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These 15 Italian Cars Are Cheaper Than a New Ford Escape

Cameron Eittreim July 10, 2025

The Ford Escape is a popular crossover, with new models typically starting around $30,000. While it offers practicality and reliability, many buyers overlook the excitement and heritage that Italian cars deliver—often at a surprisingly lower price point.
Italian vehicles are renowned for their iconic design, spirited performance, and a driving experience that mainstream crossovers simply can’t match. With a keen eye, enthusiasts can find stylish Italian classics and modern gems that cost less than a new Escape.
If you crave more than just another SUV in your driveway, these affordable Italian cars will inspire you to think beyond the ordinary and embrace automotive artistry.

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1. Fiat 124 Spider

2018 Fiat 124 Spider Convertible Abarth Fq Oem 1 1600 — A classic Fiat 124 Spider convertible cruises down a sunlit road, embodying timeless Italian roadster charm. | Photo by Furkan Aktaş on Pexels

The Fiat 124 Spider delivers classic Italian charm in a compact, open-top roadster. Thanks to its collaboration with Mazda, it offers reliable underpinnings paired with distinctive European styling and lively handling.
With its punchy turbocharged engine and head-turning looks, the 124 Spider provides a thrilling driving experience that’s hard to match at this price point.
Used examples are readily available for significantly less than a new Ford Escape, making it a smart and stylish choice for enthusiasts.

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2. Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a standout in the hatchback segment, blending sharp handling with unmistakable Italian flair. Its sculpted lines and signature grille set it apart from the crowd, while the responsive chassis delivers a genuinely engaging drive.
According to Top Gear, the Giulietta’s interior quality and dynamic performance make it a true driver’s car.
Well-cared-for used models are surprisingly affordable, offering far more character and excitement than your average crossover.

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3. Fiat Panda

The Fiat Panda is a beloved city car across Europe, known for its practicality and efficient use of space. Its compact footprint makes urban driving and parking a breeze, while its economical engines keep running costs low.
According to Auto Express, the Panda’s versatility and durability have made it a consistent favorite.
Used Pandas are both affordable and dependable—perfect for city dwellers seeking value.

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4. Alfa Romeo Mito

The Alfa Romeo Mito delivers a blend of sporty aesthetics and efficient performance in a nimble subcompact package. Its distinctive design cues, such as the iconic front grille and bold lines, infuse everyday driving with Italian charisma.
Carbuyer praises the Mito for its fun-to-drive nature and cost-effective engines.
Pre-owned Mito models are widely available for less than a new Ford Escape, offering style and value in equal measure.

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5. Lancia Ypsilon

A sleek Lancia Ypsilon luxury supermini stands out with its stylish Italian hatchback design and refined details. | Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

The Lancia Ypsilon stands out as a supermini that brings a dose of luxury to the small car segment. Known for its chic design and refined interior, the Ypsilon offers features like plush materials and customizable color schemes—rare finds in this class.
Autocar highlights its compact dimensions and impressive fuel efficiency, making it an ideal city companion.
For those seeking something more distinctive than a typical hatchback, used Ypsilons provide Italian sophistication at an attractive price.

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6. Fiat Punto

A sleek Fiat Punto hatchback stands parked on a city street, showcasing Italian style and affordable practicality. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Fiat Punto has long been celebrated for its straightforward design and dependable reputation. This hatchback is an excellent introduction to Italian motoring, offering practicality and ease of ownership at a budget-friendly price.
According to What Car?, the Punto’s low running costs and simple mechanicals make it a favorite among value-conscious drivers.
Used Puntos are widely available and represent a smart, affordable choice for everyday driving.

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7. Alfa Romeo 159

A sleek Alfa Romeo 159 midsize sedan showcases Italian luxury with its sculpted lines and distinctive front grille. | Photo by 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓼𝓽 ™ on Pexels

The Alfa Romeo 159 is a midsize sedan that turns heads with its sculpted bodywork and distinctive Italian styling. Beyond its good looks, the 159 offers a dynamic driving experience, with precise steering and a well-balanced chassis that enthusiasts truly appreciate.
As Evo Magazine notes, the 159 combines comfort and performance in a package that’s both thrilling and practical.
Well-maintained used examples can be found for a fraction of the price of a new Ford Escape, making it an alluring bargain.

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8. Fiat 500

Fiat 500c cabrio — A charming retro Fiat 500 is parked along a bustling city street, blending vintage style with urban energy. | Photo by Efrem Efre on Pexels

The Fiat 500 is an icon of Italian automotive design, instantly recognizable for its retro-inspired looks and playful character. It delivers agile handling, making it a perfect fit for urban life, while its compact size ensures easy parking in tight spaces.
According to Edmunds, used Fiat 500s are plentiful and affordable, offering stylish city driving for much less than the price of a new Ford Escape.

