Choosing a car involves numerous considerations, but for budget-conscious buyers, especially those prioritizing safety and reliability, the task can be particularly nuanced. As we navigate 2024, the quest for the best affordable cars becomes paramount. Safety and dependability don’t have to break the bank. This guide, drawing upon research from leading safety and consumer organizations, highlights top picks for affordable vehicles in 2024, ensuring peace of mind without compromising on quality or safety.
Top Used Cars: Affordable Safety and Reliability
For many, the used car market offers the most accessible path to affordability. However, navigating this market requires careful consideration of safety and reliability. Fortunately, resources like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have collaborated to identify used vehicles that excel in both areas. These recommendations are categorized into “Best Choices” and “Good Choices,” providing a tiered approach to finding a budget-friendly and safe used car.
Best Choices — Used
These vehicles represent the pinnacle of affordable used car safety and reliability. Each model listed meets stringent criteria, including a weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and achieving “good” ratings in key IIHS crash tests: moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint. They also secure at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. For models rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating is expected. Furthermore, “Best Choice” vehicles boast standard automatic emergency braking systems with an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
Reliability is equally important. “Best Choice” selections have earned above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for most listed model years, coupled with CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher. Braking performance is also a factor, with dry braking distances from 60 mph to zero at 145 feet or less.
Pricing data, sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) as of April 19, 2024, reflects average U.S. values for private party purchases in good condition with typical mileage.
| Small cars | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla Sedan or Hatchback | Sedan — 2017 or newer; hatchback — 2019 | $10,600 |
| Toyota Prius | 2017 or newer | $13,800 |
| Mazda 3 Sedan or Hatchback | 2021-22 | $16,400 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 2017 or newer | $17,000 |
| Honda Civic Sedan or Hatchback | 2021 or newer | $17,600 |
| Midsize cars | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Camry | 2018 or newer | $9,600 |
| Volvo S60 | 2017, 2021 | $10,200 |
| Volvo V60 | 2017,2021 | $12,300 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2019 | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2021 | $17,200 |
| Honda Accord Sedan | 2020 | $19,200 |
| Large car | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Avalon | 2017 or newer | $14,400 |
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020 or newer | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017 or newer | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2020 or newer | $14,900 |
| GMC Terrain | 2020, 2023 | $16,100 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2021-23 | $17,600 |
| Lexus UX | 2019-21 | $18,100 |
| Honda CR-V | 2020 or newer | $18,700 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2021 | $19,000 |
| Subaru Forester | 2021 or newer | $19,000 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2022 or newer | $19,900 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Volvo XC60 | 2017 | $12,100 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2019, 2020, 2023 | $15,200 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2017 or newer | $15,700 |
| Nissan Murano | 2019, 2020 | $15,900 |
| Ford Edge | 2020 or newer | $16,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2018-21 | $17,100 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 2019 | $17,800 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2020, 2022 | $18,800 |
| Minivan | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2018-20 | $19,100 |
Good Choices — Used
“Good Choices” represent another tier of affordable used vehicles that still prioritize safety and reliability, often at a lower price point than “Best Choices.” These vehicles meet the same baseline safety criteria as “Best Choices,” including curb weight, IIHS crash test ratings, and NHTSA ratings where applicable. They also share the same standards for Consumer Reports reliability and handling scores, as well as braking distances.
The “Good Choices” list expands the range of affordable options, encompassing older models or those with slightly different safety technology specifications compared to the “Best Choices.” Some models in this category include “built after” dates, indicating mid-year manufacturing improvements that enhance safety. Checking the vehicle’s certification label, typically located on the driver’s door, can confirm the manufacturing date.
| Small cars | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda 3 Sedan or Hatchback | 2014-17; built after October 2013 | $5,800 |
| Ford C-Max Hybrid | 2015-16 | $7,100 |
| Honda Civic Sedan | 2014 | $7,900 |
| Toyota Prius | 2014-16; built after November 2013 | $9,400 |
| Subaru Impreza Sedan and Wagon | 2019-20 | $13,200 |
| Midsize cars | Model years | Price |
| Mazda 6 | 2015-17 | $8,400 |
| Toyota Camry | 2014-17; built after December 2013 | $9,000 |
| Toyota Prius v | 2015-17 | $10,200 |
| Honda Accord Coupe or Sedan | 2015-17 | $10,500 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2017-18 | $11,600 |
| BMW 3 series | 2018 | $13,800 |
| Large car | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Avalon | 2015-16 | $12,600 |
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2016 | $10,100 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018-19 | $11,000 |
| Honda CR-V | 2015-19 | $11,400 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2018-19 | $11,600 |
| Honda HR-V | 2017-22; built after March 2017 | $11,600 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015-16; built after November 2014 | $12,000 |
| GMC Terrain | 2018-19 | $12,700 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Nissan Murano | 2016 | $9,900 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2014-16 | $11,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2015-17 | $12,100 |
| Acura RDX | 2016 | $13,500 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2018 | $14,200 |
| Minivans | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2016-17 | $12,600 |
| Honda Odyssey | 2017 | $14,400 |
Affordable New Cars: 2024 Models with Top Safety Ratings
While used cars offer compelling value, some buyers prefer the assurance of a new vehicle. For those seeking the best affordable new cars in 2024, safety and reliability remain crucial. This list features vehicles that have earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award for 2024 and come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
Beyond safety accolades, these new car recommendations also meet Consumer Reports’ standards for reliability (average or better), emergency handling (average or better), and braking performance (less than 140 feet from 60 mph). Furthermore, they receive a “good” or better rating from CR for ease of use of controls, ensuring a user-friendly driving experience.
Prices listed are Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for the base trim level.
| Small cars | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | $23,400 |
| Mazda 3 Sedan or Hatchback | $24,300 |
| Toyota Prius | $28,300 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | $33,600 |
| Midsize cars | Price |
| Toyota Camry | $26,900 |
| Honda Accord | $28,200 |
| Subaru Outback | $29,300 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 (except dual-motor) | $37,700 |
| Small SUVs | Price |
| Mazda CX-30 | $25,700 |
| Kia Sportage | $27,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $27,800 |
| Honda CR-V | $29,700 |
| Mazda CX-50 (built after August 2023) | $31,200 |
| Lexus UX | $35,300 |
| Midsize SUVs | Price |
| Subaru Ascent | $35,000 |
| Kia Telluride | $36,300 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $37,000 |
| Honda Pilot | $37,200 |
| Mazda CX-90 | $38,800 |
| Lexus NX | $39,600 |
| Minivan | Price |
| Honda Odyssey | $38,200 |
| Pickup | Price |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | $27,500 |
Important Reminder: Check for Recalls
Regardless of whether you choose a used or new vehicle, always verify for outstanding recalls before making a purchase. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at https://checktoprotect.org/ to check for recalls. For used vehicles, ensure you notify the manufacturer of your purchase to receive future recall notices. NHTSA also recommends checking their database every six months for any new recalls affecting your vehicle.
By prioritizing safety and reliability alongside affordability, buyers can make informed decisions when choosing their next car in 2024. This guide provides a starting point for finding vehicles that meet these critical criteria, offering peace of mind and value for your money.
