Fast facts:
Only sixteen 2025 vehicles that start at less than $25k come recommended by the renowned auto experts at Consumer Reports. Toyota and Hyundai tied for most models on the list with three each. Only one 2025 hybrid car recommended by CR costs under $25k — the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which also has the best average fuel economy of any car on this list at 48 MPG. The cheapest model on this list by far is the Nissan Versa, which starts at just $17,190.
Anyone who has been thinking about purchasing a new vehicle lately has likely begun to tighten their timeline, given the looming impact of recently imposed tariffs on imported vehicles and vehicle parts.
And while the tariff situation does seem prone to frequent changes, it remains likely that the cost of most new cars will rise more quickly than it has in the past due to the ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and other nations.
For those looking to buy a reliable and relatively affordable new car before prices potentially skyrocket, options can be limited. After all, the average price of a new car was already an astounding $48,641 in March 2025, according to Car Edge.
And while $50k for a new car is out of reach for many, there are still new cars out there whose base models cost less than half that much.
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Not all lower-priced new cars are created equal, however. Some are more reliable, boast more robust safety features, use less fuel, and have better handling than others. These are all factors that Consumer Reports takes into account when its technicians evaluate new cars.
What is Consumer Reports & how does it evaluate vehicles?
Consumer Reports, founded in 1936, is a member-funded non-profit organization that purchases and tests vehicles and other big-ticket consumer products (like refrigerators, washing machines, and other expensive appliances). The org shares its findings with the public, providing unbiased information about product performance, safety, and reliability via its website.
CR maintains the unbiased nature of its reporting by buying each of the products it tests anonymously and at full price, just like any other consumer, and securing its funding only through membership fees, grants, and affiliate links on its website.
Related: Consumer Reports: The product-testing nonprofit explained
In addition to testing vehicles at its private automotive course in Connecticut, CR also surveys its millions of members annually about their experiences with their own vehicles, asking about any problems they encountered and any maintenance and repair costs they incurred.
Between its own testing and the information it gets from its members, CR assigns each model year of every vehicle an overall quality score that is only available to members. Some vehicles also receive a “CR Recommended” badge, indicating that, overall, the organization deems the car a good choice based on its high standards.
The best new cars (2025) for under $25,000 according to Consumer Reports
The vehicles listed below are 2025 models that start at less than $25,000 and come recommended by Consumer Reports, making them excellent choices for budget-oriented new car shoppers in the market for a solid new vehicle.
16 new cars made this list, only one of which is a hybrid. Hyundai and Toyota tied for most models on the list with three each.
The 2025 Buick Envista gets 29 MPG and starts at $23,000.
Buick Envista
Starting price: $23,800MPG: 29
The 2025 Chevy TrailBlazer gets an average 27 MPG and starts at $23,100.
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Starting price: $23,100MPG: 27
Related: The best new cars of 2025 according to Consumer Reports, KBB & Edmunds
Honda Civic
Starting price: $24,250MPG: 33
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra gets an average of 33 MPG and starts at $22,125.
Hyundai Elantra
Starting price: $22,125MPG: 33
Hyundai Kona
Starting price: $24,550MPG: 26
The 2025 Hyundai Venue gets an average of 32 MPG and starts at 20,200.
Hyundai Venue
Starting price: $20,200MPG: 32
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Kia Seltos
Starting price: $24,690MPG: 28
The 2025 Kia Soul gets an average of 28 MPG and starts at $20,490.
Kia Soul
Starting price: $20,490MPG: 28
Mazda 3
Starting price: $23,950MPG: 30
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 gets an average of 27 MPG and starts at $24,995.
Mazda CX-30
Starting price: $24,995MPG: 27
Nissan Sentra
Starting price: $21,590MPG: 32
The 2025 Nissan Versa gets an average of 32 MPG and starts at just $17,190, making it by far the cheapest new car that Consumer Reports recommends.
Nissan Versa
Starting price: $17,190MPG: 32
Related: The most popular new cars according to Consumer Reports
Subaru Impreza
Starting price: $23,610MPG: 29
The 2025 Toyota Corolla gets 36 MPG and starts at $22,325.
Toyota Corolla
Starting price: $22,325MPG: 36
Toyota Corolla Cross
Starting price: $24,135MPG: 28
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid gets an average of 48 MPG and starts at $22,325.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Starting price: $22,325MPG: 48
Related: 8 popular vehicles that are less reliable than you think, according to Consumer Reports
