The 5 cheapest cars for 2026 aren’t all that cheap
Last year, budget-minded car shoppers had two standout names for the sub-$20,000 new car: the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Nissan Versa. For 2026, however, shoppers might have to spend around $5,000 more for the cheapest new cars on the market compared to 2024.
For now, the five cheapest cars of 2026 are estimated to be pricier than last year, and the cheapest names are gone
10 years ago, in 2016, the Nissan Versa started at $11,090. Today, the Versa is on its way out, leaving the Sentra to serve on as the brand’s cheapest offering. But the Versa took another important title with it: the only car left on the market starting under $20,000.
There were at least eight new cars with starting prices under $15,000 in 2016. Next year, the cheapest cars on the market are likely to start at around $22,000. As of now, here are some of the most affordable options for the new year.
| Make and model | 2025 starting price | 2026 starting price |
| Hyundai Venue | $21,595 | $22,000 est |
| Chevrolet Trax | $21,895 | $22,000 est |
| Kia Soul | $21,885 | $22,500 est |
| Nissan Sentra | $22,785 | $23,000 est |
| Kia K4 | $23,185 | $24,000 est |
2026 Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is set to return for 2026. But not the tired, previous-generation model. Hyundai’s most affordable little crossover gets a refresh and redesign for 2026.
Understandably, then, Hyundai will likely tack some extra heft onto the Venue’s starting price tag. Last year, the Venue’s MSRP was around $20,200 before the pesky destination charge. Next year, the bright-and-shiny next-gen Venue is likely to start at around $22,000.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax, the smallest vehicle you can buy with a Bow Tie badge, had an MSRP of $20,500 for 2025. Plug a dealership destination charge into that, and the price rises to around $21,895 before options and upgrades.
Next year, however, the Trax looks like it may get a negligible price bump to around $22,000. That puts it right on par with the estimate for the 2026 Hyundai Venue.
However, with the Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa gone, it also means Chevrolet’s diminutive SUV is that much closer to the cheaper end of the new car rankings.
2026 Kia Soul
A sibling to the last Hyundai Venue, the Kia Soul also survives for 2026. Last year, everybody’s favorite hamster-marketed compact SUV started at around $21,885 after a $1,395 destination charge.
Edmunds is confident the new model year won’t bloat prices too much, with a final purchase estimate of about $22,500. That leaves the Soul in close contention with the Chevrolet Trax and its updated Hyundai sibling.
2026 Nissan Sentra
Nissan stays on the cheapest cars shortlist with the Sentra, despite sending its Versa and Altima nameplates off into the sunset. For 2026, the Sentra is an all-new offering, with more ample dimensions and updated Murano-esque styling.
For 2025, the Sentra started at around $22,785 for the base S trim. Next year, despite the complete update, estimates put the entry-level Sentra at just $23,000. Of course, that’s subject to change.
2026 Kia K4
Available as a hatchback for 2026, the Kia K4 manages to stay on the lower end of the pricing index. Of course, that’s large in part due to the absence of cheaper, subcompact alternatives like the Nissan Versa.
The 2025 Kia K4 started at around $23,185 for the base LX trim after its destination charge. Next year, however, the posher-than-expected Kia compact sedan is likely to flirt with the $24,000 mark.
