Affordability is a hotter topic than ever in 2026. Many people are struggling to manage rising costs and live within their means, making it harder to justify splurging on things they want but dont need. That applies to car shopping decisions too. If you need a new vehicle and your budget is tight, check out this list of the best affordable cars for sale to help you get started on the right foot.
Edmunds experts have ranked their favorite models for 2026 across price and size classes. Factor in base prices, fuel economy and safety ratings, and the following list of the five best affordable cars and SUVs can guide you to a model that serves your needs and might even provide a few of your wants.
Finding a great car for less than $25,000 is almost impossible. Fortunately, a Honda Civic LX sedan costs just a little more than that and offers enough room for a family of four. A 150-horsepower four-cylinder engine supplies an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving, and this compact car earns favorable crash test ratings.
Make some room in your budget, and you can upgrade to a hatchback with extra utility, or choose a higher trim level with additional features. Civic Hybrids are highly recommended (up to 49 mpg), and driving enthusiasts can choose the Si sedan or Type R hatch. Is there a 2026 Civic for just about anyone? Yes, there is.
2026 Honda Civic starting price: $25,790
If an affordable hybrid car is appealing, but the Civic is too small, consider the midsize Toyota Camry. Its the most popular car in America, for good reason. Every Camry features an efficient hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 43-51 mpg, depending on the trim level. You can even equip the Camry with all-wheel drive for improved traction in the snow.
The Camry LE might be the least expensive model, but it includes the driver assist features and infotainment technologies youre most likely to want. For a sportier look and driving feel, try the Camry SE. No matter which version you choose, the 2026 Camry is a top-rated family-friendly car that wont break the bank to buy or own.
2026 Toyota Camry starting price: $30,195
Crossover SUVs are appealing for their added utility, higher ride height and available all-wheel drive. In the small SUV segment, Edmunds recommends the 2026 Hyundai Kona. Its one of the largest models in its class, the EPA says it averages 26-31 mpg depending on the trim level and drivetrain, and it boasts impressive crash test ratings. A long warranty and generous ownership perks help to make it an even more appealing value.
Hyundai equips the most affordable Konas with a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on higher trim levels, and an electric version is also available. Regardless of your choice, rest assured that the 2026 Kona is pleasing for reasons beyond its low price.
2026 Hyundai Kona starting price: $26,950
If the Kona isnt big enough and you can afford to upgrade, check out the Kia Sportage Hybrid. This compact crossover SUV is stylish, roomy inside and surprisingly affordable. It saves money at the pump, too, thanks to a turbocharged hybrid powertrain that returns an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined (35 mpg with all-wheel drive).
This year, Kia made numerous changes to the 2026 Sportage Hybrid, headlined by design updates and new technology. New S and X-Line trim levels are also available. However, the most affordable version (LX) is also the most fuel-efficient and includes nearly all the tech you might want in your new SUV.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid starting price: $31,735
Families in search of an affordable value in a three-row midsize SUV should look no further than the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Thanks to its upscale styling, artfully executed interior with roomy seating for up to eight people, and available turbocharged hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 34 mpg, the Palisade is an irresistible family-size SUV.
Choose the base SE trim to keep prices in check (SEL for hybrids). But if youre rethinking plans to buy a luxury SUV, a top-shelf Palisade Calligraphy is downright decadent in look, feel and equipment. That makes it an affordable alternative to everything from an Acura to a Volvo.
2026 Hyundai Palisade starting price: $41,035
Edmunds says
Choosing an affordable vehicle doesnt mean settling for second-best. The five models listed above provide genuine value, and Edmunds experts rank them among the best SUVs and cars available in their respective classes. You can buy any of them without compromising on what you need, and in some cases, what you want.
____________
This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds .
Christian Wardlaw is a contributor at Edmunds.
