This article is part of a directory: Best Cars of 2024
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Not everyone can afford to blow tens of thousands of dollars on a new car, and luckily automakers are well aware of this. There are more than a few brands that accommodate mainstream savvy shoppers with a range of new cars under $25,000, perfect for those looking for a first car or buyers who simply want a hard-working runabout. While the price may be low, these cars aren’t all barebones and character-free. This is a list of the best new cars under $25,000 available in the USA for 2024.

2024 Honda Civic Hatchback
Base MSRP
$24,950
Fuel Economy
30/38 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2023 Honda Civic Sedan
Base MSRP
$23,750
Fuel Economy
31/40 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Kia Soul
Base MSRP
$20,190
Fuel Economy
29/35 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Kia Seltos
Base MSRP
$22,840
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
146 hp
2024 Mazda CX-30
Base MSRP
$24,995
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
191 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Base MSRP
$23,860
Fuel Economy
31/33 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2024 Hyundai Venue
Base MSRP
$19,900
Fuel Economy
29/33 MPG
Horsepower
121 hp
2024 Kia Forte
Base MSRP
$19,990
Fuel Economy
30/41 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Base MSRP
$23,500
Fuel Economy
53/46 MPG
Horsepower
138 hp
2023 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
Base MSRP
$20,295
Fuel Economy
24/31 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan
Base MSRP
$22,050
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Base MSRP
$23,505
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2023 Kia Rio
Base MSRP
$16,750
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
120 hp
2023 Kia Rio5
Base MSRP
$17,690
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
120 hp
2024 Hyundai Elantra
Base MSRP
$21,625
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Buick Envista
Base MSRP
$22,400
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
137 hp
2023 Honda HR-V
Base MSRP
$23,800
Fuel Economy
26/32 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Volkswagen Jetta
Base MSRP
$21,435
Fuel Economy
29/42 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Base MSRP
$23,995
Fuel Economy
28/36 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Subaru Legacy
Base MSRP
$24,895
Fuel Economy
27/35 MPG
Horsepower
182 hp
2024 Nissan Kicks
Base MSRP
$21,050
Fuel Economy
31/36 MPG
Horsepower
122 hp
2023 Mini Cooper Hardtop
Base MSRP
$23,400
Fuel Economy
27/37 MPG
Horsepower
134 hp
2024 Hyundai Kona
Base MSRP
$24,250
Fuel Economy
30/35 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2023 Subaru Impreza Sedan
Base MSRP
$19,795
Fuel Economy
23/31 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Base MSRP
$20,400
Fuel Economy
28/32 MPG
Horsepower
137 hp
2023 Nissan Versa Sedan
Base MSRP
$15,980
Fuel Economy
27/35 MPG
Horsepower
122 hp
2024 Nissan Sentra
Base MSRP
$20,890
Fuel Economy
30/40 MPG
Horsepower
149 hp
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Base MSRP
$23,100
Fuel Economy
29/31 MPG
Horsepower
137 hp
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Base MSRP
$17,245
Fuel Economy
35/41 MPG
Horsepower
78 hp
2024 Ford Maverick
Base MSRP
$23,815
Fuel Economy
23/30 MPG
Horsepower
250 hp
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
Base MSRP
$16,695
Fuel Economy
36/43 MPG
Horsepower
78 hp
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Base MSRP
$22,995
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
148 hp
2024 Chevrolet Malibu
Base MSRP
$24,700
Fuel Economy
27/35 MPG
Horsepower
163 hp

Characteristics of New Cars Under $25,000

There are quite a few new cars under $25k in the US, and they come in different styles. That isn’t the only thing they have in common, though:

What to Consider When Buying New Vehicles Under $25k

While the best way to save some money is to buy a used vehicle, there is a certain peace of mind that comes with owning a new car. Luckily, there are plenty of brand-new cars selling for under $25,000. But, when buying a budget car, you need to make some concessions:

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What are the best cars for under $25k?

Most of these cars aim at being good commuters and everyday drivers, while a few try to keep family in mind, too. The Honda Civic Hatchback falls into the latter group, with plenty of space inside for people and cargo and a good list of standard features, though it borders very close to the price ceiling. The Kia Soul is cheaper, and while it supplies loads of trunk space, it isn’t as generous in the back seat. The Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Kona each deserve mention, too, as some of the best-selling sedan and SUV models, respectively.

Are cars under $25,000 reliable?

Most automakers respect that their cash-strapped consumers appreciate value, which is why they make absolutely sure that their cheap models are highly reliable. After all, these cars will likely be used on a daily basis for half a dozen years or more. And, if something does go wrong, repairs are usually quite cheap, too.

Are there any luxury cars for $25k?

You won’t find any new premium cars at this price, but you may be able to find an older model if you cruise the used dealerships or browse through the used car market.

How much do the cheapest new cars under $25k cost?

Several models start at just above $15,000, including the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage, but the Subaru Impreza, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Forte all border at the $20k mark. Some of the best models will cost you a little more than this, though, including the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra. At the top end of the range are the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda Civic Hatchback. And, if you are looking for a cheap sports car, the Chevy Camaro Coupe just barely qualifies for this pricing category.