It seems as though new vehicles grow more expensive with each passing year. The small SUVs and sports cars that buyers love can cost upwards of forty-thousand dollars — not to mention luxury vehicles that are priced well beyond the budget of most car buyers. However, if one can make a few exceptions for space and material quality, there are still plenty of reasonably priced cars being offered today.

We’ve taken a selection of seven of the least expensive new cars produced for the 2019 model year and ranked them from best to worst. It’s just our opinion of course, but the list isn’t wholly subjective. We’ve taken into account things such as fuel economy, special features and each car’s respective value relative to its cost. Special emphasis was placed on each car’s functionality as a typical commuter car. Specifically, attention was given to how a car performs on the road in terms of comfort and practicality, especially on the highway.

The cars at the bottom of the list fall short on highway performance. As we see it, the main function of a commuter car is to provide consistent performance across a variety of driving conditions. The 500 and Mirage do fine in the city, but their performance at high speeds is concerning.

Not much separates the cars in the middle of the list. The cars ranked 5 through 3 all share a number of similar traits, including price, fuel economy and basic functionality. Each car also comes with a virtually identical warranty. However, some minor differences make one more appealing than the others.

The two cars topping the list also share several similarities. They’re both great highway drivers. They have two of the most powerful engines on the list, yet are among the most fuel efficient. The more expensive car took the number one spot on our list, but it wasn’t nearly a landslide victory. There’s plenty of value in both cars; however, only one can be the best.

7.  2019 Fiat 500 Pop

• MSRP: $16,495
• Base Trim Level: Pop
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, front wheel drive
• Automatic Option: + $995 for 6-speed automatic transmission
• Engine: 1.4L MultiAir turbo 4-cylinder rated for 135 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque
• Fuel Economy (MPG): 28 City / 34 Hwy
• Curb Weight: 2,505 lbs
• Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes
• Wheels: 16 inch tires with alloy wheels
• Notable Features: 5-inch display, bluetooth audio, backup camera, cruise control, power windows
• Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 mile basic and drivetrain

The 500 Pop seemingly has everything one could want from an inexpensive car. It has plenty of power for merging on the highway, great gas mileage and is stuffed with the latest technology, although those things should be expected on a car that costs over $16 grand for its base model. And while its specs are impressive on paper, the 500’s 16 inch tires and relatively heavy weight don’t smooth out its highway ride as much as one would hope. That combined with its high price drop it to the bottom of our list.

6.  2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES Hatchback

• MSRP: $13,795
• Base Trim Level: ES
• Base Transmission: 5-Speed Manual, front-wheel drive
• Automatic Option: + $1,200 for CVT transmission
• Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder rated for 78 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque
• Fuel Economy: 33 City / 41 Hwy
• Wheels: 14 inch tires, steel wheels with covers
• Curb Weight: 2,018 lbs
• Brakes: Front disc / rear drum
• Notable Features: 7-inch touchscreen display, backup camera, cruise control, power windows
• Warranty: 5 year / 60k mile basic, 10 year / 100k mile drivetrain

We’ve written about why we don’t think the Mirage is a bad car, because it isn’t. It has the best fuel economy of any car in its class. Its interior, although quite spartan, is comfortable and intuitively arranged. It does get noisy, however. The car’s noise level at speed, in addition to its small tires and low weight, make it unsuitable for extended trips down the highway. However, its outstanding warranty and low cost make it a worthy contender.

5.  2019 Ford Fiesta S Sedan

• MSRP: $14,260
• Base Trim Level: S
• Base Transmission: 5-speed manual, front wheel drive
• Automatic Option: + $1,095 for 6-speed automatic transmission w/ SelectShift
• 1.6L Duratech 4-cylinder Engine rated for 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque
• Fuel Economy (MPG): 27 City / 35 Hwy
• Curb Weight: 2,578 lbs
• Brakes: Front disc / rear drum
• 15-inch tires, steel wheels with covers
• Notable Features: 4.2-inch LCD display, backup camera
• No power windows / cruise control
• Warranty: 3 year / 36,000 mile basic, 5 year / 60k mile drivetrain

Almost as barebones as a Mirage, the Fiesta forgoes convenience in favor of economy. While it isn’t as loaded with technology as its competitors, the Fiesta makes no compromise for comfort. Its interior is as comfortable as any in the class, plus the 120 hp engine makes it a breeze to whip onto the interstate. It’s fuel economy is only a hair behind others on the list despite its heavier weight and more powerful engine. A comparative lack of features in addition to a somewhat noisy ride are all that hold the Fiesta back on this list.

