Anyone looking to buy a new car in 2022 may have their work cut out for them, as there will be some serious competition among cars under $20,000 by the end of the decade.
If you’re looking to buy a new car in 2022, but you’re also on a budget, you may be wondering what the best cheap cars are this year. There are many great cars out there that don’t cost a fortune, and some of them will look great on your new car lot as well! Here are 10 affordable cars that won’t break the bank in 2022, starting with what will most likely be the most popular vehicle of the year–the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
10 Affordable Cars That Won’t Break the Bank in 2022
Cars are expensive – we all know that, and it’s usually too true to ignore. But when you want to get behind the wheel of something fun, reliable, and maybe even reliable, you don’t want to break the bank just to get behind the wheel of something fun! If you’re looking for an affordable car that doesn’t skimp on features or quality, here are 10 of the best cheap cars 2022 has to offer.
1) Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that is popular for its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. In terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat with prices starting at under $16,000. The Corolla has many different trims and packages so it’s best to shop around before buying one. The Corolla comes standard with features like air conditioning, power windows, and cruise control. However, you can also purchase safety features like rear parking sensors as well as convenience items such as keyless entry. Regardless of what package you choose though all Corollas include Bluetooth capability as well as an auxiliary port for a smartphone or MP3 player.
2) Honda Accord
The Accord is a value-driven machine that’s still got plenty of thrills and tech under its hood. The base 2.4-liter four with 185 horsepower is just fine for most driving, but there’s another motor available at every level: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower, linked to either a CVT or six-speed manual transmission. The automatic is our pick since it gives you all of that power—and almost none of that turbo lag—at all times. If you want to kick up your grin factor and get an Accord Sport, which means you’ll have more options like Honda Sensing safety technologies and a rearview camera as standard fare.
3) Nissan Versa
If you’re on a tight budget, your vehicle is probably one of your biggest expenses—which is why it’s so important to find an affordable ride that’s well-built and safe. Consider a new Nissan Versa. The Japanese automaker sells around 100,000 Versas each year, according to Edmunds data; it boasts a high safety rating and gets great gas mileage, making it one of the best affordable used cars on sale today. Moreover, as an economy cars, there are plenty available in dealerships—and they’re often priced below $9,000.
4) Kia Forte
If you’re looking for an affordable car that offers plenty of style and value, look no further than Kia. The 2018 Forte sedan is available in five trim levels, starting with a base model that comes standard with automatic headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. For as little as $16,500, you get 16-inch alloy wheels and a touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio. A mid-level model can be had for just under $20,000 and offers additional features like heated seats, a sunroof, and 17-inch wheels.
5) Hyundai Accent
If you’re looking for a quality subcompact car that won’t break your budget, you can’t go wrong with Hyundai. The Accent is loaded with great features and priced affordably. If you shop around, it’s even possible to find used models starting under $7,000. Looking for something a little bigger? Check out their Elantra sedan, another affordable and efficient option.
6) Chevy Cruze
The 2016 Chevy Cruze packs a pretty good punch for an affordable, compact car. Starting at $16,475, you get tons of value from its roomy interior (which can easily seat five adults), a roomy trunk, and even a generous helping of tech and safety features. Base models come with Bluetooth phone connectivity, an OnStar-powered 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rearview camera. And at just $500 more than its closest competitor from Honda ($17,975), you’re getting way more bang for your buck with Chevy.
7) Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is a favorite for young drivers with small wallets. As our most affordable car, it has plenty of room for five passengers and is economical to run—gas mileage hovers around 30 mpg. With tech features like heated mirrors and available lane assist, it may feel more luxurious than other cars on our list of best cheap cars in 2022. A sub-$20,000 price tag gives it a competitive edge against vehicles from rivals like Chevy and Honda. It also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as a rear-view camera that makes backing up easier. And no one can beat Ford’s solid safety rating: The car earned five out of five stars in overall crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
8) Mazda3
While Mazda3 is one of our best cheap cars, its younger sibling Mazda2 also has a lot to offer. However, if you’re looking for something sportier, then look no further than the Mazda6, which is an affordable midsize sedan that’s not quite as fuel-efficient as some of its competitors but still comes at a pretty good price point. Other solid picks include Toyota Corolla (both hybrid and non-hybrid versions), Honda Civic Hybrid, and Honda CR-V. If you need more space for your growing family or don’t mind ditching your car for some time to hop on public transportation, check out Volkswagen Jetta TDI or Hyundai Elantra Touring models.
10) Kia Rio5
This car is a small compact car, or what some would call a subcompact car. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 138 horsepower and up to 132 lb.-ft. of torque. The Rio5 has an EPA rating of 30/40 mpg for city/highway driving, so if fuel economy is your priority, it’s hard to do better than that! With seating for 5 people, it makes for a practical family vehicle; but with its high mileage combined with Kia’s legendary reliability and affordable service costs, you’ll likely save money on gas (and keep more cash in your pocket) over comparable vehicles from other brands.
9) Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a great affordable car that will save you money on gas and insurance. With a 42-mile-per-gallon city average, you can fill up your tank and have $100 leftover. Not to mention it only costs $25 per month for insurance! Great safety features too, with five-star crash ratings. All of these factors make it an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a cheap car that won’t sacrifice quality or performance. Its simple design makes it easy to work on as well, so if you want an affordable vehicle that won’t force you to take out a second mortgage, then look no further than the Yaris. The Toyota Yaris is a great affordable car that will save you money on gas and insurance.
