One of the most important aspects of every new car, to the point where it's almost pivotal, is the value proposition. How much can this car do, and how much can it give you for what amount of money? While this is arguably the biggest concern for most people buying a car, even enthusiasts are all about how much value you get for the money. Indeed, some cars cost a pretty exorbitant amount of money and don't offer that much, and some are even going up in value.
However, even in this world of inflation, dealer markups and a focus on making every car as luxurious as possible, there are a handful of cars on the market that offer some pretty incredible value for money. They're all different, both in terms of segment and what powers them, but they're all united by one thing; you get a lot for the money you pay.
10 Kia Telluride
The Telluride is easily one of the best examples of great value for money in the car industry right now. After Kia's previous attempt, the Borrego, failed to make an impact on the market, they knew that something had to change.
The Telluride is a three-row family crossover, larger than the Sorento, and it's easily one of the best in the class. Decent fuel economy, tons of space, great styling, great features and very little money for what it is. If you're after a three-row SUV, the Telluride should be high up on your shortlist. What's more, it was recently updated and improved for the 2023 model year.
9 Hyundai Ioniq 5
These days, it's hard to imagine a time when no one thought anybody would ever beat Tesla. However, every automaker has put their plan into high gear, and we're slowly starting to see viable, solid alternatives to Los Angeles' favorite EV. One of the best alternatives currently is Hyundai's retro-futuristic Ioniq 5.
With a maximum range figure that rivals the Tesla Model Y, the Ioniq 5 has that going for it right off the bat. It's also comfortable, extremely spacious, it looks fantastic, and it's packed full of fantastic technology for a great price. Small wonder it's winning awards left, right, and center.
8 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The North American market has enjoyed the Jetta GLI for the longest time. It's easy to see why, as the GLI is essentially a sedan version of the Golf GTI. Not too long ago, VW refreshed it for the 2022 model year, and things are looking even better.
The Jetta GLI has all the practicality and sensibility of the regular Jetta, with improved exterior and interior styling and technology. The tech is slightly better than the Mk8 Golf GTI, and the Jetta has just as much power, it's also available with a 6-speed manual, and it has a bigger trunk. Overall, a fantastic compact performance sedan.
7 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Everyone is talking about the CT5-V Blackwing and its driving experience, which is so good, it could make the German competitors cry in the corner. But, the CT4-V Blackwing, the smaller one, is nothing to scoff at either, even though it already has achieved underrated status.
The twin turbo V6 develops 472 hp, which is a very healthy figure, and Cadillac offers a 6-speed manual transmission. The CT4-V Blackwing is very fast, and it can make sports cars blush on the race track, all of that for a significantly lower price than, say, the BMW M3. We'll be very sad to see both Blackwing cars go when their time comes.
6 Peugeot 508 PSE SW
With Peugeot's return to endurance racing, it's only natural that they'd put together a road car to commemorate the return and the launch of their new performance division. Rather than making a road-going version of the 9X8, they put together something rather special.
The 508 PSE is not a hot hatchback, unlike almost all previous performance Peugeots, but rather a plug-in hybrid mid-size sedan and station wagon. A 1.6-liter turbo four is paired with an electric motor for a total of 360 hp, and a 0-60 time of around 5 seconds. It also looks fabulous, has surprisingly good gas mileage, and in a lot of European markets, it's cheaper than cars like the new Mercedes-AMG C43 and BMW M340i Touring. Shame that North America can't enjoy it.
5 Dacia Duster
One more piece of forbidden fruit for Americans, but it's one that could potentially succeed if it were given the chance. For over a decade now, the Dacia Duster has been Europe's favorite ultra-affordable SUV, and it's only getting better.
As well as being offered with proper AWD, the base price of the Duster is basically pocket change. While it's no luxury car, you can get it with all the essentials, and it's not too bad to drive at all. It's a real shame that the Duster is not offered in North America, because it's the complete package without the overly high price.
4 Nissan Z
Ever since the first announcement back in 2020, the new Nissan Z had eyes on it everywhere. As it turns out, the hype and excitement were very well worth it, because Nissan has completely knocked it out of the park with the new Z.
Nissan recently announced prices for the Z, and it undercuts the GR Supra by a fair amount, while being better to drive in a lot of ways. It's also been heavily updated compared to the 370Z, the manual is a no-cost option, it looks great, and it's a glimmer of hope for a dying breed of sports cars.
3 Mazda 3
Although compact cars aren't quite as popular as they once were, partially thanks to the rise of crossovers, it's cars like the Mazda 3 that show us there will always be a place for fantastic compacts on the market.
The current generation Mazda 3 came out in 2019, and it's easily one of the best contenders in the segment. It was one of the first to show off Mazda's intention to tackle the premium segment, and it's certainly the most premium-feeling of all compacts, while also retaining that fun Mazda DNA and some truly amazing, revolutionary powertrains.
2 Subaru Outback
Recently refreshed for the 2023 model year, the Subaru Outback is one of the icons of the station wagon world. It was a new kind of crossover when it first debuted, as it combined everything people loved about SUVs in a more approachable station wagon form factor.
The 2023 model is better than ever. We'd recommend sticking with the turbo engine, and with that, the Outback is a solid performer in just about every environment and every condition, no matter what you decide to throw at it. Even in a world dominated by SUVs, the Outback is still going strong.
1 Ford Maverick
Ford has absolutely smashed all expectations with the new Maverick. Not only is it one of the cheapest new cars in North America today, but it's also one of the most efficient, with the hybrid cracking well over 40 MPG.
That's seriously impressive, and it doesn't even scratch the surface of the Maverick's multitude of talents. It's a pickup truck, so it can do pickup truck things. You can also take it off-road if you spec it correctly, and it has all the latest tech you could want on a brand-new car. Even the loaded models aren't that expensive. The Blue Oval definitely has a winner here.