By CB Staff
The cheapest small cars are no longer just for the budget-focused buyer or someone looking for a reasonably priced first car. Many people want a reliable, low-cost runabout to do their daily errands rather than putting miles on a pricey collector’s item or spending wads of cash filling up a performance car simply to get to work. These slight-sized vehicles have more to offer than just a palatable price; many respected brands make affordable small cars these days that win awards for safety and reliability. Here is a list of small cheap cars available in the USA for 2024:
2023 Hyundai Kona N
9.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $34,950
- Fuel Economy
- 20/27 MPG
- Horsepower
- 276 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
9.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,220
- Fuel Economy
- 45/38 MPG
- Horsepower
- 196 hp
2024 Kia Soul
9.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $20,190
- Fuel Economy
- 29/35 MPG
- Horsepower
- 147 hp
2024 Kia Seltos
9.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $22,840
- Fuel Economy
- TBC
- Horsepower
- 146 hp
2024 Mazda CX-30
9.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $24,995
- Fuel Economy
- 26/33 MPG
- Horsepower
- 191 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $23,860
- Fuel Economy
- 31/33 MPG
- Horsepower
- 169 hp
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $26,500
- Fuel Economy
- 131/109 MPG
- Horsepower
- 200 hp
2024 Hyundai Venue
8.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $19,900
- Fuel Economy
- 29/33 MPG
- Horsepower
- 121 hp
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $27,800
- Fuel Economy
- 125/104 MPG
- Horsepower
- 200 hp
2023 Kia Rio
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $16,750
- Fuel Economy
- 32/41 MPG
- Horsepower
- 120 hp
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,050
- Fuel Economy
- 26/34 MPG
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
2023 Kia Rio5
8.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $17,690
- Fuel Economy
- 32/41 MPG
- Horsepower
- 120 hp
2023 Honda HR-V
8.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $23,800
- Fuel Economy
- 26/32 MPG
- Horsepower
- 158 hp
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
8.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $25,195
- Fuel Economy
- 27/34 MPG
- Horsepower
- 152 hp
2024 Kia Niro
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $26,940
- Fuel Economy
- 53/54 MPG
- Horsepower
- 139 hp
2023 Mini Cooper Clubman
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $29,900
- Fuel Economy
- 22/32 MPG
- Horsepower
- 189 hp
2024 Nissan Kicks
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $21,050
- Fuel Economy
- 31/36 MPG
- Horsepower
- 122 hp
2023 Mini Cooper Hardtop
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $23,400
- Fuel Economy
- 27/37 MPG
- Horsepower
- 134 hp
2024 Hyundai Kona
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $24,250
- Fuel Economy
- 30/35 MPG
- Horsepower
- 147 hp
2024 Buick Encore GX
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $25,600
- Fuel Economy
- 30/31 MPG
- Horsepower
- 137 hp
2023 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop
- Base MSRP
- $32,900
- Fuel Economy
- 22/31 MPG
- Horsepower
- 228 hp
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $33,550
- Fuel Economy
- 134/106 MPG
- Horsepower
- 201 hp
2024 Chevrolet Trax
7.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $20,400
- Fuel Economy
- 28/32 MPG
- Horsepower
- 137 hp
2023 Mini Cooper Convertible
7.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,400
- Fuel Economy
- 27/37 MPG
- Horsepower
- 134 hp
2023 Nissan Versa Sedan
7.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $15,980
- Fuel Economy
- 27/35 MPG
- Horsepower
- 122 hp
2023 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop
7.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $29,900
- Fuel Economy
- 119/100 MPG
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
2023 Fiat 500X
7.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $30,245
- Fuel Economy
- 24/30 MPG
- Horsepower
- 177 hp
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
7.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $17,245
- Fuel Economy
- 35/41 MPG
- Horsepower
- 78 hp
2024 Mini Cooper Countryman
7.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $32,650
- Fuel Economy
- 26/32 MPG
- Horsepower
- 134 hp
2023 Jeep Renegade
7.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $27,850
- Fuel Economy
- 23/29 MPG
- Horsepower
- 177 hp
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
6.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $16,695
- Fuel Economy
- 36/43 MPG
- Horsepower
- 78 hp
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
6.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $22,995
- Fuel Economy
- 23/29 MPG
- Horsepower
- 148 hp
2022 Acura ILX
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $27,300
- Fuel Economy
- 24/34 MPG
- Horsepower
- 201 hp
2022 Buick Encore
7.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $26,100
- Fuel Economy
- 24/32 MPG
- Horsepower
- 155 hp
2022 Chevrolet Spark
7.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $13,600
- Fuel Economy
- 29/38 MPG
- Horsepower
- 98 hp
2022 Ford EcoSport
6.5/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $22,040
- Fuel Economy
- 23/29 MPG
- Horsepower
- 166 hp
2022 Hyundai Accent
7.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $16,645
- Fuel Economy
- 33/41 MPG
- Horsepower
- 120 hp
2022 Hyundai Veloster N
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $32,500
- Fuel Economy
- 22/28 MPG
- Horsepower
- 275 hp
2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $33,950
- Fuel Economy
- 24/35 MPG
- Horsepower
- 188 hp
2022 Toyota C-HR
7.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $24,280
- Fuel Economy
- 27/31 MPG
- Horsepower
- 144 hp
2024 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
- Base MSRP
- $34,390
- Fuel Economy
- 53/54 MPG
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
2024 Lexus UX
- Base MSRP
- $35,540
- Fuel Economy
- 43/41 MPG
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
Characteristics of Small Cheap Cars
You may be surprised how much choice there is when shopping for the cheapest compact car in the US, and that’s because their characteristics make them accessible to many kinds of buyers:
What to Consider When Buying Cheap Compact Cars
It may seem like there’s not much to consider when shopping for the cheapest small car other than how much it will cost, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t negatives:
Pros
- Accessible price tag means anyone can have one
- Many body styles and segments to choose from
- Frugal engines will save you money
- Small size make them ideal for city driving
- Easy to maneuver and park
Cons
- Base models may be sparse in terms of features
- Some affordable small cars use low-rent materials to cut costs
- Limited cargo and passenger space due to slight size
- Most cheap compact cars are from mainstream brands with no street cred
FAQs About The Cheapest Small Cars
What small cheap cars offer the best value in the United States?
The ‘small and cheap’ segment is quite broad since there are various body styles represented, but for around $20k you can get a base Hyundai Elantra with an excellent warranty and good fuel economy. The Mazda CX-30 small crossover costs just $23k and Kia’s Soul is even cheaper. Kia also has the Rio in sedan or hatchback guise for under $20k.
Can you get an affordable small car with a drop-top?
To classify as affordable, pricing should be under $30k at least, and in that case, there’s just one option for drop-top thrills on the US mark: The Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Mazda roadster has achieved hallowed status for its brilliant drive, and it’s a good-looking, tiny convertible with loads of personality - at an affordable price.
Are there any cheap compact off-roaders?
True off-roaders cost a lot of money, thanks to all the tech and protective kit needed to classify as proper adventurers. Ford’s 2-door Bronco costs at least $40k in its cheapest guise, while Jeep’s cheapest model just breaks the $30k mark in Sport trim. The truly specialized models will set you back at least $20k more than this.
