The average price paid for a new car has jumped by 30% in just five years, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great deal on an affordable new ride. In early 2024, the average selling price of a new car remains near all-time highs at $48,759. Believe it or not, today there are still several new cars on sale for under $25,000. These are the Consumer Reports reliability ratings for the five cheapest new cars on sale in 2024.

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Starting Price: $20,400

Fully-Loaded Price: $25,000+

Special Offer: Buy or lease for just $399/month. Learn more

Consumer Reports Reliability Rating: 43/100

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax stands out for its sleek and modern design, which is paired with a shockingly affordable price for an SUV. It offers impressive fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for both city driving and longer journeys. Additionally, the Trax is equipped with the latest technology and safety features, ensuring a comfortable and secure driving experience.

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2024 Nissan Versa

Starting Price: $16,290 (manual), $17,960 (automatic)

Fully-Loaded Price: $29,995

Consumer Reports Reliability Rating: 45/100

The 2024 Nissan Versa Sedan offers exceptional value as one of the only new cars available for under $20,000 today. The Versa offers a surprising range of features and solid quality. It boasts a comfortable and spacious interior considering its sub-compact size. Additionally, the Versa Sedan delivers good fuel economy, averaging 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.

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2024 Mitsubishi Mirage

Starting Price: $16,695

Fully-Loaded Price: $26,130

Consumer Reports Reliability Rating: 50/100

The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is a cost-effective, affordable new car. Considering it’s not a hybrid, the Mirage is very fuel efficient, boasting 36 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway. It features a range of trims and modern technology, along with notable safety, including 7 airbags. That’s a lot for such a small car. This makes it a practical choice for those prioritizing economy and safety in a small vehicle.

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2024 Kia Forte

Starting Price: $19,990

Fully-Loaded Price: $32,985+

Consumer Reports Reliability Rating: 67/100

The 2024 Kia Forte is now Kia’s most affordable offering after the discontinuation of the Kia Rio last year. The Forte is a compact sedan that combines practicality with the best reliability ratings for under $20,000. It features a spacious interior for the price, with a total interior volume of 96.0 cubic feet. This spaciousness is complemented by a range of options and trims, catering to various preferences and needs. The Forte is a great choice for those who desire more than the cheaper Mitsubishi and Nissan can offer.

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2024 Hyundai Venue

Starting Price: $19,800

Fully Loaded Price: $31,995+

Consumer Reports Reliability Rating: 60/100

The 2024 Hyundai Venue stands out as the only other SUV on this list, albeit a subcompact one. It offers a decent cargo volume of 18.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up, which expands to 31.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it a versatile choice for both daily commutes and more demanding cargo needs. The 2024 Hyundai Venue is the only SUV priced below $20,000, but even with destination fees applied, it’s going to surpass that figure. Its compact size, affordability, and versatile nature make the Venue a unique offering for those seeking a budget-friendly SUV.

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Affordability and Reliability CAN Coexist

In conclusion, the search for affordable and reliable new cars in 2024 reveals a diverse range of options under $25,000. Models like the Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Forte, and Hyundai Venue stand out for their balance of price, reliability, and modern features. Each offers unique advantages, from the Trax’s incredible value to the Venue’s versatility as a subcompact SUV. These models demonstrate that affordability doesn’t necessarily come at the expense of quality and reliability. See the latest deals on the Chevy Trax and more here. 

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