Our Picks for the Most Budget-Friendly Cars of 2026 So FarOur Picks for the Most Budget-Friendly Cars of 2026 So FarOur Picks for the Most Budget-Friendly Cars of 2026 So Far 

USA TODAY Network / ReutersNew car prices are averaging close $50,000, and recent data shows near 10% of car buyers who take out loans for their vehicles are paying more than $1,000 monthly for their vehicles. Consumers paid an average of $49,758 for new cars in June, according to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book. The average June price for new cars was up 0.4% from May’s average of $49,220, and up 0.6% over May 2025’s…