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There are no longer any sub-$15k new cars for sale in America, following the demise of recent models like the Chevrolet Spark. These days, anything under $20,000 is considered the absolute bottom end of the new car market. In this list, we’ve put together the best-rated new cars for 2024 in the $15k to $25k range. Fully electric vehicles are completely absent due to their higher prices, but one or two hybrids just about make the cut. Whether you are buying your first car, need something affordable for a newly licensed teenager, or simply want a new car that doesn’t cost the earth, these are your best options.

Honda Civic Hatchback

The Honda Civic was the right product at the right time when it was introduced in the 1970s. Its starting price of under $2,000 – at a time when the oil crisis hit America hard – ensured instant demand. It’s heartening to see that the 11th generation of this nameplate remains one of the best choices in its price bracket all this time later. For 2024, the base Civic Hatch just about makes it onto this list with its MSRP of $24,950. That gets you a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The CVT contributes to an EPA rating of 30/38/33 mpg city/highway/combined. It’s not fast, but the base Civic Hatch handles well, is solidly built, and comes with many driver-assistance features as standard.

Honda Civic Sedan

The Civic Sedan is slightly cheaper than its hatchback counterpart, starting at $23,950 for the base LX. It has the same 2.0L engine as the LX hatch, so performance and economy are comparable. Cargo space is less than in the hatch at 14.8 cubic feet, but the cheapest Civic Sedan still enjoys the standard Honda Sensing suite with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, and traffic sign recognition. More fun to drive than the Toyota Corolla, the Civic Sedan is an excellent choice in the sub-$25k category. Falling just outside our $25k cap is the Civic Sedan Sport at $25,550. It adds larger wheels, a better sound system, and paddle shifters for the CVT.

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Expert Opinion

“The Honda Civic is probably the benchmark of its class. It has always been among the best-driving vehicles in its class, and this one is no exception. They’ve improved the steering even more, and remember, this is not the Si or the Type R.”

Kia Soul

2024 Kia Soul

Base MSRP

$20,190

Fuel Economy

29/35 MPG

Horsepower

147 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

Although we lament the decision by Kia to drop the Soul’s turbocharged engine from the range (as of the 2023 model year), this is still a practical crossover with a lot of personality. Every Soul trim falls below our price cap of $25k: the LX at $20,190, the S at $22,690, the GT-Line at $23,790, and the EX at $24,490. All of them have a 2.0L four-pot making 147 hp, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The Kia Soul achieves up to 31 mpg combined and has as much as 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row. It’s decently equipped and isn’t a complete dullard to drive. However, the interior can get noisy at speed, a reminder of the car’s budget positioning.

Kia Seltos

2024 Kia Seltos

Base MSRP

$24,490

Fuel Economy

28/34/31 mpg (2.0L/FWD) | 27/31/29 mpg (2.0L/AWD) | 25/27/26 mpg (1.6T/AWD)

Horsepower

146 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

One step above the Soul in Kia’s extensive SUV range is the Seltos. Only the LX trim at $24,490 falls below our price cap, but the S ($25,090) and EX ($25,890) aren’t much more expensive. At 146 hp, the Seltos makes almost exactly as much power as the Soul, but the LX gets standard AWD. It’s not quick, taking a claimed 9.6 seconds to hit 60, but the handling is a bit better than the tall Soul. The LX misses out on features like front fog lamps, the digital gauge cluster, and a larger touchscreen, while a polyurethane-wrapped steering wheel makes it clear that this is the base model. The S and EX offer more value if you don’t need AWD.

Mazda CX-30

2024 Mazda CX-30

Base MSRP

$24,995

Fuel Economy

26/33 MPG

Horsepower

191-250 hp

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Gas

At $24,995, the base Mazda CX-30 2.5 S is the only trim of the SUV that falls below our price cap. It comes with a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 191 hp. A conventional six-speed automatic transmission is equipped. Overall, the CX-30 has a premium air about it that’s missing from most other cheaper cars. Standard features include a six-speaker sound system, an 8.8-inch center display, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The interior isn’t the most practical, but the materials are of a high standard.

Toyota Corolla Cross

Although we rate the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid as a better vehicle, its starting price is above our $25k cap. That leaves the gas-only Corolla Cross, which starts at $23,860 for the L trim, the only trim at under $25k. With only 169 hp and 151 lb-ft to play with, the Corolla Cross requires around nine seconds to find its way to 60 mph, and the four-cylinder mill doesn’t sound too happy when extended. This is a rational purchase, though, and the Corolla Cross rewards those not in any kind of hurry with a comfortable ride, good build quality, and up to 32 mpg combined. In L guise, you have to make do with steel wheels and plastic covers, along with manual air conditioning.

Hyundai Venue

One of the smallest crossovers on sale, the Venue is also one of the only new cars to dip below the $20k mark. The SE starts at $19,900 for 2024, followed by the SEL at $21,900 and the Limited at $23,150. A 121-hp 1.6-liter four-pot and a CVT guarantee that you won’t be spending much time in the left lane, and because the small engine has to work so hard, the 33-mpg highway rating is the same as that of the 191-hp Mazda CX-30, which is a 2.5L and has AWD. The Venue SE comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Wireless device charging and heated front seats are available higher up in the range.

