Cheapest Hatchbacks of 2022

Cheap hatchbacks are the first choice of students and frugal shoppers alike. And, though not many of them are fast, their inexpensive asking price far outweighs the need for speed. There are plenty of new models available for 2022, meaning the competition between vehicles from top brands is as fierce as ever. These low-cost cars are mainly made by Honda, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Mazda.

Good for running in and out of the city, this type of car is typically powered by a small, turbocharged engine and returns very frugal fuel economy figures. That, along with practicality are the main reasons small hatches are such a winner. When you look at how much one costs, you’ll likely assume that there’ll be quite a few cut corners. You’d be correct, in most cases, but some affordable prices come with surprisingly good interiors.

If you want to save even further on the cost, you could consider a second-hand model from 2020 or 2019. 

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
9.4
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2020 Honda Fit
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
10
MPG
10
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#3
2021 Volkswagen Golf
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#4
2021 Hyundai Veloster
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#5
2022 Mazda 3 Hatchback
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#6
2022 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
8.5
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#7
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
8.5
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
7
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#8
2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
8.4
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#9
2022 Kia Rio5
8.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#10
2020 Hyundai Elantra GT
8.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#11
2020 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
8.1
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#12
2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
8.1
BuzzScore
7
Design
6
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#13
2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop
8
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
7
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#14
2022 Chevrolet Spark
7
BuzzScore
6
Design
6
Performance
9
MPG
6
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
7
Safety
6
Value
#15
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
6.8
BuzzScore
5
Design
5
Performance
10
MPG
5
Interior
6
Infotainment
7
Reliability
6
Safety
10
Value

Advice for Choosing the Best of the Cheapest Hatchback Cars

With so many options to choose from in the USA, reaching a decision can be an arduous task. Here are a few pointers to try to make your life a little easier when searching for the cheapest hatchback car:

  • Decent cabin quality - Plenty of affordable options come with impressive cabins for their price point, like the Mazda 3.
  • Good fuel economy figures - While most products in this segment are remarkably efficient, some are better than others. Keep an eye out for the lighter sippers.
  • Spacious interiors - This is an important one, even more so for those with a family. Quite a few of these autos offer a large amount of space on the inside.
  • Practicality - The poster child for this is the Honda Fit. The second row has the ability to transform into four different modes, allowing for a maximum of 52.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded.

What to Consider Before Buying Cheap Hatchbacks

These types of autos share a few similarities as contenders in the segment. There are a few reasons to go for them, and a few disadvantages as well:

Pros

  • Extremely affordable
  • Light on fuel
  • Low maintenance
  • Small enough for easy maneuverability

Cons

  • Discounted-feeling interiors
  • Small trunk
  • Unimpressive powertrains

FAQs

What are some of the best cheapest hatchbacks in terms of value for money?

The Honda Fit is a fantastic choice. It has everything you’d need for everyday functionality and is spacious to boot. The Mazda 3 is also worth considering for its impressive interior. Another option is the affordable and reliable Volkswagen Golf.

Are all cheap hatchbacks powered by small engines?

Usually, yes. These types of autos are meant for quick trips around town, so they don’t need all that much power. You also can’t expect cars that cost so little to come with top-of-the-range engines.
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