What is the cheapest car currently on the market?

In the United States right now, the least expensive new car you can buy is the Nissan Versa S (manual transmission), which typically stickers in the mid–$16,000s before destination and roughly the upper–$17,000s including destination charges, depending on dealer pricing and inventory. In Europe, the Dacia Sandero remains the continent’s price leader (often starting around €13,000–€15,000 depending on country), while in India the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is the budget benchmark (generally from about ₹4–6 lakh ex‑showroom). Actual out-the-door costs vary with fees, taxes, and local market conditions.

How “cheapest” is defined and what’s included

Automakers publish a base MSRP, but buyers pay more than that. For a fair comparison, shoppers should consider the base trim with standard equipment, add the mandatory destination charge (often $1,000–$1,400 in the U.S.; delivery fees vary elsewhere), and then expect registration, taxes, and any dealer-added fees or markups. Availability matters, too—some of the least expensive trims (especially manual-transmission versions) can be scarce on lots.

United States: the current price leader and close alternatives

Nissan Versa S: the lowest new-car entry point

The Nissan Versa S with a manual transmission is the most affordable new car on sale in the U.S. It’s a subcompact sedan offering basic transportation, notable fuel economy, modern safety tech for the class (automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning in most configurations), and a straightforward feature set. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) version costs more than the manual and is far more common in dealer inventory.

Below is a snapshot of the lowest-priced new cars widely available in the U.S. for the 2024–2025 model years, with typical starting MSRPs and notes. Pricing and availability can shift with model-year updates and regional inventory.

• Nissan Versa S (manual): commonly mid–$16,000s MSRP; roughly upper–$17,000s including destination. CVT versions are higher.
• Mitsubishi Mirage/ Mirage G4: typically upper–$16,000s to low–$17,000s MSRP; around upper–$17,000s to $18,000s including destination. Mitsubishi has signaled a U.S. phase-out, but new inventory may remain on lots through the current cycle.
• Kia Forte base trim: generally around $19,000–$20,000 MSRP; about $20,000–$21,000+ with destination.
• Volkswagen Jetta base trim: typically low–$21,000s MSRP; around $22,000+ with destination.
• Hyundai Elantra SE and Nissan Sentra S: usually in the low–$22,000s MSRP; mid–$23,000s with destination.

Among these, the Versa manual typically undercuts the field. If you need an automatic, the Mirage often ends up as the next-closest “cheapest” out-the-door, while compact sedans like the Forte and Jetta deliver more space and power at a modest premium.

Europe: Dacia Sandero remains the value benchmark

Across Europe, national pricing, taxes, and equipment mandates vary, but one constant is the Dacia Sandero’s position as the price leader. The base Sandero delivers practical space, simple hardware, and low ownership costs. In some markets, it’s available with very modest powertrains and pared-back equipment to keep prices down.

Here are some of Europe’s most affordable new cars in many markets, noting that exact figures depend heavily on country-specific taxes, emissions rules, and spec packages.

• Dacia Sandero: generally from about €13,000–€15,000 in many EU markets for base trims.
• Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10: commonly in the €14,000–€17,000 band depending on market and trim.
• Fiat Panda: often mid–€15,000s and up, varying with powertrain and local incentives.
• Toyota Aygo X: typically from the upper–€15,000s to €18,000+ depending on country and spec.

While the Sandero usually wins on price, shoppers should compare standard safety equipment and local taxation, which can change the real-world gap between models.

India and other value-driven markets

India’s small-car segment remains one of the most price-competitive in the world, with multiple nameplates designed for low purchase price and running costs. Ex-showroom pricing excludes state taxes, registration, and insurance, so on-road costs are higher.

These models typically anchor the budget end of the market in India.

• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: usually starting around ₹4–6 lakh ex-showroom, depending on trim and city.
• Renault Kwid: commonly in the ₹4.7–6.5 lakh range ex-showroom.
• Tata Tiago: often from roughly ₹5.6–7.5 lakh ex-showroom, offering a step up in size and features.

For absolute lowest price, the Alto K10 is generally the benchmark, with the Kwid closely rivaling it; the Tiago costs more but adds refinement and features.

Key shopping tips for the lowest possible price

Even with a rock-bottom MSRP, the final number depends on fees, financing, and availability. A little preparation can protect your budget.

• Factor in destination, dealer fees, and taxes: these can add well over $1,000 in the U.S. (and comparable amounts elsewhere).
• Ask specifically for base trims and transmissions: the cheapest variants (often manuals) may be scarce; be ready to order or expand your search radius.
• Check safety and warranty basics: confirm standard active-safety aids and warranty terms; cutting price shouldn’t mean compromising essentials.
• Watch for incentives and timing: month-end, quarter-end, or model-year changeovers can bring extra discounts on remaining inventory.
• Total cost of ownership matters: fuel economy, insurance, and maintenance can erase an initial price advantage over time.

With transparency on fees and flexibility on options and timing, buyers can reliably match or beat headline “cheapest car” pricing in their area.

Summary

As of today, the Nissan Versa S (manual) is the cheapest new car on sale in the United States, typically landing in the upper–$17,000s including destination. In Europe, the Dacia Sandero continues to set the price floor, while India’s Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is the budget standard-bearer. Prices shift with trims, fees, and local market forces, so confirm current MSRPs, destination charges, and real inventory before you buy.

What is the cheapest car to get right now?

The cheapest new car on the market for the 2025 model year is the Nissan Versa S, with an estimated starting price around $20,185, depending on the source. This subcompact sedan is praised for its affordability and standard safety features, offering great value for budget-conscious buyers.
 
Top Cheapest New Cars of 2025

• 2025 Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabThe cheapest option, known for its strong value, safety tech, and fuel efficiency. 
• 2025 Hyundai Venue: Opens in new tabAn affordable, SUV-like vehicle with a high seating position and good tech features. 
• 2025 Chevrolet Trax: Opens in new tabA sporty and stylish option with a roomy interior, user-friendly tech, and the most cargo space in its top-five category. 
• 2025 Kia Soul: Opens in new tabA versatile, squared-off wagon that offers impressive cargo capacity for its price. 
• 2025 Nissan Sentra: Opens in new tabA larger, more refined sibling to the Versa, offering comfort-focused features and advanced driver-assist tech. 

What is the cheapest selling car?

According to a recent article in The Irish Times ‘The five cheapest cars on sale right now’, three of Ireland’s cheapest new cars come from the Dacia and Hyundai ranges. At Kearys Motor Group, we’re proud to offer these incredible value-for-money models: the Dacia Spring, Dacia Sandero, and Hyundai Inster.

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.

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.