2023 turned things around for the auto industry, with inventories increasing and supply chains improving. Instead of massive dealer up-charges, people are once again able to secure good deals on new cars and SUVs. Here’s a look at some of the best vehicles to check out this year. A number of new models are now available for lower prices than you might think, many with excellent incentives.
Chevy Trax: $20,400 msrp
Chevrolet has a new value-priced leader, the Trax, with starting msrp of just $20,400, one of the cheapest new vehicles in America. Fully loaded models — sunroof and all — run just under $27k. Standard equipment on the base Trax LS is so impressive it starts to make sense why new cars are so expensive in America today. It includes 17 inch wheels, active noise cancellation, Apple Carplay/Android auto, power door locks, power windows, steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control, key fobs, manually adjustable driver’s seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 11 inch color touchscreen, floor mats, USB ports, and anti-theft system. All Trax models include 4-wheel antilock brakes, a 6-speed automatic transmission, an ECOTEC turbo engine (28MPG city and 32 MPG highway), electric power steering, and MacPherson front struts. Chevy has a 5 year / 60,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. Initial reviews of the Trax have been overwhelmingly positive; the front-wheel drive Trax can handle all of what the average consumer throws at a car today.
Buick Envista: $22,400 msrp
The brand-new Envista is making its debut for 2024, and can now be found at dealerships. A sleek, less-conventionally-Buick design breaks from the past, starting at a refreshing $22,400 msrp, making it one of the cheapest new cars for sale in America. Automatic climate control is standard, a rarity at this price point, as is a flat-bottom steering wheel, leatherette seating surfaces, and an 8-inch diagonal driver information center screen. The Envista also features a signature 11-inch ultrawide screen for infotainment. The mid-level Sport Touring starts at $24,100 msrp, adding an appearance package, different wheel choices, and embroidered seats. The top dog is the Avenir, starting at $28,600 msrp, bringing many luxury features to the price point, including 19 inch wheels with pearl nickle finish, a power liftgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, remote start, power-driver’s seat, and leather appointed front seats. Options include a moonroof, rain sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, lane change alert, and rear parking assist. Buick has been found leasing the Envista for $199 a month for 2 years with $3400 down.
Mazda CX-30 – $24,995 msrp
The fun-to-drive CX-30 is Mazda’s entry level SUV starting at just $24,995. Apple and Android smartphone integration to the 8.8 center display are standard, as is a 191 horsepower engine; a 2.5 turbo with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque is optional. All-wheel drive is also standard, and the CX-30 is a very fun vehicle to drive for the small SUV segment. Remote engine start via the Mazda smartphone app is part of Mazda Connect, a rarity at this price point.
Buick Encore GX: $25,600 msrp
The 2024 Encore GX starts at $25,600 msrp for the standard front-wheel drive trim. The 2024 Encore GX has reduced levels of noise, vibration, and harshness, which will make for a quieter ride. Many of the options available on the Envista are also available on the Encore GX, however, the Encore GX makes all wheel drive optional, which the Envista does not. All trim levels are available with AWD, starting at $28,895 for the Preferred AWD and up to $34,795 for the Avenir AWD, making the Encore GX a decidedly more pricey choice than the Envista. Buick is also offering low APR’s on the outgoing 2023 Encore GX if you are looking for a deal; 1.9% APR and no payments until 2024 is currently available. The Encore GX also has an optional 155 horsepower engine, which is more powerful than the 137-hp engine shared by both the base Encore GX and the base Envista; it starts at $27,290 for FWD/Preferred, $28,095 for Sport Touring, and $33,195 for Avenir. Right now Buick is offering .9% APR for 3 years on Encore GX.
Nissan Kicks $20,790 msrp
Nissan’s cheapest crossover/SUV is the Kicks, occupying the space once held by the Angry-Birds-looking Juke. While the Juke name lives on overseas, the American Kicks starts at an attractive $20,790 msrp, with the same 122hp motor from the Versa but with standard automatic continuously variable transmission. Kicks SV trim adds 17 inch wheels, an 8-inch touch screen display with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, and intelligent cruise control, while Kicks SR gets LED headlights, sport trim orange-accented seats, and leather wrapped steering wheel.
Chevy Equinox: $26,600 msrp
The Equinox is the second best selling General Motors car after the Silverado, and for good reason; the Equinox packs a lot of punch into its $26,600 base msrp. Available in eight colors, including a beautiful harvest bronze metallic and optional maple brown leather seats, you can get yourself a loaded-to-the-gills Equinox for $35,000. Chevy offers attractive APR’s on the Equinox as well; 2.1% APR for qualified buyers. All Equinoxes come with a 6 speed conventional automatic transmission and a 1.5L turbo four cylinder engine with start/stop fuel saving technology; Equinox is rated at 30MPG highway and 24MPG city. 4 Wheel ABS is standard and front-wheel drive is the default configuration; all wheel drive is available on all trims for $1,600 more. The base Equinox LS comes with Apple Carplay / Android Auto compatability, as well as LED headlamps, 17 inch aluminum wheels, 4-way manual seats, Bluetooth, USB charging ports, keyless entry and start, power windows and locks, and single zone air conditioning climate control.
Jeep Grand Cherokee – $36,495 msrp
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has many unsold 2023 models still available, leading to attractive pricing. You can purchase the brand new “2023 Grand Cherokee“, a stunning vehicle the likes of which is only outdone by Jeep’s own new Grand Wagoneer (which stickers at a stunning $88,640). Lease rates on the 2023 Grand Cherokee are also quite attractive, with the New Grand Chrokee leasing at $259 a month for 24 months with $2,960 due at signing. Due to their age, you may find dealers more willing to budge on the pricing of these older models.
Subaru Crosstrek: $24,995 msrp
Billed as an SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek has more ground clearance than the Impreza on which it is based, as well as a larger fuel tank and special suspension tuning to accommodate its bigger ride height. Starting at $24,995 in Base trim, it has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, comes with standard 17 inch wheels, and has standard dual zone auto climate control in addition to an infotainment system. Some fancier options are available on the Crosstrek, such as a Harmon Kardon audio system, 10 way power adjustable driver’s seat, and leather trimmed seats (on the $30,895 msrp Limited). Be sure to check out the special Wilderness trim, $31,995 msrp, which has 9.3 inches of ground clearance, the 182hp 2.5L Boxer four cylinder, unique front and rear bumpers with tow hooks, anodized copper accents, 17-inch matte wheels with all-terrain tires, and water-repellent upholstery. It is also the only Subaru left in America which can be ordered with a manual transmission.
Hyundai Venue: $19,900 msrp
For something a bit smaller than a HUMMER, look no further than Hyundai’s compact Venue, starting at just $19,900. Times have changed since the days of the late 1980’s Hyundai Excel; Hyundai now frequently tops quality ratings by J.D. Power. All Venue models include a touch screen with Android Auto or Apple Carplay. It gets 31 MPG combined, and is much more at home driving around town than trying to go off-roading (indeed, there is no four-wheel-drive). Right now Hyundai is offering the Venue for $229/mo on lease with $3,499 down, or 3.49% APR for 60 months. If you need a bit more space, the fashionable Kona starts at just $24,250, while the midsize Tucson SUV starts at $27,500.
Hyundai Palisade: $36,400 msrp
The base model Palisade SE is for the full-size SUV bargain hunter, starting at $36,400 msrp with its trademark stunning styling. An impressive 291 horsepower V6 engine is standard, and the base SE comes with 8 passenger seating and a 2nd row bench seat. A 12.3 inch touchscreen display with navigation and proximity key with push button start are among impressive features you won’t have to pay extra for. The SEL trim, $39,150 msrp, adds second row captain’s chairs, H-tex faux-leather trimmed seats, hands-free liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and LED tailights. Optional all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the price. Upper trim levels offer Nappa leather seats, a rarity at the $50k price point, as well as heated second and third row seats, 10-inch heads up display, ventilated front seats, rear window sunshades, memory electric seats, power thigh support and 4-way lumbar, a host of collision-avoidance systems, heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, rear dual sunroof, door sill plates, ambient lighting, and Harman Kardon premium audio. It also has a 5 star crash test rating from the NHTSA and Hyundai’s signature 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
With supply chains returning to normal, be sure to search around for the best deal from numerous dealers. With interest rates higher than they once were, you may find some manufacturers more willing to offer lower APR’s on certain models than others, even as low as 0% for some vehicles to entice buyers to purchase them over competitor options.