(May 24, 2018) IRVINE, Calif. — While the average new car on the road today costs more than $35,000, there are still plenty of vehicle options available at a more affordable price, without sacrificing on comfort and style. The expert editors at Kelley Blue Book name the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 for 2018, proving you can find a dynamic and less expensive vehicle that still turns heads.

The Mazda3 takes the No. 1 spot on this year's list and has been named a Kelley Blue Book Coolest Car every year of the vehicle's 15-year existence.

"Even at a lower price point, the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 are loaded with tech and safety features and offered in sharp and versatile packages," said Michael Harley, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book. "Both good-looking and exciting to drive, these top picks are worth closer consideration by today's budget-minded shopper."

Two longstanding criteria — that the vehicle is both fun to drive and fun to own — are critical among the deciding factors of what Kelley Blue Book editors freely admit is a very subjective "cool factor," which is also the over-arching No. 1 criterion for a vehicle to place on this list. Each vehicle is available for purchase starting at $20,000 or less, using Kelley Blue Book's exclusive Fair Purchase Price as the yardstick.

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price and Fair Market Range are part of KBB.com's Price Advisor tool, showing what consumers can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for a new vehicle when purchasing from a dealer. Factors such as current market conditions, vehicle availability, local demand, and seasonal buying trends all help determine a vehicle's Fair Market Range and Fair Purchase Price.



To see KBB.com's full coverage of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 for 2018, including full editorial comments about each model, pricing details, vehicle photography, inventory and more, click here.