Top 6 Affordable New Cars in 2025

Modern bargains

In 2025, the search for an affordable new car is no longer just about finding the cheapest hunk of metal you can find—it’s about getting a great combination of value, style, reliability, standard features, and comfort. With rising vehicle prices, inflation concerns, and the continued shift toward electric and hybrid options, automakers are doubling down on efficiency, safety, and tech, even in their most budget-friendly models. The good news is that you can find a great car for not much money, and you can put fears of manual windows, crappy seats, ugly styling, and an empty feature set to rest. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a commuter looking for economy, or someone who simply wants solid transportation without breaking the bank, these six cars represent the best affordable new vehicles in 2025.

2025 Honda Civic – Starting at $24,250

We’ve written about the current Honda Civic a lot lately, and for good reason. It’s attractive, comfortable, and a blast to drive, even though it’s not the quickest in its base gas form. The Civic combines reliability, sportiness, attractive styling, efficiency, and safety in a truly affordable package. There isn’t a car that’s as well-rounded as the Civic at this price.

The front-wheel-drive Civic, available in sedan ($24,250) and hatchback ($27,250) configurations, has gas and hybrid powertrains: a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful hybrid that pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for 200 horsepower and an impressive 0-60 sprint in 6.2 seconds. That’s quicker than the sporty Civic Si by a smidge, but it comes with tremendous efficiency, too, with an EPA estimated 49 mpg combined.

Highlights:

• Attractive styling inside and out

• Excellent fuel economy, hybrid options

• Standard Honda Sensing safety suite

Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Civic undercuts the average new car purchase of nearly $50k. Thanks to its excellent driving dynamics and ergonomics, it feels like a more expensive car. It is also one of the most reliable nameplates on the market, great for long-term ownership or resale.

2025 Toyota Corolla – Starting at $22,325

The Corolla name might not get your blood flowing, but it will appeal to your sensibilities when it comes to reliability, efficiency, safety, and comfort. The Toyota Corolla remains a pillar of practicality, too. For 2025, it upholds its well-earned reputation for durability, simplicity, and value, whether you choose the sedan or the sportier-looking hatchback.

There’s also a hybrid sedan option available with all-wheel drive—a feature not offered by its rivals—and one that provides surefootedness when the weather gets dicey, something we can appreciate. The standard gas engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 horsepower, paired with a CVT that drives the front wheels. Although we lament the manual transmission once offered in the hatchback, the system is smooth and efficient. The hybrid powertrain is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack for a combined output of 138 horsepower. In some FWD trims, the Corolla Hybrid provides up to 50 mpg in combined driving, and even AWD trims can get up to 48 mpg combined. Learn more here.

Highlights:

• 1.8L 4-cylinder engine or hybrid option

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all trims

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

• Impressive fuel economy: up to 50+ mpg with hybrid

Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Corolla’s reliability is legendary, and its hybrid model is one of the most affordable ways to get excellent gas mileage without the price tag of a dedicated EV. On top of that, you can choose between two distinct body styles, and they both look great.

Hyundai Elantra – Starting at $21,125

The Elantra might not get the same sales figures as the Corolla or the Civic, but it’s still a worthy candidate for one of the best buys of 2025. Hyundai’s Elantra offers edgy design inside and out, a smooth ride, and loads of value. The 2025 model receives subtle styling updates while remaining one of the most tech-forward cars in its class. It’s available in gasoline, hybrid, and high-performance N trims, so you can pick the right flavor that works for your needs/desires.

You can choose trims powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to a CVT, good for 147 horsepower, and a 1.6-liter turbo four that delivers 201 horsepower with a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission. The hybrid version gets as much as 54 mpg in combined driving, better than both the Corolla Hybrid and the Civic Hybrid. Standard equipment includes LED projector headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection that can apply the brakes in an emergency. The Elantra is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick, so it also offers peace of mind. Learn more here.

