Cheapest Small Cars for 2023 | Affordable Compact Cars

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:

They come with low price tags, even near the top of the range
They come in a variety of body styles
They usually have pokey, frugal powertrains
They are slightly restricted in terms of practicality due to their size

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.

Cheapest Small Cars of 2023