Choosing a new car involves numerous factors, and let’s be honest, looking good behind the wheel is definitely one of them. While a Lamborghini might turn heads, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. The good news is, you don’t need to break the bank to drive a stylish vehicle. There are plenty of cool-looking cars on the market that are surprisingly affordable. If you’re in the market for Cheap New Cars that don’t compromise on style, here are ten fantastic options that prove you can have both affordability and curb appeal.
Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback – Starting at $15,220
The Chevrolet Sonic hatchback is a standout in the subcompact category, boasting aggressive styling with sharp lines and distinctive round headlights that give it an assertive look. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a unique motorcycle-inspired gauge pod that adds a touch of sporty flair. Its hatchback design evokes the spirit of a baby Volkswagen GTI, not just in appearance but also in its driving dynamics. For an even more engaging experience, opt for the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination delivers lively acceleration, responsive steering, and confident cornering capabilities, making it a fun-to-drive cheap new car. Even with the turbo engine, the Sonic hatchback remains affordable, listing just above $18,000. Safety is also a priority in this small car, equipped with ten airbags and OnStar, a subscription service offering emergency assistance and location services. For the 2017 model year, the Sonic received updates including a more muscular hood and a refreshed interior with a larger, vibrant color touchscreen, ensuring it remains a top contender as a cheap car that doesn’t skimp on coolness.
Chevrolet Camaro – Starting at $26,695
The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic performance car, and surprisingly, it’s more accessible than you might think. Redesigned for 2016, this iteration of the Camaro takes the aggressive aesthetics of its predecessor (2010-2015) and refines it into a more streamlined and athletic form. At its base price, it firmly establishes itself as a cool-looking cheap car within the sports car segment. The reduction in size for the new Camaro has resulted in significant weight savings, enhancing its acceleration, handling, and even fuel efficiency. The interior is modern and uncluttered, although the low-slung windows might slightly compromise visibility, and the rear seats are quite compact. However, the Camaro’s “cool factor” is matched only by its driving enjoyment. The base model is powered by a 275-horsepower turbocharged engine that delivers genuine muscle car performance. It’s remarkable how Chevrolet manages to pack so much style and performance into a package priced under $27,000, making it a truly impressive cheap new car.
Chrysler 200 – Starting at $22,990
Chrysler made waves in the automotive world with the 2015 introduction of the redesigned Chrysler 200. Its previous version was rather uninspired, but the new 200 emerged as a sleek and sophisticated sedan, boasting one of Chrysler’s most refined interiors to date. The instrument panel’s unique blue illumination and the clean center console, featuring a rotary shifter and user-friendly dial-operated climate controls, are particularly appealing. These elements demonstrate that functional car controls can also be aesthetically pleasing. A charming detail is the Detroit skyline imprint on the mat of the center storage bin, a nod to its heritage. While the 200 has faced challenges in the competitive midsize sedan market due to a smaller trunk and rear seat, the latter being further impacted by narrow rear door openings resulting from its sloping roofline, it remains a stylish choice. Although perhaps not ideal for large families, the Chrysler 200 is an excellent option for those seeking a beautifully designed and affordable new car that stands out with its cool and sophisticated style.
Dodge Charger – Starting at $28,990
No other family sedan commands attention and exudes attitude quite like the Dodge Charger. From its signature crosshair grille to its sculpted body sides and distinctive “racetrack” LED taillights, the Charger is guaranteed to make a statement in any parking lot dominated by more conventional sedans. While it may be positioned at a higher price point compared to some other cars on this list, the Charger is still reasonably priced within the realm of large sedans. And it is undeniably a large sedan, offering generous passenger space for five adults and a substantial trunk. Even the base Charger model packs a punch to match its aggressive looks, equipped with a 292-horsepower V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. For those seeking even more power, the R/T model, featuring a 370-hp V8, is available for under $35,000. These cars are big, fast, and undeniably cool, making the Dodge Charger a compelling option for those wanting a bold and cheap new car that doesn’t compromise on space or performance.
FIAT 500 – Starting at $17,990
With its charming round headlights and chrome “moustache” grille, the FIAT 500 is undeniably one of the most adorable cars available today. The 500 is all about expressing personal style, offering a wide array of vibrant colors, including eye-catching shades like mint green, bright yellow, iridescent blue, and of course, classic bright red. This stylistic approach continues inside the cabin, featuring a brightly colored dashboard that matches the exterior and the option for a retro-inspired white steering wheel and gauge cluster. The FIAT 500 is remarkably user-friendly for everyday driving. Its 1.4-liter engine provides adequate pep, and its diminutive size makes parking effortless. Rear passenger and cargo space are limited, which is expected given the FIAT 500’s compact dimensions. However, surprisingly, it doesn’t feel like driving a small car; the elevated seating position creates a sense of driving a larger vehicle, and it feels stable and confident even at highway speeds. For those willing to spend a bit more, the turbocharged Abarth models offer an even more engaging driving experience while still remaining within the realm of cheap new cars that offer undeniable coolness and personality.