4.  2019 Chevrolet Spark LS

• MSRP: $14,095
• Base Trim Level: LS
• Base Transmission: 5-speed manual, front wheel drive
• Automatic Option: + $1,100 for CVT transmission
• Engine: 1.4L ECOTECH 4-cylinder rated for 98 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque
• Fuel Economy: 29 City / 38 Hwy
• Wheels: 15-inch tires, steel wheels with covers
• Curb Weight: 2,246 lbs
• Brakes: Front and rear disc
• Notable Features: 7-inch touchscreen display, backup camera, 10 airbags
• No power windows / cruise control
• Warranty: 3 year / 36k mile basic, 5 year / 60k mile drivetrain

One of the better looking cars in the list, the Spark is as functional as it is cute. The car’s hatchback design provides ample space despite its small footprint. Its safety features also rank amongst the best in its class, as it comes standard with disc brakes on each wheel and a whopping 10 airbags. Road noise and stability on the highway are always issues with a car as light as the Spark, plus it is one of the least powerful cars on this list. However, its excellent fuel economy and superior equipment keep it competitive.  

3.  2019 Toyota Yaris L Sedan

• MSRP: $15,450
• Base Trim Level: L
• Base Transmission: 6-Speed Manual, front wheel drive
• Automatic Option: + $1,100 for 6-speed automatic transmission
• Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder rated for 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque
• Fuel Economy: 30 City / 39 Hwy
• Wheels: 15 inch tires, steel wheels with covers
• Curb Weight: 2,385 lbs
• Brakes: Front disc / rear drum
• Notable Features: Cruise control, backup camera, power windows
• Warranty: 3 year / 36k mile basic, 5 year / 60,000 mile drivetrain

Despite its relatively high price tag, the Yaris packs a lot of value into its small frame. The car comes standard with convenient features such as power windows and cruise control. Plus, its fuel economy ranks among the best on this list despite its hefty weight. Its interior is comfortable and functional, though it seems more cheaply constructed than many of its competitors. While its somewhat underpowered engine can make merging a chore, the Yaris rides as well on the highway as any car on this list.

2.  2019 Nissan Versa S Sedan

• MSRP: $12,360
• Base Trim Level: S
• 5-speed manual, front wheel drive
• Automatic Option: CVT transmission available only on “S Plus” Trim or higher with a starting MSRP of $14,600
• Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder rated for 109hp and 107 lb-ft of torque
• Fuel Economy (MPG): 27 City / 36 Hwy
• Curb Weight: 2,395 lbs
• Brakes: Front disc / rear drum
• Wheels: 15 inch tires, steel wheels with covers
• Notable Features: 7-inch touchscreen display, backup camera
• No power windows / cruise control
• Warranty: 3 year / 36,000 mile basic, 5 year / 60k mile drivetrain

The Nissan Versa could be the best value of any car today. With the lowest starting MSRP of any car on this list, it could be tempting to call the Versa cheap. But its above average build quality, comfortable interior and smooth ride experience combine to make it virtually invaluable. It doesn’t have the features of some other cars on this list, but what do you expect for 12 grand? The Versa’s value really lies in its role as a commuter car, as it is rolls as smoothly as any of these cars on the highway despite its low weight. The hefty price jump for an automatic transmission as well as its average warranty are all that keep it from the top spot.

1.  2019 Hyundai Accent SE

• MSRP: $14,995
• Base Trim Level: SE
• 6-Speed manual, front wheel drive
• Automatic Option: + $1,000 for 6-speed automatic transmission
• Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder rated for 130 hp and 119 lb-ft of torque
• Fuel Economy (MPG): 28 City / 37 Hwy
• Wheels: 15 inch tires, steel wheels with covers
• Curb Weight: 2,502 lbs
• Brakes: Front disc / rear drum
• Notable Features: Cruise control, backup camera
• No power windows
• Warranty: 5 year / 60k mile basic, 10 year / 100k mile drivetrain

The king of inexpensive cars, the Accent weaves together most good traits of the previously listed cars while sidestepping their negatives. A thread of refinement runs through the car. A quiet, comfortable interior affirms the precise driving experience. It’s not always smooth, but it is easy to get around in the Accent. Its 1.6L engine is the most powerful on this list as well as one of the most fuel efficient. Its outstanding warranty alone could be worth the few extra hundred dollars it costs.