Consumer Reports 10 Best Cheap Cars And Subaru’s One Top Pick

If you are looking for an affordable new car, Consumer Reports (by subscription) released its newly-updated 10 Cheap Cars they recommend for new car buyers. CR says Subaru has one new compact hatch you should consider—the Subaru Impreza. 

I covered the ten affordable new cars from Consumer Reports last month, and they listed the sold-out 2023 Impreza. CR has updated its report and has the all-new next-generation 2024 Impreza as one of the best. 

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

According to the updated ranking by Consumer Reports, the 2024 Impreza is the ninth most affordable new car for shoppers based on transaction price, not MSRP.

CR’s 10 Best Cheap Cars - Don’t Believe What You Read About The Subaru Impreza via @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #impreza #subaruimpreza #imprezarshttps://t.co/4WnqON2UlI
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 17, 2023

CR's vehicles listed here must adhere to strict guidelines to make its list of the most recommended cars. They must have the lowest transaction price and not sell over the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). CR analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using data from TrueCar and sorted all models based on their selling price.

But the cars must also meet CR's stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety to make the list. Here are the ten best cheap cars that Consumer Reports recommends listed, starting with the vehicle with the least expensive transaction price.

The 10 Cheap Cars that CR recommends are all 2024 model-year cars. The models are ranked from the best transaction price. 

1. Kia Forte: $21,215
2. Nissan Sentra: $22,030
3. Toyota Corolla: $22,415
4. Hyundai Venue: $22,887
5. Nissan Kicks: $23,845
6. Hyundai Elantra: $24,056
7. Toyota Corolla Hatchback: $24,219
8. Mazda3: $25,079
9. Subaru Impreza: $25,386
10. Kia Soul: $25,658

What makes the Subaru Impreza an even better value?

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

I have covered the new Impreza redesign extensively in other reports. The 2024 Subaru Impreza is significantly improved over the 2023 models. 

What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru Impreza?

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport CVT trim level has an average transaction price of $25,386. The average spent over MSRP is $391, and the average MSRP is $24,995 on all trim levels.

What is the MSRP of the 2024 Impreza?

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base hatchback starts at $24,085, the Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine starts at $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).

Why should you consider the Impreza, and what sets the new Impreza hatch apart from the other nine models listed above?

The completely remodeled 2024 Impreza offers exceptional value. The Impreza comes standard with the Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which means it's all-weather capable, and you won't get stuck in the snow, mud, dirt, or sand. 

The Impreza gets the highest safety score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All 2024 Impreza trims come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist safety technology and will keep you safer than other small cars in the event of a crash.

What is the 2024 Impreza fuel mileage?

The Impreza is fuel-efficient. The EPA says the fuel mileage rating for the 2024 Impreza RS with the new 2.5-liter engine is 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2024 Impreza with the 2.0-liter engine's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.

My take on the 2024 Impreza

The best thing Subaru did was to drop the sedan body style. The Impreza hatchback offers utility and versatility for active lifestyles.

The Impreza comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, giving it a significant advantage over the other compact cars on the list. 

I also covered the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek in a recent report of the best new SUVs under $30,000. New car shoppers should also check out the Crosstrek subcompact SUV. Like the Impreza, it's recently been remodeled, and CR says it's the best affordable new SUV they recommend as your best pick this winter. 

The 7 Best SUVs Under $30K - Why CR Says Subaru Crosstrek Is The Top Pick @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto photo @SmithtownSubaru#subaru #crosstrek #subarucrosstrek #crosstrekwildernesshttps://t.co/cVqx9CBarB
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) December 15, 2023

New car shoppers should check out the 2024 Subaru Impreza and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. They are top picks by Consumer Reports. CR says the 2024 Subaru Impreza is the ninth-best, most affordable new car you can buy now. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Impreza story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• New Subaru Impreza Hatch Vs. Crosstrek SUV - Meet The Shining Star
• Consumer Guide Says Two Subaru Models Are Now Your Best Buy Picks
• What The X In Subaru's X-Mode Really Stands For

Watch the 2024 Subaru Impreza | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports YouTube video

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Tucson Subaru