When it comes to finding out the right car to buy when in the market for a new car, doing research and reading reviews is always a smart move. However, with so many organizations and publications, trimming through it all can be tiresome, and that’s where “Best of” lists come in. Knowing the right car to buy based on price, or interior features, or if it’s safer for the environment can always be found on a list. The more prestigious the name, the better, and what better place than Cars.com? Having recently put together their Affordability Report on Best Value New Cars, many of them can be found right here when you buy a car online with NowCar.

To be a finalist in this report, cars, small SUVs, small pickups, and EVs include all must-have features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a blind spot monitor, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning as a standard or available option via a package to get the aforementioned features. Cars.com also looks at cost of ownership (EPA-rated fuel economy, annual fuel costs, and manufacturer warranty coverage) when judging a car for the best value list. Here’s who won in each segment.

Cars

Top of the charts is the 2023 Kia Rio S, as long as consumers also get the Technology Package . This package adds everything the average consumer is looking for. It adds Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, LED Headlights, LED Positioning Lights, an 8-inch Touchscreen Display w/ Kia Connect, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Apple CarPlay® and Google Android Auto™, a 4.2-inch Instrument Display, a High Line Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, Automatic Climate Control, Smart Key w/ Push Button Start, Rear Occupant Alert, 15-inch Alloy Wheels, Chrome Exterior Door Handles, Rear Disc Brakes. Starting MSRP is $20,085 (plus destination fee). The 2023 Kia Forte LXS comes with the same requirements, a Technology package, and this adds Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Heated Side View Mirrors w/ LED Turn Signals. Starting MSRP is $21,815 (plus destination fee).

Two Nissan models, the 2023 Nissan Sentra S, 2023 Nissan Versa SV, and 2023 Nissan Kicks are ready right from the production line. Many of the finalists for the car category share a median price, and these three Nissan models are all around $20k. The Versa SV has a starting MSRP of $20,045 (plus destination fee), the Sentra S has a starting MSRP of $21,045 (including destination fee), and the Kicks S has a starting MSRP of $21,585 (plus destination fee).

Small SUVs

Taking top honors is the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS, assuming consumers opt-in for the Driver Confidence Package. This adds cruise control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. The starting MSRP for the Trailblazer LS with front-wheel drive and this package is $23,890 (plus destination fee). Another Chevy makes the cut, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox LS, when equipped with the Driver Confidence II Package, adding Rear Park Assist. This has a starting MSRP of $28,390 (plus destination fee).

Off the production line, the 2023 Kia Seltos is ready to go, starting at $24,485 (plus destination fee). Also hot and fresh from the factory are the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE (starting at $28,940; plus destination fee), and 2022 Fiat 500X Pop (starting at $29,560; plus destination fee). Two Volkswagen models make the list with some add-ons, the 2023 Volkswagen Tao S with the IQ.Drive Drive Package, adding Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian Monitoring); and Travel Assist, Lane Assist, & Emergency Assist. Starting MSRP is $25,450 (plus destination fee). The other model is a 2023 Volskwagen Tiguan S, also with the IQ.Drive Drive Package (starting at 29,140; plus destination fee). The 2023 Buick Encore GX Select also makes the list with the Safety Package, which adds Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert ($27,395; plus destination fee).

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT and the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV LT make the list for EVs this year. Both are included if they come equipped with the Driver Confidence Package, adding Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. The Bolt EV 1LT starts at $27,090 (plus destination fee). The Bolt EUV LT starts at $28,690 (plus destination fee).

Ready to go, the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX starts at $35,035 (plus destination fee) and the 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid X-Line, starting at $39,785 (plus destination fee). Mitsubishi also tagged the EV category with its plug-in hybrid. The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES has all of the must-have features, starting at $41,385 (plus destination fee).

Find these new vehicles and more when you shop online for a new car with NowCar.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia