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    Best New Cars Under $25,000

    These safe, fuel-efficient, and reliable choices offer good performance at a reasonable price

    2025 Nissan Sentra
    2025 Nissan Sentra
    Photo: Nissan

    The expanding SUV market is one factor in the rise of the average transaction price of a new vehicle, which was $48,699 in April 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. Fortunately, a number of automakers still offer sedans and hatchbacks for $25,000 or less. But to find a safe and reliable model, you should dig into the data to see how they perform in Consumer Reports’ tests and owner surveys.

    To help you make a smart and informed purchase decision, we present the best compact cars and hatchbacks under $25,000 based on CR’s Overall Scores. Every model is recommended and well-equipped at this price, although several can be optioned up to $30,000 and beyond.

    More on Cars

    Be aware that Overall Scores change over time as new information, such as reliability data, becomes available. The model pages always reflect our latest ratings.

    Most of these come with standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection and AEB that operates at highway speeds. Blind spot warning (BSW) and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) either come standard on these models or as an option that doesn’t push the price above $25,000 before the destination charge, taxes, and fees. That’s why a few models that aren’t here will be on our Best New Cars and SUVs for Under $30,000 list.

    This article and the list below are already available to CR members. But if you haven’t signed up, click below and become a member to access the list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

    If you’re a used-car shopper, you can click through to the model pages for information on these vehicles from older model years. Consumer Reports members can also search our Used Car Marketplace for vehicles for sale in their area, sorting by the factors that matter the most. The listings include CR reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, and most vehicles include a free Carfax report.

    Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road tests.

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


    Jon Linkov

    Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.