Chevrolet and Nissan Top New Car Loan List


The Chevrolet Trax is one of 5 Chevy models that top a recent Capital One Auto Navigator list of the most frequently purchased new cars by buyers borrowing money for the purchase.

Here's a trend in new car buying – and it's a trend that will continue well into 2026. According to the latest Capital One auto Navigator data, Chevrolet figures prominently in new car sales for people who are borrowing money for a new car. Capital One is one of the largest automotive lenders and is growing, according to Auto Finance News. 

When Capital One customers borrow money to buy a new car, five of the top 10 vehicles are Chevrolet models. The indication is that people are looking for value above all else. Vehicles like the Chevy Trax and Equinox, Nissan Kicks and Sentra, and Kia K4 show that value figures prominently in today's new-car-buying landscape.


Familiar Names


Nissan has several models that start under $30,000. The Kicks is a small crossover SUV with decent features and extra style, while the Nissan Sentra has a nicer-than-expected interior and available driver assist features. 


For a better idea of the types of vehicles new car buyers are seeking, here’s a recent video on the Chevrolet Equinox. 


Not only is the sub $25,000 Chevrolet Trax on the list, but the Chevrolet Equinox is on the list twice for two different model years, which goes to show that new car shoppers, especially those borrowing money to buy their new car, are interested in the Chevrolet Equinox and other small SUVs like it.


Kia's K4, a compact sedan, is another new car that feels like the car you want, not just the only car you can afford. Turbo versions are the most fun to drive. 


Of the 10 cars on the list, 8 have a base price of $35,000 or less. Only the Tesla Model Y (the best-selling Tesla) and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have starting prices above $35,000. Still not convinced that buyers are looking primarily for value and low price? Consider that the National Auto Dealers’ Association (NADA) says $47,104 was the average transaction price for a new vehicle in December 2025. 


Affordable Cars


According to Capital One Auto Navigator, here’s the full list of the top 10 new cars buyers embrace when borrowing money for a car purchase:

  • No. 1: 2025 Chevrolet Trax
  • No. 2: 2026 Tesla Model Y
  • No. 3: 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • No. 4: 2025 Toyota RAV4
  • No. 5: 2025 Kia K4
  • No. 6: 2025 Nissan Kicks
  • No. 7: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
  • No. 8: 2025 Chevrolet Traverse
  • No. 9: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
  • No. 10: 2025 Nissan Sentra 

Check out the full list with more detailed descriptions of each at Capital One Auto Navigator.

 

-Brian Moody 


Here’s more on the affordable Chevy Trax on TikTok

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