Skip to main content

Trucks and SUVs dominate the current automotive market in the U.S. as Americans continue to choose higher-riding vehicles over smaller sedans and hatchbacks. According to Jalopnik, truck and SUV sales have made up about 80% of the car sales this year alone. In that case, you may be wondering if small cars still even exist. They do! Here are the six subcompact cars that you can still buy new.

1. 2022 Hyundai Accent — $16,645

The Hyundai Accent, like the Nissan Versa, makes the list of cheap cars to consider before the recession that the Fed predicted.
Hyundai Accent | Hyundai

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is the brand’s entry-level car for the time being. We say that because it’s going to be discontinued next year in favor of the Hyundai Venue. But if you need to buy a small car this year, then the Accent can provide you with an efficient package that’s loaded with features.

Some of them include heated seats, a hands-free trunk, phone integration, and a 121-hp engine that can achieve up to 36 mpg in combined driving. Best of all, the Hyundai Accent is one of the cheapest subcompacts on the market with a starting price of around $16,645.

2. 2022 Nissan Versa — $15,380

A side shot of a red 2022 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan parked near a stone cliffside
2022 Nissan Versa | Nissan Motor Corporation

U.S. News put the 2022 Nissan Versa at the top of their list for the “Best Subcompact Cars” because of its capable engine and smooth ride. It’s also practical as it has a large trunk for its class and it gets stellar fuel economy ratings at 40 mpg on the highway. Even better, the Versa comes standard with a forward collision warning, a blind-spot warning, and a rear-automatic braking function, which we think is a lot of value for the money.

3. 2022 Chevrolet Spark — $13,600

The Chevrolet Spark, like the Nissan Versa, is a good cheap car choice to combat the likely recession.
Chevrolet Spark | Chevrolet

If you’re looking for a cheap small car, then look no further than the 2022 Chevy Spark. The Spark offers up to 38 mpg on the highway, a decent amount of room for five adults, and a good amount of tech features. Some of them include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and an available Wi-Fi hot spot. You better act quickly though, as the Chevy Spark will soon be discontinued.

4. 2022 Kia Rio – $16,450

2022 kia rio sedan in blue
2022 Kia Rio Sedan | Kia

The 2022 Kia Rio is small in size but big on features. The Rio comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a fuel-efficient engine that can achieve up to 41 mpg on the highway. There are also only two trim levels to choose from, so shopping for a Rio is easy.

5. 2023 Mini Cooper — $28,600

2023 MINI Cooper S High Resolution Edition in a press photo
2023 MINI Hardtop | BMW Group

If you’re looking for a premium subcompact with excellent power and agility, then the 2023 Mini Cooper is a great choice. The Cooper’s fun-to-drive nature is its main highlight, but it’s also highly configurable. Buyers will have a choice between three different engines as well as a bevy of accessories in which to personalize their Mini.

6. 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage – $14,645

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a cheap car choice to defy the recession that the Fed recently predicted.
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage | Mitsubishi

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is a small, affordable car that can get you from point A to B without needing to fill up too often. However, that’s about all it has going for it. U.S. News claims that the Mirage has a “cheap-feeling and somewhat cramped interior, as well as a weak engine and lethargic acceleration.” Well, at least it can get up to 46 mpg on the highway.

New subcompact cars in the market

Although two out of six of these subcompact cars will soon be discontinued, it’s safe to say that small cars still do exist. Whether or not they will rise again in popularity remains to be seen. But anyone in need of an easy-to-drive affordable car should be able to find one on this list.