn’t as low as a comparable subcompact car. We’d be tempted to spend a little more for a slightly larger compact car with more power, features, and refinement." -Kirk Bell
Search for Hyundai Venue
See all
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in June 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
Shopping Tools
Related Topics
by The CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
The content above is for informational purposes only and should be independently verified. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
