Our picks for the most budget-friendly cars of 2026 so far

options under $40,000.

New car prices are averaging close $50,000, and recent data shows near 10% of car buyers who take out loans for their vehicles are paying more than $1,000 monthly for their vehicles.

Consumers paid an average of $49,758 for new cars in June, according to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book. The average June price for new cars was continue reading …