10 Best Values in New Car Models, 2014

Man and woman shaking hands in a car lot

(Image credit: Thinkstock)

published 22 January 2014

To win Kiplinger's Best Value Award among new models, a vehicle must be a new introduction or fully redesigned. There are lots to choose from this year.

As automakers battle for market share, consumers are the winners -- with more choices in every segment, and better ones, at that. High-end carmakers are luring buyers with new lower-priced models, and mainstream brands are loading their vehicles with new features that used to be found only on luxury models.

Disclaimer

There were no new truck-based SUVs, minivans or wagons this year. Because of the increase in crossover models, this year we split the large and midsize crossovers into separate categories. SOURCES: Kelley Blue Book (new vehicle data & ownership costs); Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (Top Safety Pick).

Topics

Lists Car Rankings

Cars Under $20,000: Mazda3

Sticker price: $19,740 (i Sport hatch, manual)
Invoice price: $18,916
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $18,950
Resale value: 3-year: 59%; 5-year: 44%
MPG: City: 29; Hwy: 40

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Cars $20,000-$25,000: Mazda6

Sticker price: $23,490 (i Sport)
Invoice price: $22,341
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $21,916
Resale value: 3-year: 52%; 5-year: 37%
MPG: City: 26; Hwy: 38

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Cars $25,000-$30,000: Chevrolet Impala

Sticker price: $29,920 (LT w/1LT pkg.)
Invoice price: $28,610
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $28,539
Resale value: 3-year: 51%; 5-year: 39%
MPG: City: 21; Hwy: 31

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Cars $30,000-$40,000: Mercedes-Benz CLA

Sticker price: $30,825 (CLA250)
Invoice price: $28,732
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $29,709
Resale value: 3-year: 57%; 5-year: 39%
MPG: City: 26; Hwy: 38

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Cars $40,000-$50,000: Cadillac CTS

Sticker price: $46,025 (2.0 Standard Sport RWD)
Invoice price: $43,545
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $43,999
Resale value: 3-year: 53%; 5-year: 38%
MPG: City: 20; Hwy: 30

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Cars $50,000 and over: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Sticker price: $93,825 (S550 RWD)
Invoice price: $87,322
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $90,794
Resale value: 3-year: 54%; 5-year: 35%
MPG: City: 17; Hwy: 25

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Sports Cars: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Sticker price: $51,995 (w/1LT pkg., manual)
Invoice price: $47,405
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $51,995
Resale value: 3-year: 66%; 5-year: 53%
MPG: City: 17; Hwy: 29

Though it hooks you with a modern design inspired by the ’63 Sting Ray and a deep, throaty growl from the 6.2-liter, 455-horsepower engine, the all-new Corvette has features that appeal to your head, not just your heart. The 21st-century Stingray features an aluminum frame, carbon fiber throughout, direct injection and active fuel management—all of which help boost fuel economy to a responsible 29 mpg on the highway without losing an ounce of the thrill.

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Small Crossovers: Subaru Forester

Sticker price: $28,820 (2.0XT Premium)
Invoice price: $27,057
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $27,067
Resale value: 3-year: 63%; 5-year: 45%
MPG: City: 23; Hwy: 28

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Midsize Crossovers: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Sticker price: $36,790 (Limited)
Invoice price: $35,282
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $34,928
Resale value: 3-year: 57%; 5-year: 42%
MPG: City: 17; Hwy: 25

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Large Crossovers: Acura MDX

Sticker price: $43,185
Invoice price: $40,081
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $41,297
Resale value: 3-year: 58%; 5-year: 41%
MPG: City: 20; Hwy: 28

Acura’s cushy crossover boosts fuel economy for 2014—with help from a new powertrain and the first front-wheel-drive model in the vehicle’s lineup. LED lighting graces the MDX inside and out, acoustic glass keeps the cabin quiet, and a sliding second row of seats makes passenger space customizable. The MDX boasts more standard features than before, and it’s safe, too; when it’s equipped with the optional forward collision warning system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates it a Top Safety Pick +.

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Anderson has been with Kiplinger since January 2004, when she joined the staff as a reporter. Since then, she's covered the gamut of personal finance issues—from mortgages and credit to spending wisely—and she heads up Kiplinger's annual automotive rankings. She holds a BA in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was the 2012 president of the Washington Automotive Press Association and serves on its board of directors. In 2014, she was selected for the North American Car and Truck Of the Year jury. The awards, presented at the Detroit Auto Show, have come to be regarded as the most prestigious of their kind in the U.S. because they involve no commercial tie-ins. The jury is composed of nationally recognized journalists from across the U.S. and Canada, who are selected on the basis of audience reach, experience, expertise, product knowledge, and reputation in the automotive community.