The Best New Cars You Can Get Under $25,000

For many Americans, a car is an essential part of everyday life. Unfortunately, new car prices have skyrocketed thanks to high-tech features like built-in navigation, advanced driver assistance, and even luxuries like heated seats. However, not every vehicle needs to break the bank. Here are what experts consider 10 of the best new cars available for $25,000 or less.

_{Prices are accurate as of April 3, 2024, and don’t include taxes or other fees. Subject to change.}

2023 Kia Forte

Kia’s 2023 Forte costs just $20,190 for the popular LXS model. The Forte gets up to 41 mpg on the highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient cars available at this low price point. It also has plenty of passenger space, a spacious trunk, and can carry up to five people. This vehicle also has state-of-the-art safety features, including crash imminent braking and forward collision warning.

2023 Nissan Kicks

With a base model price tag of $20,590, the 2023 Nissan Kicks is one of the cheapest new cars available on the market. This stylish subcompact SUV has solid gas mileage: 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. It is also well-known for incredibly smooth turns. Drive with ease with the latest safety features, including knee airbags to protect your legs in an accident and stability control.

2023 Hyundai Elantra

At an affordable $20,950, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra’s sleek and sporty exterior is similar to expensive compact sedans such as the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, so you’ll really feel like you’re riding in style. The Elantra’s power steering makes it an excellent vehicle for everything from daily commuting to lengthy road trips, and it has an incredibly efficient gas mileage of 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. If you struggle with the perfect parking distance, you’re in luck — among other safety features, the Elantra has parking distance warning and sensors that will help ensure you’re aware of pedestrians around your vehicle. 

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo for the low price of $22,100 for its base model. This vehicle is ideal for drivers looking for an affordable subcompact SUV. It has a responsive touch system on the dash and solid gas mileage ranging from 26 to 29 mpg in the city to 30 to 33 mpg on the highway. Drivers can enjoy features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and following distance indicators for an easier (and safer) drive.

2023 Ford Maverick

If you’re looking for an affordable pickup truck, look no further than the 2023 Ford Maverick. At $22,595 for its base model, this fuel-efficient truck comfortably seats five and has room for a small 4-foot by 6-foot cargo bed in the back. It also features additional safety precautions for families, including child seat attachment hardware and front crash prevention for nighttime driving.

2023 Mazda CX-30

With a price tag of $22,950, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasts great handling and cargo capacity. It also comes loaded with a turbocharged engine that gives it extra oomph on the road. While head and legroom may be slightly lacking, its comfy seats and stylish exterior make up for it. Safety features include a 360° rear monitor, smart brake assistance, and blind spot monitoring.

2024 Subaru Impreza

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is a great entry-level option from Subaru’s line of sturdy and reliable vehicles, with prices beginning at $22,995. The 2024 version of this compact car was completely redesigned with consumers in mind, with a spacious hatchback style that comfortably seats five people. The Impreza is also designed for safety with its built-in responsive steering, reliable handling, and all-wheel drive.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has refined everything consumers loved about the first version. Priced at $23,610 for its base model, the car has a newly designed 8-inch touchscreen that gives drivers access to an intuitive infotainment system, including GPS and radio stations. Compared to similar subcompact SUVs, the Corolla Cross has a large cargo capacity, making it perfect for long weekend trips or a visit to Costco, and it has great average gas mileage of around 35 mpg. Feel easy driving in your neighborhood with the built-in pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact crossover SUV priced at $24,155 for the base model. It has a 6.5-inch touchscreen that pairs with Android or Apple devices, plenty of headroom and legroom, and safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.

2024 Honda HR-V

The 2024 Honda HR-V is among the most well-rounded and affordable subcompact SUVs. Costing as little as $24,600, the HR-V boasts a roomy interior that accommodates up to five people and plenty of additional cargo in the rear. This car is a great option for small families or people searching for a reliable vehicle for their daily commute. A multi-angle rearview camera and auto headlights are just a few of the features that make your car easier and safer to drive.

_{Featured Image Credit: miniseries/ iStock}