Most affordable new 6 passenger cars in 2012

6 Passenger Cars

Amanda Hart

Room for six

When it really comes down to it, most car buyers choose what type of vehicle they are going to buy based on necessity. It would be great to drive home in that new sports car, but where will you fit the kids when it's time to drive to school?

For budget minded drivers with more practical needs, we have put together this list of the cheapest new 6 passenger cars from several different car segments.

Here we have highlighted the least expensive new car deals on five crossover SUVs, five extended cab pickup trucks and five minivans. They are all pretty close to the same price range as well, so you have a good selection open to you when you start your car search.

These are all new models, but it may also be a good idea to check out used cars for even more options. If you were able to find one of these used cars for sale by owner, that would get you an even lower price.

Crossover SUVs

Crossover SUVs take the best of both worlds from SUVs and from regular cars. They offer the utility and space of an SUV and the better driving dynamics and the best gas mileage possible from cars. To get enough room for six people, you may have to move up trim levels for some of these vehicles to get these SUVs with third row seating that you can fit everyone in.

	Model Name	Starting MSRP	Max City / Hwy MPG
	Kia Sorento LX	$24,750	22 / 32
	Mitsubishi Outlander SE	$24,155	23 / 28
	Toyota Highlander	$28,240	20 / 25
	Ford Explorer	$28,280	20 / 28
	Hyundai Veracruz	$28,345	17 / 22

Extended cab trucks

To get a new 4x4 truck with seating for six people, you will have to move up to the full size extended cab models. These are the cheapest ways to get a full size truck with this much passenger space. If you wanted even more room, you could choose to get the even larger crew cab models.

	2012 Model Name	Starting MSRP	Max City / Hwy MPG
	Chevy Silverado 1500	$26,340	15 / 22
	GMC Sierra 1500	$26,340	15 / 22
	Ram 1500	$26,545	14 / 20
	Ford F-150	$27,325	17 / 23
	Toyota Tundra	$27,365	16 / 20

Minivans

The quintessential family vehicle, you know you can always comfortably fit six people into a good old minivan. While not nearly as popular as they once were, due to the exploding popularity of the SUV market, these are still some very refined and high quality vehicles. They are also some of the cheapest ways to fit a lot of passengers.

	2012 Model Name	Starting MSRP	Max City / Hwy MPG
	Mazda Mazda5	$19,625	21 / 28
	Dodge Grand Caravan	$20,995	17 / 25
	Kia Sedona	$24,900	18 / 25
	Toyota Sienna	$25,060	19 / 24
	Nissan Quest	$25,990	19 / 24

What works best for you?

Even though you have to select a vehicle with a lot of passenger space, that doesn't mean you can't get everything else you want as well. It would definitely be a good idea to research and test drive all your options to find the vehicle that works best for you.

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