With the Nissan Versa Gone, What Are Some Affordable Alternatives?
Key Points
- Nissan has discontinued the cheapest car in the U.S., the Versa.
- With the Versa gone, Nissan’s cheapest vehicles available are the Kicks SUV and the Altima and Sentra sedans.
- There are still some alternatives available for less than $30,000, including the Chevrolet Trax, Honda Civic, Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla.
New-car affordability in the U.S. suffered another blow recently when Nissan officially discontinued the cheapest new car available, the Versa. The sedan has topped Cars.com’s list of cheapest new cars for a while now, and has even made the cut for our list of best value new cars; for under $20,000, you could have a subcompact and, for the enthusiast who likes a cheap small car that you can row your own gears in, even have it with a manual transmission. Sadly, we may never see anything like it again stateside.
But all isn’t lost. While there aren’t any new cars that start at less than $20,000 anymore, there are still a few models that start under $30,000 besides the Versa’s bigger stablemates, the Altima, Kicks and Sentra. In the Versa’s absence, we’ve gathered a few model-year 2026 options below for buyers looking for a great vehicle that’s actually affordable.
Related: Nissan Discontinues the Versa, the Cheapest New Vehicle in the U.S.
Chevrolet Trax
- Starting price: $23,495 (includes $1,795 destination fee)
- Estimated combined fuel economy: 29-30 mpg
If you want an affordable, well-equipped crossover, look no further than the Chevy Trax. For just over $23,000 to start, you get standard features that include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights and a suite of driver safety aids. A loaded Trax is relatively affordable, too; even with major options like premium paint and a moonroof, you’ll still come in under $30,000. The one major downside is that it’s underpowered: Despite having a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, the Trax’s 137 horsepower makes it one of the least powerful crossovers in the class.
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Honda Civic
- Starting price: $25,890 (includes $1,195 destination)
- Estimated combined fuel economy: 31-49 mpg
The 11th-generation Civic is arguably the best the model has ever been. From the no-frills base version and fuel-efficient hybrid to the performance of the Si and Type R, there really is something for everyone. You can even have your choice of sedan or hatchback. If you’re just looking for a well-built, affordable car to get you from A to B, look no further than the standard Civic LX. For just under $26,000, you get features like a 150-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, LED headlights, a suite of driver safety aids, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Kia Seltos
- Starting price: $25,285 (includes $1,495 destination)
- Estimated combined fuel economy: 25-29 mpg
While Kia has a redesign of the Seltos coming soon, the brand’s smallest SUV remains a great value for those looking for something that is both affordable and well equipped. For just over $25,000, you can get into a base Seltos LX with standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a suite of safety systems and rear climate-control vents.
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Toyota Corolla
- Starting price: $24,120 (includes $1,195 destination)
- Estimated combined fuel economy: 33-50 mpg
The Corolla is a legend in the affordable small-car class. Currently in its 12th generation, it offers something for everyone: You can have your Corolla in either sedan or hatchback body styles with gas or hybrid powertrains, and you can even go for all-out performance with the GR Corolla hot hatch. Basic Corollas are affordable and reliable transportation, however: For just over $24,000, you can get into a Corolla LE sedan that comes with a suite of safety systems, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
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Read More About Cheapest Cars on Cars.com:
- How Much Is the 2026 Toyota Corolla?
- How Much Is the 2026 Chevrolet Trax?
- How Much Is the 2026 Honda Civic?
- How Much Is the 2026 Kia Seltos?
- Find Your Next Car
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