If you’re looking for a cheap car in 2025, you’ve probably already realized how difficult it can be to find a decent car at a fair price. Many buyers are looking for more affordable options as new cars under $20,000 become harder to find and prices continue to rise.
Nonetheless, there are still many excellent, reasonably priced options available in the auto industry. Consumer Reports has picked the ten most cheap cars that will be available in 2025. All of these vehicles, from entry-level sedans to small crossovers and even some budget premium models, cost less than $25,000 each.
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Buick Envista
Price: $23,995
The Envista is among the best cheap cars in its class. This well priced Buick crossover comes with a sporty exterior, a luxurious interior, and a powerful drivetrain that generates 137 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine.
In terms of fuel consumption, this car can achieve up to 30 miles per gallon combined. The Buick Envista is a very attractive choice for buyers looking for luxury features without deviating from the affordable car market because of its 2025 starting price of just $23,995.
Hyundai Elantra
Price: $22,775
The Hyundai Elantra is a great choice in the cheap cars market despite not being as popular as the Honda civic or Toyota corolla. In terms of pricing, for a 2024 model its price starts at just $22,775. Fuel efficiency is also a key highlight, thanks to the Elantra Hybrid, which starts at just under $27,400. Under the hood the Elantra features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and gives you an impressive 54 miles per gallon combined
Hyundai Venue
Price: $21,295
The Hyundai Venue is one of just three SUVs on our list of the best cheap cars to by in 2025. One of the reasons is that it is among the most affordable crossovers on the market. It costs little about $21,295 for the 2024 model year.
Under the hood it comes with a basic 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 121 horsepower. In terms of fuel economy and consumption this car gives you upto 31 miles per gallon combined. The Venue is a good, reasonably priced SUV with lots of capacity, but there isn’t currently a hybrid version available.
Kia Forte
Price: $21,145
If you are in the market for cheap cars, the Forte is definitely worth your attention. With a starting price of just $21,145 for the 2025 model, it offers exceptional value. This compact sedan doesn’t just save you money upfront, it’s also impressively fuel-efficient. it delivers up to 41 miles per gallon on the highway. Affordable, efficient, and often underrated, the Kia Forte is a smart pick for budget-conscious drivers.
Mazda3
Price: $25,135
In the car market, the Mazda 3 is one car that offers an abundance of goodies and a strong personality and deserves to be in this list. First The Mazda3 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower as standard.
Also, A 250-hp four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive are also available when you upgrade to the Turbo variant, which is available in both body types. When it comes to pricing the Mazda 3 price starts at just $25,135 for the sedan and $26,135 for the hatchback.
Nissan Kicks
$21,340
The Nissan Kicks is a solid choice for anyone in the market for cheap cars that do not compromise reliability or efficiency. The Nissan Kicks price starts at around $22,000; it offers great value with dependable performance and low ownership costs.
Under the hood, it features a 1.6-liter engine that delivers up to 33 mpg combined, making it an excellent option for daily commutes and city driving. It has a spacious interior, modern safety features, and a strong reputation for reliability, the Kicks proves that affordability and practicality can go hand in hand.
Nissan Sentra
Price: $21,725
The Nissan Sentra stands out as one of the most reliable and fuel-efficient options in the cheap cars segment. Starting at just $21,590 for the 2025 model, it offers excellent value for budget-conscious drivers.
Under the hood, the Sentra features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a balanced performance with impressive fuel economy. The 2025 Sentra achieves up to 34 mpg combined (30 city/40 highway) for the S and SV trims. The SR trim offers 33 mpg combined.
In terms of reliability, the Sentra has earned recognition for its dependable performance and low maintenance costs. It was named one of Consumer Reports’ 2025 Top Picks, highlighting its comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
Subaru Impreza
Price: $24,085
The Subaru Impreza is One of the best all-around cheap cars on the market right. To justify that you can get on of this car at just under about $23,000. Under the hood, it features a has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 152 horsepower and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
This car provides a responsive and comfortable ride while Performance is not compromised by its fuel efficiency of up to 34 mpg on the freeway. It is perfect daily driver.
Toyota Corolla
Price: $23,145
The ever-dependable Toyota Corolla makes it into the top 10 on CR’s list of the best affordable vehicles of the year, coming in second only to the Honda Civic on the list of best-selling compact cars. And with good cause. With a regular four-cylinder engine, the base Corolla LE costs only $23,145. Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, can achieve up to 50 miles per gallon combined and are still reasonably priced at $24,760.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Price: $24,725
Toyota has a five-door Corolla Hatchback if you need space in the trunk for additional items but still want the same dependability and cost as the Corolla. The base SE model of the Corolla Hatchback, which has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, is priced at $24,725. A combined mileage of up to 33 mpg is achieved by the Corolla Hatchback.