Kia Forte

2024 Kia Forte

Base MSRP

$19,990

Fuel Economy

30/41 MPG

Horsepower

147 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

In the great sedan vs SUV debate, the Kia Forte again makes a strong case for sedans. At $19,990, it costs almost exactly as much as the base Hyundai Venue, yet offers more power (147 hp), better gas mileage (up to 39 mpg combined), and more shoulder room for three passengers in the back seat. For $24,690 (still within our price range), you can get the turbocharged Forte GT which makes 201 hp. Combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it delivers better performance than almost everything else on this list. Kia’s small sedan also looks the part, making it one of the nicest models you can buy in this price-sensitive section of the market.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The venerable Toyota Corolla is just as accomplished in hybrid guise, and it’s the ideal choice for the risk-averse shopper. Starting at $23,500, the Hybrid LE makes do with just 138 hp. The four-cylinder engine protests loudly as the Corolla Hybrid goes in search of any meaningful acceleration. The upside of this is remarkable efficiency, with up to 50 mpg combined for the FWD model, and up to 48 mpg combined with AWD. The rest is typical Corolla, which means an uninvolving but effortless driving experience, a sensibly designed interior, and the promise of above-average reliability.

Mazda 3 Sedan

2024 Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 S FWD

MSRP

$24,170

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Gas

Horsepower

191 hp

Unlike the Mazda 3 Hatchback, the base sedan is available at under $25k. The 2.5 S kicks off the range at $24,170, while the 2.5 S Select Sport goes for $24,690. Both have the same naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 191 hp. Although they don’t have the most desirable features available for the 3 Sedan, these cheaper trims are fun to drive, with responsive handling that sets it apart from the Corolla. The Mazda also uses elegant interior materials and is one of the segment’s more stylish options.

Related

Best Cars of 2024 from $35k to $45k

Best Of The Rest

Besides our top 10 choices, these are the other best cars for 2024 under $25k:

2024 Hyundai Elantra

Base MSRP

$21,625

Fuel Economy

32/41 MPG

Horsepower

147 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Buick Envista

Base MSRP

$22,400

Fuel Economy

28/32/30 mpg

Horsepower

137 hp

Engine

1.2-liter Turbo 3-cylinder Gas

2024 Honda HR-V

Base MSRP

$24,600

Fuel Economy

26/32 MPG

Horsepower

158 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

Base MSRP

$21,435

Fuel Economy

29/42 MPG

Horsepower

158 hp

Engine

1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Volkswagen Taos

Base MSRP

$23,995

Fuel Economy

28/36 MPG

Horsepower

158 hp

Engine

1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Subaru Legacy

Base MSRP

$24,895

Fuel Economy

27/35 MPG

Horsepower

182 hp

Engine

2.5L Flat 4 Gas

2024 Nissan Kicks

Base MSRP

$21,050

Fuel Economy

31/36 MPG

Horsepower

122 hp

Engine

1.6L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Hyundai Kona

Base MSRP

$24,250

Fuel Economy

30/35 MPG

Horsepower

147 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Base MSRP

$20,400

Fuel Economy

28/32 MPG

Horsepower

137 hp

Engine

1.2L Turbo 3 Cylinder Gas

2024 Nissan Sentra

Base MSRP

$20,890

Fuel Economy

30/40 MPG

Horsepower

149 hp

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Ford Maverick

Base MSRP

$23,815

Fuel Economy

23/30 MPG

Horsepower

250 hp

Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Chevrolet Malibu

Base MSRP

$24,700

Fuel Economy

27/35 MPG

Horsepower

163 hp

Engine

1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

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Characteristics Of New Cars Under $25,000

There are quite a few new cars under $25k in the US, and they come in different styles. That isn’t the only thing they have in common, though:

• They are cheap to buy and run
• They are generally on the small side and highly maneuverable
• They remain quite practical
• They include all the essential features
• They make use of mid-grade materials

What To Consider When Buying New Vehicles Under $25k

While the best way to save some money is to buy a used vehicle, there is a certain peace of mind that comes with owning a new car. Luckily, there are plenty of brand-new cars selling for under $25,000. But, when buying a budget car, you need to make some concessions. And, if you’re looking for something sporty, the days of there being sports cars or luxury cars available for under $25k are gone. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of cars in this price bracket.

What are the best cars for under $25k?

Most of these cars aim at being good commuters and everyday drivers, while a few try to keep family in mind, too. The Honda Civic Hatchback falls into the latter group, with plenty of space inside for people and cargo and a good list of standard features, though it borders very close to the price ceiling. The Kia Soul is cheaper, and while it supplies loads of trunk space, it isn’t as generous in the back seat. The Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Kona each deserve mention, too, as some of the best-selling sedan and SUV models, respectively.

Are cars under $25,000 reliable?

Most automakers respect that their cash-strapped consumers appreciate value, which is why they make absolutely sure that their cheap models are highly reliable. After all, these cars will likely be used on a daily basis for half a dozen years or more. And, if something does go wrong, repairs are usually quite cheap, too.

Are there any luxury cars for $25k?

You won’t find any new premium cars at this price, but you may be able to find an older model if you cruise the used dealerships or browse through the used car market.

How much do the cheapest new cars under $25k cost?

One or two models start at just above $15,000, including the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage.