The collection of new vehicles on sale is constantly changing with all of the latest introductions and discontinuations. While the all-new vehicles get plenty of hype, automakers are typically quiet when they cease production of a vehicle. As such, shoppers often don鈥檛 realize they鈥檙e gone until it鈥檚 too late.
These discontinued models often get the ax because of slow sales. But not all are bad choices. Edmunds鈥� car experts highlight five notable models that are on the way out. This list is sorted by the manufacturer鈥檚 suggested retail price and includes the destination charge.
HYUNDAI ACCENT
The Accent has long served as Hyundai鈥檚 smallest and most affordable model. The sedan, which was once offered as a hatchback, had a long run in the United States, but shoppers have mostly lost interest in small cars. The Hyundai Venue, a small SUV, will become the brand鈥檚 lowest-priced vehicle once the Accent is discontinued.
The current Accent is a fine choice for an inexpensive commuter car or perhaps as a young driver鈥檚 first car. It has a comfortable ride and a roomy cabin, two qualities that aren鈥檛 always found in a vehicle at this price point. There are of course some drawbacks, including limited tech features and unsupportive seats. If you鈥檙e considering one, opt for the SEL trim for its larger touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Starting manufacturer鈥檚 suggested retail price: $17,740
FORD ECOSPORT
The EcoSport has only been available since the 2018 model year and spent all of its time toward the bottom of Edmunds鈥� SUV rankings. And since little SUVs don鈥檛 sell as well, it鈥檚 no surprise Ford is dropping it. It鈥檚 the brand鈥檚 smallest and most inexpensive SUV. When the EcoSport is discontinued after 2022, the much better Escape will be Ford鈥檚 smallest SUV.
If you鈥檙e in the market for a small SUV, you should probably look at one of the EcoSport鈥檚 rivals, or if you have the budget for it, get the Escape instead. When Edmunds tested it, our team complained about its poor ride quality, disappointing fuel economy and lack of advanced driver aids. Plenty of cargo space and an easy-to-use touchscreen interface are the only high points here.
Starting MSRP: $23,335
BUICK ENCORE
Like the EcoSport above, the Encore is a tiny and affordable SUV that Buick introduced for the 2013 model year in hopes of attracting younger buyers to the brand. It was never very competitive, however. Don鈥檛 let the badge fool you: The Encore isn鈥檛 as luxurious as other Buicks, hence its relatively low price tag. We like its quiet cabin and outward visibility, but when compared to rivals, it lacks cargo space and features and isn鈥檛 as fuel-efficient.
There is a silver lining, however. A few years ago Buick introduced the similar-size Encore GX. The GX might sound like a trim level, but it鈥檚 actually a completely different model, and it鈥檚 a more compelling choice for a small SUV thanks to its roomy interior and balanced ride and handling. If you鈥檙e shopping Buicks, look for the GX model.
Starting MSRP: $25,795
MERCEDES A-CLASS
It鈥檚 unfortunate that Mercedes decided to discontinue the A-Class after the 2022 model year because it鈥檚 one of Edmunds鈥� highest-rated small luxury sedans. Fortunately, the very similar CLA sedan and GLA SUV will be around and are similar in size and price. They are also just as good and have almost identical interiors and features.
The A-Class is currently Mercedes鈥� most affordable model yet boasts the excellent build quality, luxury and tech found in the brand鈥檚 larger and more expensive models. It鈥檚 entertaining to drive and comfortable and it has a helpful voice-command system. As with most small sedans, rear legroom is a little tight, but on the whole, this is a great entry-level luxury sedan to pick up on its way out.
Starting MSRP: $35,000
TOYOTA AVALON
You might think the discontinuation of the Avalon will make non-luxury large sedans even more scarce, but it鈥檚 being replaced by a high-riding hybrid sedan called the Crown. The departure of the Avalon might come as a shock to some because it鈥檚 been around since the mid-1990s and has been a reliable source of transportation for many families over the years.
The Avalon performed well in Edmunds鈥� testing. Not only is it very comfortable, but it鈥檚 also very enjoyable to drive thanks to its responsive handling, strong V6 and smooth-shifting transmission. The large sedan also boasts a sophisticated interior and offers plenty of tech. One of its few faults is its limited amount of rear headroom.
Starting MSRP: $37,920
EDMUNDS SAYS:
With many shoppers preferring sizable SUVs and crossovers, it鈥檚 no surprise that small SUVs and sedans make up this list. That narrows down the number of choices for shoppers, but you can鈥檛 blame automakers for delivering what鈥檚 in demand.
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This story was provided to by the automotive website .
Michael Cantu is a contributor at Edmunds and is on .
Michael Cantu, The Associated Press
