Once upon a time — also known as 2025 — the cheapest regular vehicle you could buy was a sedan. Then Nissan announced it was cutting the Versa ($17,390) from its U.S. lineup. The next-cheapest sedan is the 2026 Nissan Sentra ($22,600), followed by the Toyota Corolla ($22,725). But for the first time, two crossovers will cost less than any sedan.

2026 Hyundai Venue — $20,550

Last year, the cheapest crossover was the iconic Kia Soul ($20,490). But Hyundai and Kia cut that vehicle from the U.S. market. In 2026, you’ll still be able to get its Hyundai cousin for $20,550.

Hyundai introduced the Venue for the 2020 model year. In the U.S., it gets a 1.6-liter I-4 engine that makes 121 horsepower. It’s only available with FWD.

2026 Chevrolet Trax — $22,995

Chevy launched the Trax for 2013. The pint-sized crossover got a major redesign for the 2023 model year. It has a 1.2-liter turbocharged I-3 engine rated for 137 horsepower. Chevrolet once offered AWD, but all Trax models built today are FWD. Interestingly, the Trax — like the Hyundai Venue — is assembled in South Korea and shipped to North America.