The average price for a new vehicle in the U.S. is nearing $50,000, with Kelley Blue Book data indicating buyers paid an average of $49,220 in May. Other reports confirm rising sticker prices, with the average listing just over $50,000, representing a 1.2% year-over-year increase.
Despite the overall trend of higher costs, a segment of affordable vehicles, many manufactured in the United States, remains available. Several American-made models are priced below $35,000.
Automaker Stellantis, which owns brands like Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram, has announced plans to introduce new, lower-priced models, with several expected to cost under $30,000. The company plans to launch nine new models priced under $40,000 by 2030.
Cars.com's American Made Index highlights vehicles produced in the U.S. Among the most affordable options is the Toyota Corolla LE, starting at $24,420. This model is available as a gas or hybrid sedan, noted for its fuel efficiency and standard technology features. The gas models offer up to 32 miles per gallon in city driving and 41 on the highway, while hybrid variants achieve up to 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway.
Following closely is the Honda Civic LX, with a base price of $25,890. This sedan comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission, and front-wheel drive. It delivers an estimated 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. Standard features include a seven-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies.
Another U.S.-made option is the Toyota Corolla Cross L, priced at $26,830. This compact crossover features a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower. Base models include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which incorporates pre-collision systems, lane tracing assist, and dynamic radar cruise control.
The Subaru Crosstrek Base is available for $28,415. This compact crossover is powered by a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. It includes dual seven-inch infotainment screens and Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
Rounding out the list is the Nissan Altima SV, starting at $28,825. Its base model features a 188-horsepower 2.5L engine and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with an available all-wheel drive option. The Altima offers a combined fuel economy of approximately 31-32 mpg and comes with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside features like push-button ignition and dual-zone automatic climate control.