The Best Value New Cars
- Image Credit: Toyota
In addition the the Prius, Consumer Reports put together a list of the best value cars in a number of segments including sedans, SUVs and pickups. These are the cars that cost owners the least amount of money per mile driven based on fuel economy, reliability, versatility and more.
Here's a look at the best value new cars:
- Image Credit: Toyota
Compact/Subcompact Car: Toyota Prius
Sticker Price: $24,200 - $30,005
Invoice Price: $22,748 - $27,930
Fuel Economy: 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway
It's not difficult to see why the Toyota Prius is one of the best value cars on the market right now. Its fuel economy is stellar, its large trunk makes it very versatile, it's reliable and can be had with a wealth of comfort and convenience features, all for a reasonable price.
Consumer Reports named the Prius the best value overall in the industry.
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- Image Credit: Subaru
Midsize Car: Subaru Legacy
Sticker Price: $20,295 - $28,895
Invoice Price: $19,201 - $27,097
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
The midsize sedan segment is probably the most competitive in the entire industry. Interestingly, none of the top sellers (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion) took home the best value honor this year. Instead, the award went to the Subaru Legacy, which flies well under the radar for most car shoppers. With a stellar all-wheel drive system, sharp looks and superb safety rating, it's time for consumers to start giving it a look.
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- Image Credit: Toyota
Large Car: Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Sticker Price: $35,555 - $41,400
Invoice Price: $32,000 - $37,260
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a comfortable, near-luxury hybrid sedan that comes with lots of room for the family and Toyota's reliability. Sure, it's not the most fun to drive car on the planet, but for those looking for great value with a big car, it's an excellent choice. Large sedans often sacrifice fuel economy for extra space, but the Avalon Hybrid's green drivetrain gets 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway.
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- Image Credit: Toyota
Luxury Car: Lexus ES 300h
Sticker Price: $39,250
Invoice Price: $36,767
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway
Here we have yet another Toyota vehicle on the best value list: the Lexus ES 300h. This luxury sedan is essentially the ES 350, which is the bread and butter of the Lexus line, in hybrid form. The ES 300h is a great value because of its solid fuel economy, great interior, sharp looks and, you guessed it, reliability.
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- Image Credit: Mazda
Convertible/Sports Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Sticker Price: $23,720 - $29,250
Invoice Price: $22,424 - $27,648
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 28 mpg Highway
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best-driving cars on the planet. And with a starting sticker price under $24,000, it's also a superb value. There's really nothing like dropping the Miata's top on a warm, sunny day whole conquering a curvy road. It's pure driving bliss for a reasonable price.
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- Image Credit: Mazda
Wagon/Minivan: Mazda5
Sticker Price: $19,940 - $24,470
Invoice Price: $19,073 - $23,401
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
The Mazda5 is technically a subcompact crossover, but it looks and functions exactly like a minivan. Except it's actually fun to drive. The Mazda5 comes with Mazda's legendary handling dynamics, lots of space and versatility and surprisingly good fuel economy. If you're looking for a family hauler, this is the best value out there right now.
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- Image Credit: Subaru
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Sticker Price: $21,995 - $32,995
Invoice Price: $20,811 - $30,836
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
The Subaru Forester is one of the most competent crossovers on the planet right now. It can be driven in almost any weather condition, has a superb safety rating, has sporty handling dynamics and starts at a very affordable price point. The Forester is especially good for people with an active, outdoor lifestyle because of its versatility and all-wheel drivetrain.
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- Image Credit: Nissan
Midsize SUV: Nissan Murano
Sticker Price: $28,440 - $39,480
Invoice Price: $26,203 - $36,355
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway
The Nissan Murano is the best value midsize SUV, according to Consumer Reports. The Murano is a great choice for the family on the go, as it can seat up to five passengers comfortably, comes with tons of standard features and, with available all-wheel drive, can tackle the rain and snow with relative ease.
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- Image Credit: BMW
Luxury/Large SUV: BMW X1
Sticker Price: $30,900 - $38,800
Invoice Price: $28,430 - $35,695
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city, 34 mpghHighway
The X1 is BMW's most recent entry in the crossover segment. Smaller than the company's other offerings, the X1 offers versatility and luxury at a lower price and with better fuel economy. BMW is well-known for making cars with superb driving dynamics, and the X1 continues that tradition, making those weekend trips to the grocery store much more enjoyable.
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- Image Credit: Honda
Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Sticker Price: $29,450 - $35,030
Invoice Price: $26,936 - $32,026
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway
Although Honda doesn't sell many of them, the Ridgeline is still the best value pickup, according to Consumer Reports. It features a unique design that includes the In-Bed Trunk, a locking compartment under the rear cargo bed floor that provides hidden, secure storage. The Ridgeline also comes with lots of standard features and five-passenger seating.
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