Cars come in a vast range of prices to suit different budgets and needs. From affordable, no-frills commuter cars to ultra-luxurious rides packing the latest tech, there are options across the spectrum.
This extensive guide covers list of cars ranked from lowest to highest price available in the US market. Read on for a comprehensive list of both new and used cars organized by rising price.
Cheapest New Cars
Kicking off the list are new cars with the lowest starting prices and best affordability. While sparse on features, these models get basic transportation jobs done.
Subcompact Cars Under $15,000
The most affordable new cars fall into the subcompact segment focused purely on frugality and efficiency. Expect manual features, minimal tech and sparse interiors.
Chevrolet Spark – $13,600
With a tiny footprint and only 98hp on tap, the Spark is strictly meant for city commuting needs. Hard plastics aside, it offers ample tech like a 7-inch touchscreen and WiFi hotspot.
Mitsubishi Mirage – $14,295
One of the cheapest ways to get new car warranty, the Mirage offers subcompact versatility. Its small 3-cylinder engine delivers ample mileage but needs effort for highway merging.
Nissan Versa – $14,980
Slightly upsized over the other subcompacts, the Versa sedan boasts better passenger and trunk room. Available advanced safety tech like auto braking make it a smart value buy.
Compact Cars Around $15,000
Moving up slightly to compact economy cars nets more interior room and engine power while still prioritizing value. Expect more usable rear seats and cargo space.
Hyundai Accent – $15,395
A budget-friendly choice with attractive styling inside and out. The Accent offers premium features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto even on base models.
Kia Rio – $16,450
Kia’s entry-level Rio packs a lot of content and value in an affordable package. Standard touchscreen with integrated controls and generous warranty coverage add appeal.
Nissan Versa Note – $15,930
The Versa Note hatchback configuration provides added practicality over the sedan. Available advanced safety tech and roomy cabin offer family-friendly versatility.
Used Cars Under $10,000
For the most affordable wheels, buying used allows even more value and variety under $10,000:
Compacts and Sedans
Toyota Corolla
Proven reliability and durability make the Corolla a smart used car pick. Features like a backup camera were ahead of its time.
Honda Civic
Fun to drive with hatchback versatility, the Civic is a popular economical choice on the used market. The vast selection makes it easy to find a good one.
Toyota Prius
Older Prius hybrids are an economical way into fuel-sipping technology. For under $10k, the iconic hatchback promises 50mpg efficiency.
Ford Focus
Nimble handling and available hatchback body add driving enjoyment. Focus offers style and features missing from many bargain beaters.
SUVs and Crossovers
Honda CR-V – A reputable compact crossover with family-friendly space and cargo flexibility. Strong resale value means higher used prices but also more confidence.
Toyota RAV4 – Top-selling RAV4 delivers proven SUV credentials like all-wheel drive capabilities in some versions. Prices remain relatively high but worthwhile.
Subaru Forester – Rugged, dependable Forester retains its versatile wagon design even in older models. All-wheel drive and roomy interiors add used buyer appeal.
Ford Escape – Formerly one of America’s best-selling compact SUVs means abundant used inventory. The vintage Escape presents an affordable entry point to SUV ownership.
Best New Cars $20,000 – $30,000
In the mainstream new car segment between $20k and $30k, buyers gain more comfort, tech and performance:
Mainstream Sedans
Toyota Camry – $24,970
The hugely popular Camry midsize sedan trades some excitement for peerless reliability and strong resale value. The lower trim LE model slides under the $25k mark.
Honda Accord – $24,770
Few family sedans match the Accord’s combination of efficient powertrains, roomy interiors, engaging handling and premium feel. Even base models feel upscale.
Hyundai Sonata – $23,550
Extensive redesign makes the Sonata one of the style and tech leaders among midsize sedans. The model over-delivers on features for the price.
Compact Crossovers
Subaru Forester – $24,795
Among compact SUVs, few match the Forester’s blend of value, versatility and AWD capability. The roomy interior provides genuine off-road credibility at an accessible price.
Toyota RAV4 – $25,350
The RAV4 offers pleasing on-road manners and off-road competence for families on a budget. Toyota’s reputation for durability makes it an easy-choice crossover.
Honda CR-V – $24,350
The CR-V justifies its spot among the top-selling crossovers with family-friendly space, clever storage and proven reliability. Even base LX models come well-equipped.
Best Used Cars $15,000 – $25,000
Stepping up slightly in used car spending to between $15k and $25k brings an array of nearly-new vehicles:
Sporty and Luxury Sedans
Mazda Mazda6 – Less common than competitors, the Mazda6 is arguably more fun to drive. Premium-level handling and interior quality in a handsome package.
Acura TL – Comfortable, relatively quick and well-built, the front-wheel-drive TL remains an affordable entry point to entry-luxury cars. SH-AWD versions add all-wheel drive.
Lexus ES – Specifically tailored for comfort, the front-wheel drive ES Lexus model is essentially a fancy Toyota Avalon. Go for newer models between 2013-2016.
BMW 3-Series – The benchmark for sport sedans, BMW 3-Series models from 2015-2018 can be found for under $25k. Stick to rear-wheel drive variants with smaller engines.
Family Crossovers
Toyota Highlander – A comfortable and bulletproof family three-row SUV, the Highlander makes an easy used buy. Look for 2017-2019 examples under budget.
Honda Pilot – Boasting 3 spacious rows and clever storage, the midsize Pilot is made for families. Strong resale value means stretching budget closer to $25k.
Subaru Outback – The Outback combines car-like manners and SUV flexibility, especially in the wagon style older models. All-wheel drive adds all-weather confidence.
Ford Edge – A comfort-focused midsize crossover with an upscale interior and abundant tech. Later second-generation 2017-2019 model years hit the budget.