2026年，经济实惠性成为比以往更热门的话题。许多人正艰难应对不断上涨的生活成本，努力量入为出，这使得人们更难为购买想要而非必需的物品找到合理理由。这一现象同样适用于购车决策。如果您需要购置新车且预算紧张，不妨参考这份高性价比车型推荐清单，助您迈出明智的第一步。
埃德蒙兹（Edmunds）的专家们根据价格和车型级别，评选出了他们心目中2026年最受欢迎的车型。综合考量基础售价、燃油经济性和安全评级等因素，以下五款高性价比轿车和SUV的推荐清单，能帮助您找到满足需求甚至超出期待的车型。
以低于2.5万美元的价格找到一辆出色的汽车几乎是不可能的。幸运的是，本田思域LX轿车售价仅略高于此，并能为四口之家提供充足的空间。其150马力的四缸发动机在综合城市和高速公路驾驶中，EPA预估油耗为每加仑36英里，这款紧凑型轿车还获得了优异的碰撞测试评级。
只需在预算中稍作调整，您就能升级至实用性更强的掀背车型，或选择配置更丰富的高配版本。思域混动版（油耗低至49英里/加仑）强烈推荐，而驾驶爱好者则可选择思域Si轿车或Type R掀背款。2026款思域是否适合所有人？答案是肯定的。
2026款本田思域起售价：25,790美元
若您对经济型混动车型感兴趣，又觉得思域尺寸过小，不妨考虑中型轿车丰田凯美瑞。它被誉为美国最畅销的车型，这绝非偶然。全系凯美瑞均搭载高效混合动力系统，根据配置不同，EPA预估油耗为每加仑43至51英里。您还可选装四驱系统，以增强雪地行驶的抓地力。
凯美瑞LE或许是全系最经济的车型，但它仍配备了您最可能需要的驾驶辅助功能和娱乐科技。若追求更运动的造型与驾控体验，不妨选择凯美瑞SE。无论选择哪款车型，2026款凯美瑞作为一款高评分的家用轿车，其购置与养护成本都相当亲民。
2026款丰田凯美瑞起售价：30,195美元
跨界SUV因其多功能性、更高的离地间隙以及可选的四轮驱动系统而备受青睐。在小型SUV细分市场中，埃德蒙兹推荐2026款现代科纳。作为同级别中尺寸最大的车型之一，美国环保署数据显示其油耗根据配置和动力系统不同维持在26-31英里/加仑，同时还拥有令人瞩目的碰撞测试评级。加之长期质保和丰厚的车主权益，更提升了这款车的性价比优势。
现代汽车为最经济款的Kona配备了147马力的四缸发动机。高配车型则标配涡轮增压四缸发动机，同时还提供电动版本可选。无论您作何选择，2026款Kona都因其超越低价位的优势而令人满意。
2026款现代Kona起售价：26,950美元
若觉得现代Kona空间不足且预算充裕，不妨考虑起亚狮跑混动版。这款紧凑型跨界SUV设计时尚、内部宽敞，价格却出人意料地亲民。其涡轮增压混合动力系统更可带来美国环保署预估的42英里/加仑综合油耗（四驱版为35英里/加仑），助您显著节省燃油开支。
今年，起亚对2026款狮跑混动版进行了多项升级，主要包括设计更新与新技术应用。新车还新增了S版和X-Line版两种配置。不过最经济的LX版本不仅价格亲民，燃油效率也最高，同时几乎囊括了用户对新款SUV的所有科技配置需求。
2026款起亚狮跑混动版起售价：31,735美元
若您正在寻找一款经济实惠的三排座中型SUV，那么全新设计的2026款现代帕里斯帝无疑是理想之选。这款全尺寸家用SUV凭借其高端造型、可容纳八人的宽敞精致内饰，以及可选装的涡轮增压混合动力系统（EPA综合油耗预估为34英里/加仑），展现出令人难以抗拒的魅力。
选择基础版SE车型可有效控制预算（混动车型可选SEL版本）。但若您正重新考虑购置豪华SUV的计划，顶配版帕里斯帝Calligraphy在外观、触感和配置上都堪称奢华。这使其成为从讴歌到沃尔沃等高端品牌的超值替代之选。
2026款现代帕里斯帝起售价：41,035美元
埃德蒙兹表示
选择一辆经济实惠的汽车并不意味着要退而求其次。上述五款车型均具备真正的价值，埃德蒙兹的专家们将其评为各自级别中最优秀的SUV和轿车之一。购买其中任何一款，您都无需在必需品上妥协，甚至在某些情况下还能满足您的额外需求。
本文由汽车网站埃德蒙兹（Edmunds）提供给美联社。
克里斯蒂安·沃德洛（Christian Wardlaw）是埃德蒙兹（Edmunds）的特约撰稿人。
全部评论 （0）