Best value-for-price car in ten categories in 2022

We set ourselves the criteria for selecting the cars that qualify as the best value-for-price car: any car model produced in 2022 regardless of when it was introduced or last updated, provided we have evaluated it since the last major changes were made to it.

Benchmarks : After narrowing the field to the most affordable models in several popular categories and based on average globally listed prices, we’ll pick our preferred value based on features, warranties and overall performance the car offers for the money paid for it.

Here’s a piece of news that isn’t real news: the auto industry continues to struggle with component and microchip shortages, the crisis is still more visible, and all indications are that the problem will be with us for some time to come. Stocks are limited and prices for new and used vehicles are at record levels. But fortunately during this difficult period there are still options for more attractive cars on the market.

Our choices in this ranking do not involve diving deep to find only the models that sell for the lowest price, as we have covered this aspect in another article , but the idea here is to select models that offer the best possible quality for the price, and offer the best level of equipment. Meaning we choose the best value car from each category, and for this list are cars produced in 2022, we use the same categories that are used globally.

We’ve handpicked the best car in each category, and present you with 10 models that we should look into this year for the value they offer.

Best Small Car: Kia Rio 5

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• 2022 Rio 5-Door
• 2022 Rio 5-Door
• 2022 Rio
• 2022 Rio
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• 2022 Rio 5-Door

2022 Rio 5-Door

It’s hard not to put the Kia Rio 5 on our list of the best value-for-price car. I would say: This compact car does the same things as its crossover competitors (Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue), but offers it at a lower price. Moreover, its luxury car-like handling makes it more enjoyable to drive compared to urban crossovers.

In addition, the Rio can still be ordered with a good manual transmission. Note, too, that the small car from South Korea is no longer available in sedan form, making the Cerato now the most affordable Kia-flagged sedan. The initial quality of the Rio is rated very highly, although it is also generally agreed that vehicles of Korean origin have the annoying habit of prematurely aging poorly over time.

The honorable mention in this category goes to the Chevrolet Spark, as well as the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue.

Best Crossover: Hyundai Kona

Model: Hyundai Kona In-Line
Last year, I gave a nod in this popular urban class to the Kia Seltos, but for 2022, the lower price tag of the older Hyundai Kona makes me lean toward the Korean automaker’s other crossover. True, next to the new Toyota Corolla crossover, the Kona was not assembled well. But for the price, it is unbeatable.

As for the handling of the Kona, it’s surprisingly sporty, considering the car’s compact platform. The Mazda CX-30 made its mark on the road, but the Mazda price is too high to compete with its Korean competitors.

Best Compact SUV: Volkswagen Tiguan

The compact SUV from the German automaker got a mid-life restyling in 2022, a design that earned much car acclaim. She is now more attractive from the outside,

And the new Tiguan has become even more fun to drive thanks to some engine tweaks.

A tribute to the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue / Mitsubishi Outlander. Each one is the best value-for-money car, with the same level of quality, and both the Rogue and Outlander were refurbished last year. But the Tiguan is still the best value-for-money car.

Best 2-seater SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe

Last year, it was the Subaru Outback that took the lead as the best value-for-price car, and despite the fact that Subaru is still an excellent choice, especially in the lower-cost segments, Hyundai’s 2022 Santa Fe lineup is more comprehensive when it comes to engines.

Not only has Hyundai redesigned its popular SUV for the new year, but the model is also available with four premium engines to choose from, all with all-wheel drive as well. Hyundai applies its magic formula of “a well-equipped car for a lower price” to the end.

Of course there is praise for the Subaru Outback, which benefits from the addition of the 2022 Wilderness and remains a solid, durable and fun to drive Outback. But Hyundai’s recipe makes the Santa Fe the best value for money car.

Best 3-row SUV: Hyundai Palisade / Kia Telluride

Model Nominee: Hyundai Palisade
The arrival of the Korean Hyundai Palisade / Kia Telluride tandem two years ago shook the car market in this segment, and clearly awakened some of its competitors, as the competing models were revamped. All-wheel drive is increasingly standard, and equipment is more comprehensive than ever, even on basic models. However, Palisade and its close cousin Telluride are simply unbeatable in terms of what they offer for the price.

Both SUVs come with a V6 engine, excellent automatic transmission, and many features that rival or even surpass some multi-thousand dollar luxury SUVs.

We mention the Volkswagen Atlas, which will come with the signature 4Motion all-wheel drive system in 2022, as well as added equipment and a mid-life redesign. But the Palisade and Telluride are the best value for money cars.

Best Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Model: Toyota Sienna
History is repeating itself here. The Toyota Sienna remains an excellent choice for families interested in a pickup truck, with the hybrid powertrain as just another added attraction for those who want to save and cut their fuel expenditures. Yes, the Chrysler Pacifica is available with a plug-in hybrid option, but it requires the driver to recharge the vehicle as often as possible to benefit from significant fuel economy.

By contrast, Toyota’s laissez-faire solution is hassle-free, with the hybrid engine consuming less than 6.5 l/100 km on the highway (the all-wheel-drive version averages 6.6 l/100 km). We should also mention that the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is not available with all-wheel drive. While the Sienna is available with all-wheel drive, it is still the best value-for-price car.

It is worth mentioning the Chrysler Grand Caravan, which is impressive, although it is a less luxurious version of the Pacifica.

Best Small Sports Car: Volkswagen Golf GTI

There is a lot of competition in the sports category. And it’s as if every manufacturer feels compelled to take one last exciting stand before everything goes electric.

On the other hand, they may not have been the deals they used to be. Even the famous Honda Civic is not as affordable in 2022 as it was in the past, its base price has jumped a bit. On the other hand, the quality of workmanship is close to the new Acura models of the modern luxury sub-brand, and the on-board equipment is more generous. The vehicle’s reliability, as well as the improved user experience, are two additional factors that explain why it won the 2022 Best Value-for-Price Car in this category award.

Did we mention that the Civic is, for the 24th consecutive year, still the best-selling car in Canada? Yes Honda Canada made this announcement recently.

Dear reader, we remind you of the Hyundai Elantra, which offers a wider range than the current Civic as we are still waiting for the Iron Type R version and may take the lead in the list of the best value-for-price car.

Best Midsize Car: Toyota Camry

Sales are down or not, there is still a huge amount of choice in this midsize car class. Speaking of choice, when it comes to variety in offerings, the Camry is unbeatable. There are a lot of variants available, including the hybrid version. By targeting some of the less elegant versions, it is possible to find excellent value with the Camry. Especially since it’s a car as reliable as rock-solid now and ever.

Two Korean-made sedans are to be commended, namely the Hyundai Sonata and the impressive Kia K5. Their design and design stand out against the old, reliable Camry, but it’s not enough for either of them to outshine the Toyota Camry.