New Luxury Cars $40,000 – $60,000
In the luxury segment, new cars in the $40k to $60k range deliver premium branding and features:
Luxury Sedans
Genesis G80 – $47,700
A relative newcomer to luxury brands, Genesis offers immense value appeal. The well-appointed G80 brings sophistication and comfort at mass-market prices.
Audi A6 – $54,900
Slotting under the larger A8 flagship, the tech-savvy A6 offers an accessible entry point to Audi’s prestige and quality. Ample standard equipment even on base models.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class – $54,950
The midsize E-Class encapsulates Mercedes’ DNA of style, engineering and refinement. At this price, comfortable four-cylinder models bring accessible luxury.
Luxury SUVs
Acura MDX – $46,900
A family-friendly midsize crossover with 3-row seating, the MDX combines premium features with accessible value. A 290hp V6 provides confident acceleration.
Volvo XC90 – $49,195
The Swedish take on luxury offers sophisticated styling inside and out. All XC90 versions provide a plug-in hybrid powertrain for eco-minded buyers.
Lexus RX – $45,175
With meticulous craftsmanship and renowned quality, the RX 350 enters the most popular Lexus SUV at a reasonable price. The hybrid 450h crests $50k.
Used Luxury Cars $30,000 – $45,000
Pre-owned luxury models in great shape become affordable between $30k and $45k:
Luxury Sedans
Mercedes-Benz C-Class – A barely used 2-3 year old C-Class brings prestige at real-world prices. Shop for four-cylinder versions and the hatchback model.
Audi A4 – Lightly used 2017-2019 models of Audi’s compact executive sedan can match this budget. Quattro all-wheel drive and upscale interiors add appeal.
Lexus GS – Lexus’ midsize sedan offers more daring fastback styling versus the ES. The brand’s legendary build quality makes it a worry-free used buy.
BMW 5-Series – Maintaining a budget-friendly mid-$30k price means looking at 5-Series models from 2015-2017. Worth it for excellent driving dynamics.
Luxury SUVs
Acura RDX – Roomy, sporty and upscale make the compact RDX a popular entry-level luxury crossover. Fully loaded 2016-2018s hit the budget.
Volvo XC60 – Volvo safety tech and Swedish minimalist style inside and out give the compact XC60 wide appeal. Budget fits higher mileage examples.
Lincoln MKX – Relaxed road manners and an ultra-plush interior define the MKX crossover experience. Can find select 2017-2018 model years in this range.
Lexus NX – Compact and maneuverable, the NX slots below the RX in size. Expect a quiet and comfortable Lexus SUV experience at this price.
Most Expensive New Exotic Cars
Finally, we enter the six-figure realm of new supercars with the highest prices and extreme performance:
Hypercars Over $1 Million
Bugatti Chiron – $3,000,000
The 1500hp Chiron claims the top spot as the most expensive new car money can buy. 0-60mph arrives in under 2.5 seconds with a top speed exceeding 260mph.
Pagani Huayra Roadster – $3,500,000
With an exotic Italian style all of its own, the Huayra Roadster offers 760hp for hitting 60mph in 3 seconds flat. Active aerodynamics add downforce at speed.
McLaren Speedtail – $2,000,000
The sleek Speedtail gives you 403mph top speed along with unique central driver seating. All 106 cars were spoken for despite the price.
Premium Sports Cars Up To $300k
Ferrari 812 Superfast – $335,275
Over 700hp powers Ferrari’s gorgeous front-engined 2+2 tourer to 60mph in under 3 seconds, with a top speed over 200mph.
Lamborghini Huracan – $287,400
Lamborghini’s “entry-level” supercar provides 573hp for 0-60mph in 3 seconds flat and a 202mph top speed.
McLaren 720S – $299,000
McLaren’s exotic carbon fiber construction results in a car weighing just over 3000 lbs. The 720hp engine hits 60mph in 2.8 seconds.
Most Expensive Used Collectible Cars
For those seeking ultra-rare collectible cars, prices can easily exceed $10 million at auction:
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $48,405,000
Currently the highest price ever paid for a car, this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold in 2018 for over $48 million. Only 39 were produced from 1962-1964.
1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa – $39,800,000
Auctioned in 2019, this 1957 Testa Rossa is one of only 22 built. The stunning bodywork cloaks a 300hp V12 engine.
1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype – $7,000,000
This 1965 GT40 prototype commanded $7 million at auction in 2018. It was driven by Carroll Shelby himself and helped birth Ford’s Le Mans racers.
1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic – Est $30,000,000+
Only a handful of the exotic Bugatti Atlantic were produced with its signature riveted spine. Experts believe this 1938 example could net over $30 million if sold.
FAQs
Why is there such a large range in car prices?
The huge variance in car prices reflects the diverse capabilities, sizes, technology, brand prestige and performance levels available. More expensive cars also have higher engineering and material costs.
What factors most affect a car’s price?
Major factors include the car segment, brand reputation, size, powertrain technology, materials used, level of luxury or performance and overall demand for the model.
Are there still new cars available under $15,000?
Yes, a small handful of manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Nissan and Chevrolet still offer new cars with pricing and MSRPs below $15k. They provide basic, no-frills transportation.
Does a higher price guarantee a better quality car?
Not necessarily – many cheaper mainstream brands like Toyota and Honda have excellent reliability records. But above a certain price, higher cost generally does signal more premium engineering, materials, luxury and technology.
Is it better to buy a new cheap car or used luxury car?
This depends on your budget and priorities. New cars offer warranty, customization and latest tech, but used luxury cars provide prestigious brands and features for potentially less money upfront.
Conclusion
The vast range of the automotive market means there are quality vehicles available at nearly any budget. With informed decisions based on needs, from pure transportation to exotic hypercar status symbols, there is a perfect car available for any price range.