What Is Currently the Cheapest Car?

It depends on where you live: in the United States, the Mitsubishi Mirage typically holds the “cheapest new car” title at roughly $17,000–$18,000 depending on destination fees; in Europe, the Dacia Sandero starts around €13,000; in India, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 begins near ₹3.99 lakh; and in China, ultra-compact EVs like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV start around ¥30,000–¥40,000. Prices vary with taxes, fees, and incentives, so the lowest-price model can differ by market.

Why “Cheapest” Varies by Market

Automakers set different prices by country due to local regulations, safety and emissions standards, shipping costs, taxes, and currency fluctuations. Some regions also sell ultra-compact vehicles that don’t meet all global crash standards, which can be far cheaper. For clarity, this guide focuses on mainstream, mass-produced entry-level passenger cars typically sold through dealer networks in each market.

The Cheapest New Cars by Major Market

The following list rounds up widely available, mass-market “cheapest new car” contenders in several regions, with typical entry-level pricing. Figures are approximate and can change with trims, destination charges, dealer fees, and incentives.

• United States: Mitsubishi Mirage (base trim). Typical entry price is about $17,000–$18,000 once destination is included. The Nissan Versa S is often a close second at roughly the mid–$17,000s to low $18,000s with destination; actual totals vary by dealer and region.
• Canada: Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa frequently vie for the lowest MSRP, generally starting in the low-to-mid CAD $20,000s before fees and taxes, depending on province and availability.
• European Union/UK: Dacia Sandero is typically the cheapest new car. Entry versions start around €13,000 in many EU markets (and roughly £13,000–£14,000 in the UK), with exact pricing varying by country, trim, and delivery charges.
• India: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is commonly the least expensive mainstream car, with ex-showroom prices from about ₹3.99 lakh (on-road prices are higher once taxes, insurance, and registration are added). The Renault Kwid and Maruti S-Presso sit just above it.
• China: Among the cheapest mass-produced passenger vehicles are micro EVs such as the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV and Chery QQ Ice Cream, typically starting in the roughly ¥30,000–¥40,000 range (about $4,000–$5,500), depending on variant and local incentives.
• Latin America (example Brazil): Renault Kwid and Fiat Mobi often trade the “cheapest” spot, with base versions generally priced at the lower end of the market. Exact pricing varies widely by country and currency.
• South Africa: Suzuki S-Presso is frequently the least expensive new car, with entry prices that undercut most competitors in the local market.

These models typically undercut competitors by prioritizing simplicity, light weight, and small engines (or compact EV batteries), helping them meet the lowest price points in their respective markets.

Important Caveats: What Can Change the “Cheapest” Title

Several moving pieces can reshuffle which car is truly the least expensive at any given moment. Keep these in mind before you buy or compare across borders.

• Destination and dealer fees: A car with a lower base MSRP can end up costing more out the door once destination charges, documentation fees, and add-ons are included.
• Incentives and rebates: Automaker or government incentives (especially for EVs) can cut thousands off the sticker price, temporarily making another model cheaper.
• Exchange rates and inflation: Currency swings and price adjustments can shift regional rankings quickly.
• Availability and discontinuations: Entry models are sometimes discontinued or in short supply, which can push shoppers to the next-cheapest option.
• Vehicle classifications: Ultra-compact EVs or quadricycles may be the lowest price in some countries but won’t meet safety rules elsewhere; comparing them to conventional cars is not apples-to-apples.

Because of these factors, the “cheapest car” can differ between the showroom price you see online and what you actually pay, and it can change over time without much notice.

How to Confirm the Cheapest Car Near You

To find the current lowest-price new car where you live, it helps to verify multiple sources and account for total cost beyond the headline MSRP.

• Check official manufacturer sites for base MSRP in your region and note destination charges.
• Get written out-the-door quotes from multiple local dealers to include all fees and taxes.
• Ask about current incentives, finance offers, and in-stock availability on base trims.
• Verify safety and equipment differences across trims; sometimes a slightly higher trim is better value after incentives.
• Consider long-term costs (fuel or electricity, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation) alongside the purchase price.

Doing these checks helps you identify not just the lowest sticker price, but the best overall value for your budget and needs.

Bottom Line

There isn’t a single global “cheapest car”—it depends on your market. In the U.S., the Mitsubishi Mirage generally wears the crown; in Europe, it’s the Dacia Sandero; in India, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10; and in China, ultra-compact EVs like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV set the floor. Always compare local out-the-door prices and incentives before deciding.

Summary

The cheapest new car varies by country. Broadly, look to the Mitsubishi Mirage (U.S.), Dacia Sandero (EU/UK), Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (India), and micro EVs such as the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (China) for the lowest entry prices. Final costs hinge on destination fees, taxes, incentives, and availability, so confirm with local dealers for the most accurate, current pricing.

What is the cheapest new car right now?

Here are the 15 most affordable new vehicles for sale in America:

• Nissan Versa | $21,130.
• Hyundai Venue | $21,650.
• Kia Soul | $21,885.
• Chevrolet Trax | $21,895.
• Nissan Sentra | $22,730.
• Nissan Kicks Play | $22,910.
• Kia K4 | $23,165.
• Nissan Kicks | $23,220.

What car has the lowest price?

25 Cheapest cars in the Philippines

1. Bestune Pony- Starts at P588,000.
2. Toyota Wigo – Starts at P609,000.
3. Suzuki Dzire – Starts at P609,000.
4. Suzuki S-Presso – Starts at P634,000.
5. Changan Alsvin – Starts at P654,000.
6. VinFast VF3 – Starts at P645,000.
7. MG 3 – Starts at P678,000.
8. Toyota Vios – Starts at P686,000.

Which car is best value for money?

Best Affordable Cars in India

• +35 Variants. * Ex-Showroom.
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio. +8 Variants.
• Tata Tiago NRG. +6 Variants.
• Hyundai i20. +18 Variants.
• 2025 Tata Altroz. +10 Variants. * Ex-Showroom.
• Honda Amaze 2nd Gen. +2 Variants. * Ex-Showroom.
• Maruti Suzuki Swift. +17 Variants. * Ex-Showroom.
• Hyundai Venue. +30 Variants. * Ex-Showroom.

Which is the cheapest car now?

India’s cheapest cars in India 2025:

• Maruti Suzuki Alto 800.
• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.
• Renault Kwid.
• Maruti Suzuki Eeco.
• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R.
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio.
• Tata Tiago.