Affordable Excellence: 10 Best New Cars Under $25,000

Finding a brand-new car that blends style, modern features, and reliability without breaking the bank can feel like a challenge. You’re looking for great value, and the good news is you don’t have to settle. We’ve compiled a definitive list of the top 10 new cars with a starting price under $25,000 that prove you can have it all.

Top Picks for Style and Savings

Car prices can fluctuate, but the models on this list all have a base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) well under the $25,000 mark, giving you room for some options or just significant savings. Here are the best new vehicles that deliver outstanding value for your money.

1. Hyundai Elantra

Starting MSRP: Around $21,625

The Hyundai Elantra stands out with its bold, futuristic design that looks far more expensive than it is. Its sharp lines and aggressive front grille make a strong statement in the compact sedan class. But the Elantra is more than just a pretty face. The base SE trim comes standard with an impressive suite of safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. Inside, you get a modern cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Paired with excellent fuel economy of up to 37 MPG combined, the Elantra is a stylish and smart choice.

2. Kia Forte

Starting MSRP: Around $19,990

The Kia Forte has long been a leader in the value-packed sedan category. It offers a sleek, sporty design inspired by its more expensive sibling, the Stinger. For a starting price often under $20k, the Forte LX trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen, auto emergency braking technology, and lane-keeping assist. It’s a practical, efficient, and surprisingly fun-to-drive car that also comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing long-term peace of mind that few competitors can match.

3. Nissan Sentra

Starting MSRP: Around $20,890

The Nissan Sentra shed its boring reputation years ago and now boasts a sophisticated and athletic design. It feels more substantial and upscale than its price tag suggests. Every Sentra comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, a package that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, and High Beam Assist. The interior is a highlight, featuring high-quality materials, a comfortable ride, and Nissan’s famously comfortable “Zero Gravity” seats. It’s a refined and safe choice for daily commuting.

4. Subaru Impreza

Starting MSRP: Around $22,995

For those who live in areas with challenging weather, the Subaru Impreza is an unbeatable option in this price range. It is the only vehicle on this list that comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing superior traction and stability in rain, snow, or on rough roads. The recently redesigned Impreza is now a hatchback, offering excellent cargo versatility. It also includes Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, which bundles features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking.

5. Kia Soul

Starting MSRP: Around $20,190

The Kia Soul continues to defy categorization with its iconic boxy style, but that unique shape is its greatest strength. It provides an incredible amount of interior space for both passengers and cargo, feeling more like a small SUV than a compact car. The high seating position offers a commanding view of the road. The base LX model is well-equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen and a suite of standard safety features. If you need practicality, personality, and a great warranty, the Soul is a top contender.

6. Chevrolet Trax

Starting MSRP: Around $21,495

The completely redesigned Chevrolet Trax has become a game-changer in the affordable SUV segment. It’s larger than its predecessor, with a sharp, aggressive design that turns heads. The Trax offers best-in-class rear legroom and a generous amount of cargo space. The base LS trim is packed with features, including a standard 8-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Chevy Safety Assist package. It delivers the style and utility of an SUV for the price of a compact car.

7. Hyundai Venue

Starting MSRP: Around $19,900

The Hyundai Venue is a subcompact SUV perfect for city life. Its small footprint makes it incredibly easy to park and maneuver through tight streets, while its clever interior design maximizes space. The Venue’s charming, boxy styling gives it a fun and rugged personality. Like other Hyundai models, it comes loaded with standard tech, including an 8-inch touchscreen and numerous advanced safety features. It’s an ideal choice for buyers who want the high seating position and versatility of an SUV in a nimble and affordable package.

8. Nissan Kicks

Starting MSRP: Around $21,050

The Nissan Kicks is all about personality, practicality, and efficiency. This subcompact crossover stands out with its available two-tone color schemes and stylish design. It delivers exceptional fuel economy, getting up to 36 MPG on the highway. Inside, the Kicks is surprisingly spacious and comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and a robust set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking. For those seeking a stylish, fuel-sipping urban explorer, the Kicks is a fantastic option.

9. Buick Envista

Starting MSRP: Around $22,400

Bringing a premium feel to the entry-level market, the Buick Envista is a sleek, coupe-like crossover that doesn’t look like anything else in its price class. Its flowing lines and low-slung roof give it a sophisticated and sporty appearance. The interior is equally impressive, with a massive 11-inch infotainment screen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster coming standard. Despite its stylish roofline, it offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Envista proves you don’t need a huge budget to drive a vehicle that feels special.

10. Toyota Corolla

Starting MSRP: Around $22,050

The Toyota Corolla has built a legendary reputation for reliability and resale value, and the current model continues that legacy while adding modern style and technology. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system is one of the most comprehensive safety suites available, with features like a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The Corolla is comfortable, incredibly efficient, and built to last, making it one of the smartest and safest investments you can make in a new car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these prices the final amount I will pay? The prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the base model without any options or destination charges. Your final price will vary based on the trim level you choose, optional packages, dealer-installed accessories, taxes, and any dealer markups or discounts. Always get a detailed price breakdown from the dealership.

What are the most important features to look for in this price range? Focus on value. Look for standard advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Infotainment is also key; most cars on this list offer standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Finally, consider practical features like fuel economy and cargo space to ensure the car fits your lifestyle.

Is it better to buy a new car under $25,000 or a used car for the same price? This depends on your priorities. A new car offers a full factory warranty, the latest technology, and the peace of mind that comes with being the first owner. A used car at the same price point might be a larger or more luxurious model, but it will come with more miles, a shorter (or no) warranty, and potentially higher maintenance costs.