Best New Cars Under $25,000
These safe, fuel-efficient, and reliable choices offer good performance at a reasonable price
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.
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