Ford Fiesta – Starting at $14,965
The Ford Fiesta was originally conceived and designed for Ford’s European market. When it was introduced to the American market, the Fiesta’s styling was a departure from much of Ford’s US lineup at the time, but it was very well-received. Since then, many US-designed Ford models have adopted styling cues pioneered by the Fiesta, demonstrating the significant influence of this cool-looking cheap car. While some might prefer the hatchback version, the Fiesta sedan is equally attractive. Ford offers the Fiesta in a range of vibrant paint colors, such as purple, yellow, and candy blue, although these brighter shades are reserved for the higher-trim SE model (starting at $16,195); the base Fiesta S model is limited to black, white, and silver. The Fiesta is a bit tight on rear passenger space, but its European heritage shines through in its driving dynamics. Among subcompact cars, the Fiesta stands out as one of the most enjoyable to drive on winding roads, making it a fun and engaging cheap new car option.
Ford Mustang – Starting at $25,045
Similar to the Chevrolet Camaro, the Ford Mustang is an enduring American icon. And just like the Camaro, the base Mustang model offers striking looks and exhilarating performance at a surprisingly reasonable price. The Mustang was redesigned in 2015 with a sleek fastback body style. While it incorporates classic Mustang design elements, it’s undeniably a thoroughly modern car that, like the original, is destined to remain stylish for years to come. The cool factor extends to the interior as well. The Mustang’s cabin is a well-executed blend of contemporary design and retro-inspired details. And the Mustang delivers the performance you’d expect from its heritage. Base models are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower—a figure that even early V8-powered Mustangs couldn’t quite match. Even the most affordable Mustangs come standard with 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, and with a wide selection of vibrant exterior colors, no one needs to know that the stunning Mustang in your driveway is actually a cheap new car priced around $25,000, offering incredible value and style.
Hyundai Veloster – Starting at $18,835
The Hyundai Veloster’s design is certainly subjective, but it has a unique appeal. The Veloster is a stylish coupe featuring an unconventional door configuration: one door on the driver’s side and two doors on the passenger side, intended to improve rear seat access. In reality, the rear door opening is quite narrow, arguably making entry from the driver’s side just as convenient. But the asymmetry is part of its charm. The Veloster stands out with its unique door layout, earning it automatic “cool points” for its unconventional design. The Veloster’s interior is also visually appealing, and the optional panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light. The Veloster’s driving dynamics lean more towards playful than outright sporty. The base 1.6-liter engine is adequate but not particularly powerful. However, the 201-horsepower version in the Veloster Turbo (starting at $22,435) provides a noticeable boost in performance and includes a sportier suspension and a premium 450-watt audio system. Whether you love it or find it quirky, the Veloster undeniably stands out from the crowd, making it both a cheap new car and a genuinely cool and distinctive choice.
Kia Soul – Starting at $16,750
The Kia Soul’s boxy silhouette is undeniably appealing, and its continued popularity is a testament to its enduring style. The Soul’s upright stance and subtly wedge-shaped profile differentiate it from other cars, and these design elements also contribute to its exceptional practicality. The Soul offers a spacious rear seat with ample headroom and can accommodate bulky cargo as effectively as many SUVs. Base models are well-equipped, although color choices are somewhat limited (black, white, silver, and electric green). However, the Soul+ model (starting at $20,250) expands the paint color and upholstery options, and offers features like a contrasting roof color. For environmentally conscious buyers, Kia also offers an electric version of the Soul, the Soul EV, available in an arresting shade of electric blue. The Kia Soul in any form is a practical, stylish, and cheap new car that offers a unique blend of form and function.
Mazda Mazda3 – Starting at $17,845
The Mazda Mazda3 is a consistently praised vehicle for numerous reasons, and its styling is certainly a major factor. The Mazda3’s elegant curves and sharp lines create a visually appealing design, and it’s one of the few cars that looks equally attractive in both hatchback and sedan configurations. The hatchback has a sophisticated European “shooting brake” aesthetic, while the sedan exudes a confident and well-proportioned elegance. Mazda interiors are also well-designed. The gauge cluster, featuring an analog tachometer and a digital speedometer, is easy to read, and while the placement of the stereo controls near the handbrake might initially seem unusual, it becomes intuitive with use. Beyond its cool looks and affordability, the Mazda3’s primary appeal lies in its engaging driving dynamics. It’s widely recognized as one of the best-driving compact cars on the market, making it a highly desirable cheap new car for driving enthusiasts and style-conscious buyers alike.
