While everyone else lines up for the same best-selling vehicles, smart shoppers know they can find a great ride by looking just slightly off the beaten path.
You don’t have to sacrifice reliability or features to save money. And thanks to recent research from CarEdge, an online car-buying marketplace, you’ll know where to look.
The team at CarEdge analyzed the market to find 2026 models that fly under the radar. These vehicles offer excellent reliability and affordable price tags but often sit on dealer lots longer because they aren’t the “it” car of the moment.
That means you could have better negotiating power and a better shot at scoring a deal, as CarEdge notes in its analysis:
“Less demand means better negotiating power, bigger discounts, and often, better manufacturer incentives.”
Here are the most affordable underrated cars for 2026 that deserve at least a test drive and maybe even a spot in your driveway.
1. Honda Civic
Starting price: $24,695
In a country that’s obsessed with SUVs, sedans often get overlooked. But if you want to stretch your dollar, check out the 2026 Honda Civic. Its base model starts at just under $25,000.
The interior features body-stabilizing seats designed to keep you comfortable on longer rides. You also get a touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, it’s easier to park than a bigger crossover.
2. Honda HR-V
Starting price: $27,950
If you need a crossover but want to keep costs down, the Honda HR-V is a good bet. It’s the smallest SUV in Honda’s lineup, but it uses its space well. With the rear seats folded down, you get up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is plenty of room for grocery hauls or camping gear.
It comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety tech that includes traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. It’s perfect for urban drivers who need a nimble vehicle that can still haul a surprising amount of stuff.
3. Subaru Crosstrek
Starting price: $26,995
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that’s rugged for its smaller size. It includes Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature.
It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance (and even more on the Wilderness trim) and comes with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to help keep you safe on the highway.
4. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Starting price: $29,295
Toyota’s RAV4 might be the sales king, but its smaller sibling, the Corolla Cross Hybrid, is the smarter buy for budget-conscious families. It shares the same reliable hybrid powertrain engineering but costs thousands less.
You get outstanding fuel economy — up to 42 miles per gallon combined — without having to plug it in. It seats up to five, has a spacious rear cargo space and comes standard with wireless smartphone connectivity.
5. Mazda CX-5
Starting price: $29,990
The Mazda CX-5 competes with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 but offers a distinct advantage: a more premium feel for the price. The base model has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leatherette seats.
It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a large 10.25-inch center display. It’s also known for having excellent handling dynamics for an SUV.
According to CarEdge, you can often find better manufacturer incentives on the CX-5 than you will on its competitors, potentially saving you even more at the closing table.
The Bottom Line
You don’t always have to buy what your neighbors are buying. These five models offer comparable — and sometimes better — features and reliability for significantly less money. If you’re willing to drive something slightly different, you’ll likely drive away with a much better deal.
And before you drive your new car off the lot, don’t forget insurance. This car insurance comparison site can help you find a great policy that shaves hundreds off your bill.
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