8 cars under $40K reviewers say offer best value for shoppers

• Amid rising car prices, Cars.com has identified eight new vehicles that offer the best value for shoppers.
• The average price for a new vehicle reached $49,353 in February 2026, a 3.4% increase from the previous year.
• Value was determined by considering a vehicle's cost, features and fuel expenses.

With consumer concerns about rising car prices mounting, Cars.com has released its list of eight cars that its reviewers say offer the best value for new vehicle shoppers.

The website is naming the cars with the best value as the average price of a new vehicle reached $49,353 in February 2026, which is the most recent data available, according to Cox Automotive. The figure was up 3.4% from February 2025.

"If you’re in panic mode thinking there aren’t any affordable new cars left, fear not — we’ve looked through every class to gather eight of the new cars with the best value," the website said.

"Vehicle affordability is much more than just simply how much a car costs," Cars.com continued. "Affordability also includes what you get for your dollar but also how much you spend on fuel. That’s why we’ve done the legwork to find the cars with the most features for the money that are also affordable to refuel."

The USA TODAY Cars team took at look at the vehicles identified by Cars.com as having the best value for car shoppers who are in the market for new vehicles in 2026.

Best value for a subcompact SUV: Chevrolet Trax

List price: $25,000

What they said: Chevrolet said in a post on their website: "whether it’s the bold, confident ACTIV or the sporty, sleek RS, there’s a Trax designed to match your personality."

Best value for a compact SUV: Kia Sportage

List price: $28,690

What they said: Kia said in a press release "the 2026 Sportage offers something for everyone, with an expansive lineup that includes a new sporty S and capable X-Line trim for the Sportage HEV. Sportage models with the turbo hybrid powertrain also get an uptick in horsepower, while X-Line, X-Pro and all AWD models gain more confidence with standard Terrain Mode."

Best value for a mid-size SUV: Hyundai Palisade (SE, SEL, XRT only)

List price: $39,435

What they said: Hyundai said in a press release the 2026 Palisade three-row SUV "delivers bold design, a premium cabin, and significantly improved capabilities."

Best value for a compact car: Toyota Corolla Hybrid

List price: $23,100 

What they said: Toyota said in a press release the 2026 Corolla hybrid is "a car that effortlessly combines cutting-edge technology with the reliability and affordability that drivers have come to love."

Best value for a small pickup: Ford Maverick

List price: $28,145 

What they said: Ford said in a press release "the 2026 Ford Maverick continues to defy expectations and provides customers an unmatched combination of affordability, best-in-class fuel economy, and Built Ford Tough capability."

Best value for a mid-size pickup: Toyota Tacoma

List price: $32,245

What they said: Toyota said in a press release "the Toyota Tacoma enters the 2026 model year poised to continue its legacy as America’s best-selling midsize pickup for over two decades."

Best value for a large pickup: Ford F-150

List price: $39,330

What they said: Ford said of the F-150 in a post on its website: "America counts on it. You get to drive it."

Best value for an EV: Hyundai Ioniq 5

List price:  $36,600

What they said: Hyundai said in a press release, "the IONIQ 5 SE continues to lead its segment, distinguished by its innovative design, strong performance, rapid charging capabilities, and practical usability."