The cheapest new car in the U.S. for model year 2026 is the Hyundai Venue SE, at $22,650 including destination, in Cars.com’s April 2026 comparison. Only seven distinct 2026 models in that comparison start below $25,000 with destination included. An exact, destination-inclusive ranking of ten models is not established by the available published comparisons, so this guide covers the seven verifiable options rather than guessing at three more.
What is the cheapest new car in 2026?
The Hyundai Venue SE is the lowest-priced model in the researched 2026 comparisons: Cars.com and Edmunds list it at $22,650 including destination. That is not the same as Hyundai’s $20,550 starting MSRP, which excludes freight and other charges. Compare like with like: an MSRP before destination is not directly comparable to a price that includes destination.
The sub-$20,000 new-car era has ended in the U.S. Nissan said the Versa ended production for the U.S. market in December 2025, as reported by Kelley Blue Book. KBB described it as the last new car under that list-price threshold. The remaining inexpensive choices begin above $22,000.
What new cars are under $25,000?
Cars.com’s April 28, 2026 comparison identifies seven distinct 2026 models with starting prices below $25,000, destination included. The ranking below uses that single price basis; it is not a ranking of transaction prices or a guarantee that a local dealer has the vehicle at that price.
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| Rank | 2026 model | Entry trim | Starting price with destination | EPA combined economy as reported by Cars.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Venue | SE | $22,650 | 31 mpg |
| 2 | Chevrolet Trax | LS | $23,495 | 29 mpg |
| 3 | Kia K4 sedan | LX | $23,535 | 33 mpg |
| 4 | Nissan Sentra | S | $23,845 | 33 mpg |
| 5 | Hyundai Elantra | SE | $23,870 | 35 mpg |
| 6 | Nissan Kicks | S FWD | $24,275 | 31 mpg |
| 7 | Toyota Corolla sedan | LE | $24,320 | 35 mpg |
Prices and fuel-economy figures in the table are from Cars.com’s 2026 comparison; fuel economy is its reporting of EPA combined ratings. Edmunds, in an Associated Press article published May 27, 2026, independently lists the first five prices with destination included. Its combined-economy figures are Venue 31 mpg, Trax up to 30 mpg, K4 up to 33 mpg, Sentra up to 33 mpg, and Elantra up to 35 mpg. The Trax figures differ between the two reports, so check the specific trim and configuration rather than treating either as a universal rating.
How the seven models differ
Hyundai Venue: lowest entry price, crossover format
The Venue is a subcompact crossover and the least expensive model in this comparison. Hyundai’s $20,550 manufacturer starting MSRP excludes freight, tax, title, license, and options; the comparable Cars.com and Edmunds figure with destination is $22,650. Cars.com lists the Venue as front-wheel drive only in this price group.
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Chevrolet Trax: crossover space, but check the exact economy figure
The Trax LS is priced at $23,495 including destination. Cars.com lists it as front-wheel drive only and reports 29 mpg combined; Edmunds/AP reports up to 30 mpg combined. Chevrolet says its MSRP excludes destination freight, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment, so confirm which charges are included in any advertised price.
Kia K4 and Nissan Sentra: compact-sedan alternatives
The K4 LX starts at $23,535 and the Sentra S at $23,845, both with destination in Cars.com’s comparison. Cars.com reports 33 mpg combined for each; Edmunds/AP reports up to 33 mpg for both. They offer sedan body styles rather than the crossover format of the Venue, Trax, and Kicks.
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Hyundai Elantra: highest reported economy among the first five
The Elantra SE is listed at $23,870 with destination. Cars.com reports 35 mpg combined, and Edmunds/AP reports up to 35 mpg. The $23,870 figure is for the entry SE, not every Elantra trim.
Nissan Kicks: crossover with an AWD price step
The Kicks S with front-wheel drive is $24,275 including destination, with a 31 mpg combined figure reported by Cars.com. Cars.com lists the AWD version at $25,775, above the $25,000 cutoff.
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Toyota Corolla sedan: just below the cutoff
The Corolla LE sedan starts at $24,320 including destination. Cars.com reports 35 mpg combined. It sits $680 below the cutoff, leaving little room for a higher trim or added equipment before crossing $25,000.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why this is a seven-model list, not a verified top ten
The Cars.com comparison supports seven distinct model names under $25,000 with destination included. It also lists other qualifying trims of those same models, but a second trim is not another model. Edmunds/AP independently supplies a five-model least-expensive list, not a complete ten-model ranking. Without comparable destination-inclusive starting prices for three additional distinct models, extending this into a ranked top ten would imply precision the published figures do not support.
How to compare the real cost before buying
- Confirm the price basis. Ask whether a quoted figure includes destination, dealer fees, taxes, title and registration. Manufacturer MSRP, advertised price and the amount you pay at the dealership are different measures.
- Check your local out-the-door quote. Inventory, local offers, taxes and fees affect the amount due. Request an itemized written quote for the exact trim and equipment.
- Compare the trim you would actually buy. Cars.com lists some additional trims below $25,000—including Venue SEL versions, Trax 1RS and LT, Sentra SV, Kia K4 LXS, and Elantra SEL Sport—but options and trim prices can change what is available locally.
- Price the drivetrain you need. None of the seven models has an AWD version below $25,000 in Cars.com’s comparison. The Kicks AWD is listed at $25,775; the Venue and Trax are identified as front-wheel-drive-only.
- Match the body style to your use. The group consists of compact sedans and subcompact crossovers. Consider passenger and cargo needs alongside purchase price and fuel economy; the cheapest entry trim may not be the best fit if it requires a costly upgrade.
- Read the exact equipment list. Check standard safety features, driver assistance, infotainment and connectivity on the precise trim. The cited price lists do not establish that every desired feature is standard across all seven cars.
Sources and price context
Cars.com’s comparison, published April 28, 2026, supplies the seven-model prices and reported EPA combined figures: These Are the New Cars Under $25,000. Edmunds’ five least-expensive list was republished by the Associated Press on May 27, 2026: The five least expensive new cars you can buy in 2026. Kelley Blue Book reported the Versa’s end of U.S. production on January 5, 2026: Nissan Versa Production Ends. Manufacturer price qualifications are on Hyundai’s Venue page and Chevrolet’s configurator. Prices and inventory can change; verify current local details before purchase.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
