Gone are the days when cheap cars were once merely moving boxes on wheels. Technological advances mean that automakers today can include features in cheap cars previously found in expensive models. For less than $25,000, you can buy a well-equipped, spacious, and sporty car. Cheap cars are also incredibly economical, making them ideal for daily use.

The trade-off for all the advantages of owning a cheap car is the lack of luxury and performance. Most budget cars are known to have low-grade, plasticky interiors, but things have come a long way and even budget-friendly options do have some strengths. Also, the engines fitted to most cheap cars aren’t renowned for their potency. Regardless, the pros outweigh the cons and here are 10 cheap new cars that are worth buying.

We collected data from automakers, government websites like fueleconomy.gov, and specialized sites like Edmunds and Car and Driver to compile a list of affordable new cars worth buying.

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1 2023 Nissan Versa

Starting MSRP: $15,980

Nissan redesigned the Versa for the 2023 model, perhaps trying to boost the car’s dwindling sales. All models got a revised front fascia, and the SR trim received a new wheel design. Nissan also increased the number of standard features available with each model. The top-of-the-range SR is the one to get as it has the most standard features, including LED headlights and remote start.

Specifications

The SR and the SV, the middle model, come with an automatic transmission. The cheapest and least-equipped base S is also one of the cheapest new cars on sale today and it features a five-speed manual transmission. The Versa isn’t a performance car, so the stick shift offers little over the automatic. Still, for drivers still loyal to the stick shift, the S is the ideal choice. Nissan provides an S Plus package for customers of the manual S, which adds Android Auto and Apple Carplay and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

2 2023 Kia Rio

Starting MSRP: $16,750

It’s a shame that Kia is pulling the plug on the impressive Kia Rio. The Rio offers fabulous value for money, with its three trims – LX Sedan, S Sedan, and S Hatchback – costing under $20,000. The S variant is the obvious choice, given the number of standard options you get by forking out several hundred dollars more. S model customers get a rear USB outlet, keyless entry, and a center armrest, among others.

Specifications

The hatchback seems more logical than the sedan as it offers more passenger and cargo space. The Rio’s performance is unspectacular but on par with most subcompact crossovers. A plus point for the Rio is the car’s expertly-tuned suspension.

3 2023 Kia Forte

Starting MSRP: $19,690

Kia’s redesign of the Forte in 2022 – a new grille, new wheel designs, revised bumpers, revised exterior lighting elements – turned it into a looker. The Korean manufacturer also added several standard features, including a lane-following assist system. However, Kia did nothing to improve the car’s lethargic 2.0-liter engine, which comes with the FE, LXS, and GT-Line variants.

Specifications

The GT, which comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, is the most attractive option. It comes with a host of standard features, including sports seats and a power unit, which vastly improve the Forte’s performance. Unfortunately, the $700 six-speed manual available with the GT, pushes the car’s price beyond $25,000.

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4 2024 Nissan Sentra

Starting MSRP: $20,200

Don’t expect a stirring performance with the Nissan Sentra. However, prepare to step into a car with a posh and tech-loaded interior. The car’s 2.0-liter 149 horsepower engine is unremarkable: it powers the Sentra to 60 MPH in a gingerly 8.8 seconds. Expect labored and clunky overtakes on the freeway.

Specifications

Inside, the Nissan looks more expensive than it is. Occupants ride on comfy Zero Gravity seats, and the top model comes with quilted leather upholstery. The mid-tier model, dubbed the SV, offers the best value for money. It has more standard equipment than the base S model, and by purchasing the SV Premium package, you get leather upholstery, a sunroof, heated front seats, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

5 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

Starting MSRP: $20,655

The Volkswagen Jetta’s excellent handling masks the underwhelming nature of its turbocharged 158-horsepower engine. The Jetta’s base models, the S and Sport, are spacious and well-equipped. For instance, you get a wealth of safety features, heated exterior mirrors, cloth upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, and a six-speed manual on the base S (an eight-speed automatic is available for a price).

Specifications

The Jetta offers plenty of passenger and cargo space but very little in terms of standard driver assists. Barring automatic braking and blind-spot warning, most driver aids are optional. Upgrading to the Sport trim gets you a sportier exterior, an electronically locking front differential, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

6 2023 Hyundai Elantra

Starting MSRP: $20,950

The affordable Hyundai Elantra models are the SEL and the SE. They come with unspectacular 2.0-cylinder engines putting out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet. The SE model is the cheapest but lacks features you would get as standard by purchasing the SEL. For instance, the SEL comes with SiriusXM and a hands-free trunk release.

Specifications

The SEL also offers access to the stacked SEL Convenience Package. It adds a 10.3-inch infotainment system, a similarly-sized digital cluster, a wireless charging pad, heated mirrors, heated front seats, and many more features. The base Elantras aren’t as fuel-efficient as the expensive hybrid models but are still very economical.

7 2024 Toyota Corolla LE Sedan

Starting MSRP: $21,900

The LE Sedan, the base Corolla variant, is the cheapest gas-powered Corolla you can buy. Don’t let the car’s sporty looks or the sporting pedigree of the pricier Corollas fool you into thinking that the LE trim is fast. Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter 169-horsepower engine that rolls the LE to 60 MPH in 8.2 seconds.

Specifications

The allure of the Corolla Sedan over other models on this list is Toyota’s bulletproof reliability and dependability and the car’s practical nature. Getting used to the low-grade interior might take a while, but as you do, the Toyota compact sedan’s incredible fuel economy will bring you some joy. You get 35 MPG combined: 32 MPG in cities and 41 MPG on highways.

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8 2024 Subaru Impreza

Starting MSRP: $22,995

The Impreza sedan is no more, as all variants of the sixth-gen Subaru Impreza are hatchbacks. The Base variant is the cheapest and, predictably, the least equipped. While the mid-tier Sport and top-tier RS models get an 11.6-inch infotainment display with Subaru’s Starlink multimedia system, the Base variant gets a 7.0-inch screen without the Starlink system.

Specifications

The Base Impreza features a 2.0-liter flat-four engine, churning out 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet. It channels power through a standard CVT transmission to all wheels. The car’s performance leaves plenty to be desired. However, Subaru has improved the car’s front-seat design and reduced cabin noise. The new Impreza also features a bigger fuel tank than the outgoing model.

9 2023 Honda Civic

Starting MSRP: $23,950

Honda redesigned the Civic in 2022, giving the car a more civilized demeanor. Then Japanese manufacturer, however, carried over the engines from the previous generation, including the 2.0-liter inline-four that powers the Honda Civic LX. The LX is the base Honda Civic and only comes as a sedan. Higher trims are available as hatchbacks.

Specifications

Honda scrapped the manual transmission with the new Civic, making the CVT transmission standard across all models. Though not as engaging as the manual, the CVT delivers power smoothly and responds sharply to right-foot inputs. Despite having a slightly underpowered engine, the Civic LX has genuine sporting credentials.

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10 2024 Mazda 3

Starting MSRP: $24,170

Perhaps unfairly, most of the Mazda 3 goodies go to the turbocharged variants. The affordable Base and Select Sport variants get little in terms of standard options. The upside, however, is that the Mazda 3 is a delight to drive, regardless of the trim. Base and Select Sport options feature a 2.5-liter inline-four engine. Mazda offers a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with the Mazda 3.

Specifications

If you opt for all-wheel drive, you must have the six-speed automatic. The six-speed manual is only available on front-wheel drive models. The Mazda 3 offers decent fuel economy and a comfortable ride, but the car’s poor rear visibility can complicate driving.