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9. Alfa Romeo GT

A sleek Alfa Romeo GT Italian coupe gleams under the sunlight, showcasing its sporty lines and timeless design. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Alfa Romeo GT stands out as a graceful coupe that merges Italian sophistication with genuine driving excitement. Its sleek, timeless design and responsive engines create an engaging experience for those who crave more than just basic transportation.
AutoCar praises the GT for its blend of comfort and sporty handling, making it a compelling alternative to pricier sports cars.
Pre-owned Alfa GTs are attractively priced, offering access to Italian performance and style on a modest budget.

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10. Fiat Bravo

A stylish Fiat Bravo hatchback parked on a sunny street, showcasing the charm of Italian family cars. | Photo by Efrem Efre on Pexels

The Fiat Bravo is a well-rounded hatchback that combines everyday practicality with unmistakable Italian style. Its spacious cabin and comfortable ride make it ideal for families or commuters seeking a bit more flair in their daily drive.
Honest John notes that the Bravo’s value and reliability are often overlooked in the used market.
Affordable and distinctive, a used Bravo is a smart, stylish alternative to mainstream hatchbacks.

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11. Lancia Delta

Lancia Delta Hf Integrale Evoluzione Ii — A legendary Lancia Delta rally car, its iconic Italian hatchback design ready to conquer winding roads at speed. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Lancia Delta is a name that resonates with rally enthusiasts, yet its modern iterations offer far more than just motorsport pedigree. These hatchbacks provide a comfortable, well-equipped interior and smooth ride, all wrapped in a distinctive Italian package.
Car Magazine UK highlights the Delta’s unique blend of heritage and practicality.
On the used market, the Delta is attractively priced, delivering a taste of Italian history without breaking the bank.

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12. Maserati Ghibli (Early Models)

The Maserati Ghibli, once the centerpiece of Italian luxury performance, has become surprisingly accessible in the used market—especially early models. These sedans offer a sumptuous cabin, captivating exhaust note, and unmistakable Maserati presence on the road.
Car and Driver notes the Ghibli’s dynamic handling and elegant design, making it a true head-turner.
For less than the price of a new Ford Escape, you can enjoy a taste of genuine Italian prestige and performance.

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13. Fiat Multipla

A quirky Fiat Multipla MPV stands out with its unique design and spacious interior, perfect for adventurous families. | Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitāns on Pexels

The Fiat Multipla is instantly recognizable thanks to its unconventional styling and wide, spacious cabin. Designed to maximize versatility, it offers ingenious seating for six and a surprisingly flexible interior—perfect for families or those who appreciate practical solutions.
Top Gear calls it one of the most memorable people-movers around.
On the used market, Multiplas are affordable and deliver an unforgettable Italian motoring experience.

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14. Alfa Romeo Spider (1990s-2000s)

A sleek Alfa Romeo Spider convertible gleams in the sunlight, showcasing the timeless charm of classic Italian automotive design. | Photo by Quentin Martinez on Pexels

Earlier generations of the Alfa Romeo Spider from the 1990s and 2000s offer a captivating blend of open-air freedom and timeless Italian design. These convertibles are celebrated for their engaging handling, soulful engines, and striking looks that turn any drive into an occasion.
Hemmings highlights their enduring appeal and relative affordability on the used market.
For those who dream of classic Italian motoring, the Spider delivers style and enjoyment at a surprisingly accessible price.

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15. Lancia Musa

A sleek Lancia Musa compact MPV shines in the city, blending luxury and practicality in a stylish small car. | Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels

The Lancia Musa is a compact MPV that stands out with its upscale interior and elegant Italian styling. Its city-friendly dimensions make it easy to maneuver, while thoughtful details inside provide a sense of luxury rarely found in this segment.
As AutoEvolution notes, the Musa blends practicality with a premium feel.
Used models are attractively priced, offering accessible Italian refinement for much less than a new Ford Escape.

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Final Thoughts on Italian Alternatives

Choosing an Italian car over a mainstream crossover like the Ford Escape means embracing character, style, and heritage—often at a lower price. Each of these fifteen vehicles offers something unique, from spirited performance to head-turning design and a driving experience that brings daily joy.
Why settle for ordinary when you can enjoy the extraordinary?
If you’re shopping for an affordable car, consider these Italian alternatives. They prove you don’t have to sacrifice excitement or sophistication for practicality. Take a closer look, and you may find your next automotive passion.

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These 15 Italian Cars Are Cheaper Than a New Ford Escape

1. Fiat 124 Spider

2. Alfa Romeo Giulietta

3. Fiat Panda

4. Alfa Romeo Mito

5. Lancia Ypsilon

6. Fiat Punto

7. Alfa Romeo 159

8. Fiat 500

9. Alfa Romeo GT

10. Fiat Bravo

11. Lancia Delta

12. Maserati Ghibli (Early Models)

13. Fiat Multipla

14. Alfa Romeo Spider (1990s-2000s)

15. Lancia Musa

Final Thoughts on Italian Alternatives

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