Top 10 Cheapest Hatchbacks
Hatchbacks have a ton of versatility and use, and they’re also quite affordable, not to mention fuel efficient.
When it comes to the most affordable hatchback, there’s quite a few options out there. Unlike the Honda GEAR concept pictured above (which could preview a new affordable subcompact for the Japanese brand) all the cars on this list are easily attainable, and are competitively priced. Our top ten is seperated by a slim $4,000 margin from cheapest to most expensive. Check out the whole list, and see which cheap hatchback is the right choice for you!
The most expensive micro-subcompact on the list, the Scion iQ is full of value. Getting 36 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, the iQ also has four-seats, although squeezing two passengers in the back might be a bit of a hassle. Power comes from a 1.3-liter engine spurting out 94 hp. The iQ is only available with a CVT transmission, and is one of just two cars on this list that comes standard without a manual transmission. Check out our review of the Scion iQ, and read the full specs right here.
2012 Honda Fit.
The 115-hp Honda Fit might look small and compact, but has a considerable amount of head and legroom for both front and rear seat passengers – not to mention the best cargo room on this list. Getting 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, the Fit has an impressive set of folding rear seats, which can fold up or down, and have storage spaces underneath them. Not bad for $15,425. Read our review of the Honda Fit, and check out the full specs right here.
Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback Inferno Orange
The first hatchback you can find for under $15,000 is the Chevrolet Sonic. Be aware, however, that at this price point just about any feature isn’t standard. That means that the Sonic LS with its manual transmission does not get very many extras, aside from an AM/FM radio with steering wheel controls, AC and power locks. Still you get a peppy 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine which makes 138 hp and gets 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Read our take on the Sonic, and see the full specs right here.
Making just 100 hp from its 1.5L four-cylinder engine, it’s hard to see the appeal of the Mazda2. But with a curb weight of just 2,300 lbs, it features a solid power-to-weight ratio (for a subcompact), helping making it an enjoyable runabout to dart around in while helping it get excellent fuel numbers: 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, leading to 32 mpg overall. We reviewed the new 2013 Mazda2, and you can read the full specs here.
2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback
The Nissan Versa is $50 cheaper than the Mazda 2, and it’s not hard to see why. With a basic, drab interior, the Nissan’s only saving grace is that it comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, a luxury compared to the five-speed transmissions found in most of these cheap hatches. Look for an updated hatchback in the near future from Nissan called the Versa Note. We have a full review of the Versa Note already, so check that out, or see the full specs here.
The Toyota Yaris subcompact is just $300 cheaper than the Nissan Versa hatchback. With its J-pop exterior styling, the Yaris is an affordable subcompact, but a little lacking when it comes to features. Its only luxury are iPod and USB ports for your audio. With 106 hp coming from its 1.5L engine, the tiny Toyota gets a respectable 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. We have a comparison of the Toyota Yaris and the more expensive Honda Fit. Read the full specs here.
2013 Ford Fiesta: All Fiesta models come equipped with Ford's leading safety and security features including driver knee airbag and anti-theft engine immobilizer.
The Ford Fiesta hatchback is a feature-packed subcompact, available for just over $14,000. With a stylish design inside and out, the Fiesta might be the best overall value on this list. The 120 hp coming from its 1.6-liter engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission helping the Fiesta net 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Read our review of the Fiesta hatchback here and read the full specs at our car buying page.
The five-door Kia Rio shares quite a lot with the more expensive Hyundai Accent, but with more aggressive, modern styling. Its 1.6-liter, direct injected engine puts out 138-hp, and is paired to a six-speed manual helping it get an EPA rated 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The Kia also comes standard with a USB port and auxiliary input for audio as well as steering wheel mounted audio buttons. Read our full review of the Kia Rio, or check out the stats on our new car buying page.
Speed, and smoothness aren’t why you buy a smart fortwo. With its 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine, the fortwo gets solid fuel economy for a low price. Earning a combined 36 mpg from the EPA, the smart is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on this list. However, thanks to its clunky transmission and thirst for premium fuel, the fortwo isn’t the perfect hatchback, although it is pretty affordable. Read the full specs of the smart fortwo here.
2013 Chevrolet Spark exterior
The tiny Chevrolet Spark is the latest entry in micro-subcompacts. Only available in a 5-door configuration, the Spark is an ideal car for city-dwellers. With its 1.2L engine which makes 84 hp, the Spark gets impressive fuel numbers, 32 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, resulting in 34 mpg combined. The Spark’s low price hints at its low level of features, with no CD-Player, or USB audio support, and no steering-wheel audio controls. Read our review of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and see the full specs at our car buying page.
Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.
More by Sami Haj-Assaad
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Where is the Mitsubishi Mirage?
what happened to the fiesta 1.0 liter 123 HP 3 cylinder eco-boost engine? 45 mpg highway and 39 mpg city?? The engine is smaller than a 10 HP Briggs and Stratton up right lawn mower engine