Highlights:

• 2.0L 4-cylinder gas engine, 1.6-liter turbo option, excellent hybrid choices

• Standard driver assistance suite with forward collision avoidance

• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless connectivity

Why It’s a Top Pick:
With its aggressive styling, long warranty (10 years/100,000 miles powertrain), and loads of standard features, the Elantra punches above its price class.

2025 Kia K4 – Starting at $21,990

We’re starting to see the Kia Forte’s futuristic replacement everywhere, and for good reason. The 2025 Kia K4 is a bold, tech-packed compact sedan that brings serious style to the segment. Drawing design cues from its electric sibling, the EV9 SUV, the K4 boasts a striking exterior and a surprisingly spacious, upscale cabin that redefines what an economy sedan can look and feel like.

Under the hood, it features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower paired with a smooth CVT, but you can also choose a 190-horsepower turbo four for improved performance. Unlike the Corolla and the Civic, the K4 does not currently offer a hybrid option. What the K4 does offer are excellent fuel numbers from its base gas engine, the most rear legroom in its class, and top-tier in-car tech with a big 12.3-inch hi-res infotainment screen. Learn more here.

Highlights:

• Modern and edgy styling for a low price of entry

• Fuel economy: up to 40 mpg highway with base engine

• 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Automatic emergency braking

• The upcoming hatchback version looks fantastic

Why It’s a Top Pick:
The all-new Kia K4 sedan impresses with its combination of modern technology, spaciousness, and safety features, all at an affordable price point with styling befitting a more expensive sedan.

2025 Nissan Versa – Starting at $17,190

This is one you should jump on while you can because the 2025 Nissan Versa won’t be around for much longer. The cost undercuts every other choice in this set by a significant amount. Despite its low price, the 2025 Versa offers sporty looks, great fuel economy, and a comfortable ride. Under the hood is a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine with somewhat sluggish acceleration but an impressive 40 mpg in combined driving.

The top-tier Versa SR is the best choice in the lineup. While it’s the priciest trim, its wealth of standard features makes it a worthwhile upgrade. Both the SR and the more affordable SV include an automatic transmission and infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the SR stands out with 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, passive keyless entry, and remote start. If you’re in a colder climate, the optional Convenience Package—with heated front seats—is a smart addition. Learn more here.

Highlights:

• The least expensive car made today

• Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning

• Compact dimensions make it great for tight parking spots

Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Versa is proof that affordability doesn’t have to look cheap. It’s ideal for students, city drivers, and anyone who wants a reliable ride on a tight budget. Even the top trim SR is seriously attainable.

2025 Chevrolet Trax – Starting at $21,500

Who would’ve thought the affordable Trax would be one of the best vehicles on the market right now? The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is downright handsome for its asking price, and it deserves a spot on this list. It’s significantly improved from its predecessor, with bold styling, more space, and an impressive feature set—all while maintaining an ultra-affordable price.

It boasts a surprisingly refined design and sharp, responsive steering that makes it enjoyable to drive—even with its modest 137-horsepower 3-cylinder engine. Opting for the mid-level LT trim adds impressive standard features like 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, an 11-inch infotainment display, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone integration, remote start, and automatic climate control. Learn more here.

Highlights:

• Sporty and refined exterior styling

• Superb steering and handling for not much money

• Standard 11-inch infotainment touchscreen

• Roomy interior and generous cargo space for the class

• Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Trax offers sleek SUV styling and real-world practicality at a compact-car price. For buyers who want the look and utility of a crossover without breaking the bank, the Trax delivers big value. It’s also one of the best driving vehicles here.

Final thoughts

The 2025 market proves you can still find solid, affordable new cars with the right mix of comfort, safety, and tech, without overspending. These six models show you can do more with less, and there’s minimal compromise to be had.  Whether you want compact efficiency, entry-level hybrid tech, or even small SUV practicality, there’s a budget-friendly new vehicle to meet your needs.

As always, it’s important to look beyond just the sticker price. When choosing your next vehicle, consider fuel economy, warranty coverage, standard equipment, and long-term reliability. The cars on this list offer some of the best combinations of those factors, and they show that affordability in 2025 doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or features.