Finding an affordable vehicle has become challenging over the past couple of years, as tariffs and inflation have sent prices soaring.
The average new car sold for more than $50,000 in August, nearing an all-time record set last December. And the days of buying any car for less than $20,000 may be gone forever, says Kelley Blue Book.
But as automakers prepare to release their new models, Edmunds has picked five that should be on a buyer’s radar. Three of these vehicles list for $40,000 or less, including one that starts at $26,400. So while prices are still higher than they were, there is some hope for buyers on a budget.
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Here are the cars and trucks that caught the editors’ eye, ranked by price.
2027 Slate Truck
Starting price: $26,400
The most anticipated compact pickup is the Slate truck, a premier electric vehicle from the U.S. startup Slate Auto that’s about as bare bones as you can get. It doesn’t even have a paint job. In other words, that starting price is literally that — a starting point. Want a touchscreen in the car? That’ll cost extra. More than two seats? Cough up more cash. Want to drive long distances? Keep looking. The Slate truck only has an estimated range of 205 miles.
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2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
Starting price: $37,065
Like many vehicles on Edmunds’ list, this small SUV comes with a major redesign this year — the first one in six years. The new Rogue offers a hybrid engine that leans more toward an EV, with a gas generator recharging the battery that powers the car. It’s said to have faster acceleration and still gets an estimated 38 miles per gallon.
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Starting price: $40,000
For the first time in eight years, Chevy has redesigned its full-sized pickup, hoping to steal some market share from Ford’s F-150. It offers two new V8 engine options that are more powerful than previous years. There are several versions of this model available, each with a different price point. While you can find one for $40,000, the high-end model, with copious options, runs for $80,000.
2028 Toyota Highlander
Starting price: $60,000
The 2028 Highlander is the most anticipated three-row SUV and it boasts plenty of new features this year. The all-electric vehicle can travel up to 320 miles and Edmunds commented on the comfort of the vehicle’s back row compared to the 2027 model. Want a hybrid or gas-powered version? You’re out of luck and will need to look at the Grand Highlander, which is a larger vehicle, as a Toyota alternative.
2027 Audi Q9
Starting price: $89,095
Audi’s follow-up to the A8 sedan is a luxury SUV that comes in as the largest vehicle the automaker has ever created. It boasts a 429-horsepower turbocharged V6 under the hood and seating for seven passengers. And the car is loaded with all of the company’s technology updates.
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Chris Morris is a US based veteran journalist with more than 35 years of experience at many of the biggest digital news outlets. In addition to his activities as a writer, reporter and editor, Chris is also a frequent moderator and speaker at major conferences, including CES and South by Southwest.
