Best New Cars You Can Buy Under $25,000

Most Reliable New Cars to Match Your Budget

Looking for a new car that is safe, fuel-efficient, and reliable with good performance…and at a reasonable price? If so, then you will want to pay attention to the latest recommendation by Consumer Reports’ analysts on six new cars they found to be the best bet for shoppers wanting a new car well within an affordable budget of $25,000 or less.

Related article: Consumer Reports Top Choices for Best SUVs Under $40,000

According to CR analysts, despite the fact that the Kelly Blue Book reports that the average price of a new car was over $48,275 in April 2023, “…there are still many safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient models available for $25,000 or less.”

Help with Your New Car Search

At that price, this means that your choices are typically limited to several makes and models of compact sedans and hatchbacks. In addition, CR analysts note that it can be difficult to discern one model over another within these categories as “many look strikingly similar.”

Related article: Consumer Reports Popular Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

The good news is that CR car experts have done the work for you and separated the wheat from the chaff amongst new car choices based not only on price, but on CR’s Overall Scores that show where significant differences can be found between the makes and models available.

Related article: Best Hybrid Cars for Under $35,000 Per Consumer Reports Advice

Keep in mind that while checking the lots you may find some of the listed models at around $30,000 that is due to added options such as so-called “protection packages” you may or may not want to pay extra for.

Related article: Tricks Some Car Dealerships Use to Con Customers

That said, here is a summary of their list to help narrow down your choices.

BEST NEW CARS UNDER $25,000

Toyota Corolla 2023
Price Range: $21,700 - $27,425
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
#2 of 12 Small sedans

Mazda 3 2023
Price Range: $22,550 - $35,300
CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg
#5 of 12 Small sedans

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $24,550 - $29,150
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg
#6 of 12 Small sedans

Volkswagen Jetta 2023
Price Range: $20,655 - $28,385
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 21 / Hwy 54 mpg
#7 of 12 Small sedans

Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2023
Price Range: $23,155 - $26,580
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
#3 of 10 Small hatchbacks

Nissan Kicks 2023
Price Range: $20,440 - $23,000
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 24 / Hwy 40 mpg
#4 of 10 Small hatchbacks

And finally…

For a more detailed breakdown of each listed car to get the full picture of their pluses and minuses, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

For additional articles about new car shopping, here are a few recommendations for your consideration:

• Beat Dealerships at Their Own Game with This Car Contract Loophole

• Consumer Reports Recommends This Important Negotiation Point to Focus on When Buying a New Car

• Toyota Dealership Insiders Reveal Tips, Tricks and Red Flags When Buying a New or Used Car

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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