The 2021 Chevrolet Spark four-seat subcompact hatchback is the cheapest new car you can buy today, with a starting price of just over $15,000 when equipped with its optional continuously variable automatic transmission. Despite its modest price, the Spark has crucial connectivity capabilities including Bluetooth streaming audio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data plan required after initial trial), and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also ten standard airbags. The Spark's little four-cylinder engine produces little power, and the backseat is cramped, but these features may not be deal breakers if you're looking for an urban runabout.

The Mirage is a subcompact hatchback like the Spark, but it has room for one more person in its five-seat interior. The Mirage's combination of a small 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and optional CVT achieves remarkable EPA-estimated combined gas mileage of 39 mpg, but at the cost of performance; the Mirage is lethargic. However, when we last examined it, we thought it was a lot of fun to drive. The Mirage receives a redesigned front end and back bumper for 2021, as well as an upgraded interior with new soft-touch materials, a new standard 7-inch touchscreen, and standard safety systems such as frontal collision prevention with pedestrian recognition across all grades.

The Kia Rio gets a minor facelift for 2021 after receiving considerable modifications for the 2020 model year, including improved fuel efficiency and connectivity. The 2021 Rio has redesigned front and rear bumpers, as well as new grille intakes, on the outside. A four-cylinder engine and standard CVT are under the hood, resulting in a generous combined mpg figure of 36. Across the lineup, an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia display with a rear camera, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is now standard.

Hyundai's smallest car is the Accent subcompact sedan, which, like its platform mate, the Kia Rio, is powered by a four-cylinder engine with an optional CVT, resulting in a combined fuel economy of 36 mpg. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are available on higher trim levels, but the SE comes standard with power windows and locks, a 60/40-split, folding rear, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

The sedan version of the Mirage subcompact hatchback is the Mirage G4. For 2021, it gets the same improvements, including a new exterior and standard forward collision prevention with pedestrian recognition across all trims. It's a little more expensive and gets somewhat worse gas mileage than the hatchback, but it's still driven by the same 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with a CVT. Automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch touchscreen entertainment system are among the ES's features.

The Nissan Versa subcompact returns unchanged for 2021 after a complete facelift for the 2020 model year. At this price, you don't frequently see a tiny sedan with active safety and driver-assist technologies. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, reverse automatic braking, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist are some of the features available. Cruise control, automatic headlights, push-button start, and Bluetooth streaming radio are among the convenience features. The new Versa with optional automatic transmission is much more expensive than its predecessor, but it's still a "far better car that's still cheaper than most," as we highlighted in our review.

The penultimate vehicle on our list with a starting price under $20,000 is the 2021 Kia Forte. The Forte FE has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission. The compact car gets 35 mpg on the highway and comes with a big 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and automatic emergency braking as standard equipment. The Forte is a decent value for a daily vehicle, but buyers expecting for a lot of cargo capacity will be disappointed by the sedan's short trunk.

With a complete redesign for 2020, the Sentra is now more than simply a good deal, due to improved aesthetics and a tech-focused cabin. The Senta S gets 33 combined mpg thanks to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a CVT. The Sentra, which is based on a new platform, offers a controlled and comfortable ride with precise steering, but the CVT lacks the giddy-up that other competitors offer. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trim levels, and Nissan's Safety Shield 360 is also included.

Hyundai has fully redesigned the 2021 Elantra with a more refined powertrain and a wider cabin, which will please budget-conscious car buyers. The 2017 Elantra is only available as a sedan this year, with the GT hatchback being phased out. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a capable CVT powers the SE model, which is the most cheap. The Elantra earns an astounding 37 mpg, making it as affordable to own as it is to buy. Standard amenities include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, lane-centering steering, and blind spot warning system. The Elantra's value will appeal to shoppers who can see past the sedan's low-rent interior.