Average new car price tops $50,000 with affordable options from American brands

That’s one expensive ride.

New cars nationwide are now priced at roughly $50,000 on average, according to recent data released by Kelley Blue Book. The group noted that prices for a new set of wheels have shot up 1.2% year-over-year.

Also along for the costly ride, Cars.com placed the average new car sticker price at just over $50,000 nationally.

But there is some good news for those seeking to upgrade to that new car smell without breaking the bank. A slew of American made vehicles are pricing well under the new average cost at roughly $35,000.

Chrysler, Jeep and Ram recently announced plans to offer a line of new models priced below $30,000. The longtime American car builder will also be adding three new crossover utility vehicles to its lineup, including two models listed under $30,000.

As for the most affordable cars produced in the U.S., Toyota took home the top honors, as determined by prices for what is considered a standard model, with no frills or add-ons, as determined using affordability data collected by Cars.com.

Priced at $24,420, Toyota’s Corolla LE is considered its most affordable model. Widely recognized for exceptional mileage, the sedan is classified an entry-level, gas and hybrid vehicle that registers a whopping 46 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.

The strictly gas-only version of the Corolla LE produces mileage at a clip of 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

Running a close second in both cost and mileage efficiency is the Honda Civic LX. Priced at just under $26,000, the economical sedan can attain 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the open highway.

Other American made vehicles boasting affordable sticker prices include the Toyota Corolla Cross L at $26,830, and the Subaru Corsstrek Base listed at $28,415. The base model Nissan Altima SV can be driven off the lot for the first time at an average cost of $28,825.

A full list of affordable American-made vehicles is available through Cars.com.