Choosing a vehicle that balances safety, affordability, and reliability is a paramount concern for many drivers, especially when budget is a key consideration. Navigating the car market to find the Best Rated Inexpensive Cars can be daunting, but resources are available to simplify this process.
Alt text: Collaboration logo of IIHS-HLDI and Consumer Reports, highlighting their partnership in vehicle safety ratings.
Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have collaborated to provide invaluable guidance in identifying vehicles that excel in these critical areas. Their joint efforts help consumers pinpoint cars that are not only kind to the wallet but also offer robust protection and dependable performance.
Alt text: A parent and teenager in a car, representing the target audience looking for safe and affordable vehicle recommendations.
This guide leverages the expertise of IIHS and Consumer Reports to present a curated selection of the best rated inexpensive cars. These recommendations are categorized into used vehicles, offering both “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” based on price and features, and a separate list for new vehicles that represent the pinnacle of safety in their respective classes. Whether you are a first-time car buyer, a parent seeking a safe option for a young driver, or simply someone looking for an economical and dependable vehicle, this resource aims to steer you towards informed decisions.
Remember, regardless of whether you opt for a used or new vehicle from these lists of best rated inexpensive cars, it is crucial to check for any outstanding recalls. Utilizing the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate on websites like CheckToProtect.org allows you to verify if a vehicle has any unresolved safety issues before purchase. Furthermore, notifying the manufacturer of your purchase ensures you receive future recall notices, and regularly checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database every six months is a prudent practice for ongoing vehicle safety.
Best Choices — Used Inexpensive Cars
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” category within used inexpensive cars represents vehicles that achieve a high standard of safety and reliability without breaking the bank. These vehicles all weigh over 2,750 pounds, providing a solid structure for crash protection. They have earned “good” ratings in key IIHS safety evaluations, including the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. Moreover, they secured at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, a particularly challenging evaluation. For models rated by NHTSA, they boast an overall score of 4 or 5 stars, signifying excellent safety performance. A crucial safety feature for modern vehicles, automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, comes standard on all “Best Choice” used cars, with these systems achieving an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention assessments.
Beyond safety, reliability is a cornerstone of the “Best Choices” designation for inexpensive cars. Consumer Reports (CR) data confirms that these vehicles have above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of their listed model years. Their emergency handling scores from CR are 3 out of 5 or higher, indicating competent maneuverability in critical situations. Furthermore, these cars exhibit dry braking distances from 60 mph to zero of 145 feet or less, demonstrating effective stopping power.
Pricing information, sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) as of April 19, 2024, reflects average U.S. values for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year. These prices are rounded to the nearest $100 and are based on private party purchases of vehicles in good condition with typical mileage. This pricing transparency helps buyers identify truly best rated inexpensive cars that fit their budgets.
| 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 Inexpensive Cars
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list expands the options for those seeking best rated inexpensive cars in the used market, offering slightly more affordable alternatives while still maintaining commendable safety and reliability standards. Similar to the “Best Choices,” all vehicles in this category have a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings from IIHS in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also secure at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, and NHTSA ratings of 4 or 5 stars overall, when tested.
Reliability remains a key factor, with all “Good Choices” inexpensive cars demonstrating above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of the listed model years. Their CR emergency handling scores are also greater than or equal to 3 out of 5, and they maintain dry braking distances of 145 feet or less from 60 mph to zero. These criteria ensure that even within a more budget-friendly range, safety and dependable performance are not compromised when selecting best rated inexpensive cars.
Prices for “Good Choices,” also provided by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and rounded to the nearest $100, reflect average U.S. values as of April 19, 2024. These are for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on private party purchase, good condition, and typical mileage. It is important to note that some models in this list include a “built after” date. This specification is crucial as it indicates when a manufacturer implemented safety improvements during a model year. The certification label, typically located on the driver’s door or nearby, provides the manufacturing date for a specific vehicle, allowing buyers to ensure they are selecting a model with the enhanced safety features.
| 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 |
Recommended New Inexpensive Cars
Updated May 22, 2024
For those prioritizing the latest safety technology and features in their search for best rated inexpensive cars, the list of recommended new vehicles offers top-tier choices. Every vehicle listed has earned either the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, representing the highest safety accolades from this institute. Standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking is a common feature across these models, reflecting the commitment to advanced collision prevention systems.
Beyond exceptional safety ratings, these new inexpensive cars also excel in reliability and driving performance. Consumer Reports member surveys indicate average or better reliability for all listed vehicles. They achieve average or better scores in CR’s emergency handling tests and demonstrate dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in CR brake tests. Usability is also considered, with each vehicle receiving a “good” or better rating from CR for the ease of use of their controls, ensuring a user-friendly driving experience.
Prices listed for these recommended new inexpensive cars are rounded to the nearest $100 and are based on Kelley Blue Book (KBB) New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for the least expensive trim level. This pricing provides a clear starting point for consumers looking for the safest and most reliable new vehicles that are also relatively inexpensive within their respective segments.
| 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 |
In conclusion, finding the best rated inexpensive cars doesn’t necessitate compromising on safety or reliability. By leveraging the research and ratings from trusted sources like IIHS and Consumer Reports, consumers can confidently navigate the used and new car markets to identify vehicles that offer an optimal blend of affordability, safety, and dependable performance. These lists provide a valuable starting point for anyone seeking a budget-friendly vehicle without sacrificing peace of mind.
