If you are on a budget, you should limit your search to sedans and forget about SUVs and trucks. The latter is much more expensive, even if we consider the cheapest options, compared to the car alternatives. You might be disappointed that you won’t be able to get an SUV, but you should know that what you will get from a sedan will be much more. Cheaper cars still have everything you need and are equipped with entertainment features, safety gear, and comfort. In addition, there are some which are smaller in size, but others are more spacious. Here is a list of the top 10 of the most affordable cars you can find on the market in 2021. They are in descending order from most to least expensive.
Even without any additional extras, this car looks truly amazing. Its tires are somewhat smaller, compared to other vehicles you might see on ads or reviews, but as a whole, this car is awesome. The new Elantra has taken part in the adventurousness of the Sonata but is with sharper lines and edges. The interior is compact, looks futuristic, and upscale. There is plenty of standard equipment. All cars have automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automatic transmission, and a touchscreen.
The redesign of Nissan Sentra in 2020 has eliminated the previous model from the consumers’ memory. There is no longer a cheap interior, outdated style, and bad handling. Now drivers get new features that completely change the experience with this vehicle. This is such a good model that it had to be included in the ranking for the best cars of 2021. Another great plus is that this vehicle is really affordable.
If you would like to own a sedan with a bit more space and a beautiful interior, you should look at Volkswagen Jetta. It has headlights that are full-LED, aluminum wheels (16 inches), and many other features – all this for less than $20,000. If you are willing to spend $500 more you will get automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, heated side mirrors, and forward-collision warning. The standard one comes with a 6-gear manual transmission, but you also have the option to get an 8-gear automatic.
This is the only all-wheel-drive vehicle in this ranking. This feature is included even if you decide to get the standard version which costs less than $20,000. This price is for the sedan version, but you will need to pay a bit more if you would like to get the hatchback. You can add an automatic transmission for $1,300 extra, bringing you EyeSight active-safety features. This car has automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assistance.
Like other compact sedans nowadays, this one comes with many safety features like lane departure warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning. You also get automatic headlights, a touchscreen, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry. If you prefer an automatic transmission, you will have to give $900 more, but the total will be below $20,000.
This model will receive a new facelift in 2021, including some changes on the outside and a fresh touchscreen in the cockpit. Those things should not affect in any way how good this car is. Driving it is a comfortable experience, with its refined suspension and quiet engine. If you want to get the hatchback you will have to pay around $200 more.
The basic version of this model is surprisingly good. This is the only one to come with a six-gear manual, a powerful engine, and an overall awesome driving experience. This model is fast (the manual is quicker than the automatic), has a beautiful interior, provides comfort, and a very nice warranty. Some of the other levels have decent benefits, but the prices start to come near the ones of larger compact vehicles. If you are on a budget, choose the basic version to save some money and still get a great car.
Many people joke about this car, but it was actually the winner in the ranking for the cheapest vehicle that is available in the USA. A surprising redesign in 2020 changed the reputation of this car completely. Now it is a stylish machine with an excellent interior, and a refined driving experience. It is still very cheap, but now you get a great-looking and performing car for this price.
Many might think of this model when it comes to less expensive vehicles. The Mirage comes with a 76-horsepower three-cylinder engine and small tires. Nevertheless, it has a lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam control, and a touchscreen. The standard version is with a 5-gear manual transmission, which is the best option for getting the most out of the small engine. You still have the option to get an automatic transmission. This model can also be a sedan (named Mirage G4), which is a bit pricier.
This is an excellent vehicle that is relatively small, but the price is a dream come true. This is the cheapest vehicle currently available in the US. Nevertheless, it isn’t dull – it includes a touchscreen, and the funky colors you can choose for the exterior are great. The standard is with a 5-gear manual transmission, which is the best option to get the best performance out of the 1,4-liter engine and the 98 horsepower. You can also opt for a CVT which will still not go over $20,000 in the end.
