The year 2025 marks the end of an era for budget cars costing less than $20,000. With the discontinuation of popular models like the Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, and the rumored end of the Nissan Versa, car shoppers are facing a new reality. Nissan recently announced that the Versa would continue for at least one more year, making it the only new car available for less than $20,000, including the destination fee.
The new era of budget cars offers improved features and technology compared to their predecessors, with prices now under $25,000. Inflationary pressure, corporate greed, and economic challenges have contributed to this shift in the market. Car shoppers are now paying an average of around $45,000 for a new car, down from a record high of over $49,000 in 2022.
The demand for compact cars has decreased significantly in recent years, with crossover SUVs dominating the market. Despite this trend, there is still a strong demand for affordable new cars. Budget cars have evolved to include advanced features such as touchscreen displays, smartphone compatibility, USB ports, and a range of safety features. The days of basic features like manual windows and AM radio are long gone, replaced by modern conveniences that come at a cost.
Here are some of the most affordable new cars available for 2025, all priced under $25,000:
1. 2025 Nissan Versa sedan ($18,330)
– Price range and trims: S ($18,330), SV ($21,630), SR ($22,330)
– Powertrain: 122-hp 1.6-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT
– Standard standout features: 35 mpg combined, standard safety features
2. 2025 Chevrolet Trax crossover ($21,495)
– Price range and trims: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, Activ; ranging from $21,495 to $25,395
– Powertrain: 137-hp 1.2-liter turbo-3 with a 6-speed automatic
– Standard standout features: 8.0-inch touchscreen, 17-inch wheels
3. 2025 Kia Soul hatchback ($21,665)
– Price range and trims: LX ($21,665), S, GT-Line, EX
– Powertrain: 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with a CVT
– Standard standout features: 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
4. 2025 Nissan Sentra sedan ($22,730)
– Price range and trims: S ($22,730), SV, SR
– Powertrain: 149-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a CVT
– Standard standout features: 7.0-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitors
5. 2025 Toyota Corolla sedan ($23,185) and hatchback ($24,640)
– Price range and trims: Sedan ranges from $23,185 to $28,285; Hatchback from $24,640 to $27,940
– Powertrain: 169-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with a CVT
– Standard standout features: 8.0-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control
6. 2025 Subaru Impreza ($24,655)
– Price range and trims: Base, Sport, RS
– Powertrain: 151-hp 2.0-liter flat-4 with a CVT and all-wheel drive
– Standard standout features: Standard AWD, safety features, rally-car fun
7. 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid sedan ($24,760)
– Price range and trims: LE ($24,760), SE, XLE
– Powertrain: 138-hp 1.8-liter inline-4 with two electric motors
– Standard standout features: Cheapest new hybrid, 53 mpg city, 46 highway, 50 combined
Despite the changing landscape of the automotive market, there are still plenty of affordable options for budget-conscious car shoppers in 2025. These new budget cars offer a blend of style, safety, and modern technology, making them a great value for consumers. The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new models hitting the market every year. In this article, we take a look at some of the latest offerings from top car manufacturers, including Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Buick.
First up, we have the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross crossover, with a starting price of $24,745. This versatile vehicle comes in three trims – L, LE, and XLE – and offers a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with a CVT. Standout features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. There is also an available hybrid option for those looking for increased fuel efficiency.
Next, we have the 2025 Kia K4 sedan, priced at $23,145. Formerly known as the Forte, the Kia K4 is available in five trims – LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. It is powered by a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with a CVT, while the GT-Line Turbo offers a more powerful 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine. Standout features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.
Moving on to the 2025 Nissan Kicks crossover, starting at $23,220. The redesigned Nissan Kicks comes in three trims – S, SV, and SR – with the option for all-wheel drive. It is equipped with a 141-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT. Standard features include two 7.0-inch screens, one USB-A port, and 2 years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta sedan is priced at $23,295 and comes in four trims – S, Sport, SE, and SEL, with a sportier GLI option. It is powered by a 158-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo-4 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Standout features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with two years of maintenance.
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra sedan starts at $24,000 for the base SE trim and goes up to $35,000 for the performance Elantra N. It is powered by a 141-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with the option for all-wheel drive. Standout features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, and an available hybrid option with 54 mpg.
Lastly, we have the 2025 Buick Envista crossover, starting at $24,490. Available in three trims – Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir – the Buick Envista features a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter turbo-3 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Standout features include an 11.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, active noise cancellation, and stylish design.
In conclusion, these new models offer a range of options for consumers looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle. Whether you prefer a crossover, sedan, or hybrid, there is something for everyone in the latest lineup of cars from top manufacturers.
