28 Best Cars Under $25,000

Cars Techie is supported by readers. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Have the money but got no idea on which extraordinary car to buy?

Whatever the need be, the car has to suit your lifestyle and also solve the purpose of owning a quality car.

There are lots of these impressive cars out there that offer so many features packaged very well for which you will not have to put efforts neither break the bank.

We have just the right information for the top-notch best cars under $25,000 that will not burn your pockets. There are myriad of excellent and reasonably priced choices when it comes to buying a car.

The list of top 28 best cars under $25,000 below comprises of cars that are compact, midsize, small, sedan and even sports or SUVs.

Here is a list of the best cars that you can afford to buy.

1. Kia Soul (MSRP: $16,100)

Best Cars Under 25000

Image Credit: KBB

The Kia Soul is the best small car under $25,000 dollars. It is a compact car for family of four or five people.

It has roomy seats, spacious cargo area, turbo charged engine and comes with unique safety features that scores among the best cars in the US. It is the best sedan under 25k that is affordable and has impressive features too.

2. Mazda 3 Sedan (MSRP: $21,140)

Best Cars Under 25000

Image Credit: paultan

One of the top performers, Mazda 3 sedan is a dynamic car that has impressive fuel economy, outstanding safety ratings and dynamic driving capabilities. It offers a greater cargo capacity and more rear seat space too.

3. Chevrolet Malibu (MSRP: $21,680)

Best Cars Under 25000

Image Credit: autosdrive

Malibu is undeniably one of the best and new cars under 25k. It has even won the best midsize car award. The Malibu has comfortable interiors, intuitive infotainment, spacious rear seats and plenty of cargo space.

On reliability scores it is an excellently safe car.

However, it offers very limited standard features as compared to other cars available in price range lesser than $25,000.

4. Subaru Impreza (MSRP: $19,200)

Best Cars Under 25000

Image Credit: motortrend

If you are hunting for the best sedan under 25k, nothing is as good as the Subaru Impreza. The 2.0-liter engine gives out 152 hp and handles the car very well.

Impreza’s interiors have been refurbished and now comprises of upscale controls and better infotainment system. The rear seats offer comfort and decent seating room for adults. On the exterior it is a bit longer and wider.

5. Hyundai Sonata (MSRP: $21,600)

Best Cars Under 25000

Image Credit: edmunds

The Sonata is a sedan car that provides a comfortable ride and has an excellent fuel economy.

It has the best features that include a standard 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

This model features genesis-inspired 185 hp 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine that comes with a standard six-speed automatic gear box.

Hyundai has made available a 178-hp 1.6-liter Eco model with a seven-speed automatic gear box as well.

6. Honda Fit (MSRP: $16,090)

Best Cars Under $25000

Image Credit: digitaltrends

A mid-sized sedan that is considered as the best buy of this year, the Honda Fit has smaller footprints but offers spacious cargo options.

It has an impressive safety score, upscale interiors and versatile design.

It also has an amazing flexible interior, a proficient power train, and affordable pricing that makes it a good recommendation.

7. Volkswagen GTI (MSRP: $24,995)

Best Small Car Under 25000

Image Credit: GTspirit

This car really scores well due to its peppy acceleration and nimble handling. Compelling cargo capacity, comfy seats and excellent anti-crash test earns it a reliability score.

It is the most expensive vehicle in this list but an affordable one as it comes across as the best sedan car under 25k.

Also Read: 18 Good Looking and Safest Cars for Teenage Girls

8. Honda Accord (MSRP: $22,455)

Best Small Car Under 25000

Image Credit: Car and Driver

Some of its best features include low price, good safety features, outstanding fuel economy, and comfortable quality ride.

It may not be lauded for its sporty performance, but the engines provide for adequate power during any kind of driving. It is available in two options, one as a two-door coupe and second as a four-door sedan.

The 2.4 litres engine comes with the standard 185-hp four-cylinder and is available with a six-speed manual. The sport and sport special edition of the sedans adds up to 4 horsepower.

The other host of features include 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes, side sills, and a rear lip spoiler. A 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine is available on the Accord EX-L model.

9. Toyota Camry (MSRP: $23,070)

Best Small Car Under 25000

Image Credit: CarsGuide

A sedan that has a history of reliability and excellent safety features. The interiors are of superfine quality and a very tall person will also find plenty of space in the rear seat.

The Toyota Camry offers enjoyable power trains, and enough flavors to suit any palate. There are gamuts of choices that run from bare basics models to almost luxury versions.

For those who are environmentally conscious, there is a hybrid power train available. This Camry model has 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine which makes it powerful and praiseworthy.

10. Mazda6 (MSRP: $21,945)

Best Small Car Under 25000

Image Credit: edmunds

Mazda6 is the car for those who seek driving dynamics and agile handling.

It will definitely be a smooth and comfy ride as it returns impressive fuel economy. It even has an attractive cabin that offers adequate space and comfort to passengers.

The model offers standard 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system.

11. SCION XB Base (MSRP price range: $16,970 – $20,420)

New Cars Under 25k

Image Credit: consumerguide

Toyota Scion is one of the most reliable and the. It has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers good performance.

The car is capable enough to provide a good mileage of 10.8L/100km in the city limits while on the highway it delivers 8.5L/100 km. It provides 158 horsepower at 6000 RPM.

12. Mini Cooper Clubman (MSRP: $24,950)

New Cars Under 25k

Image Credit: autoweek

The sportiest car of all, Mini Cooper Clubman is the best sports car that you can buy under $25k. It gives you a classy 134 horsepower and comprises of 1.5 litre turbo engine.

It comes with 6 speed manual gear box. The interiors are designed in a suave style that gives you a feel of flamboyant ambience. Clubman gives you great cargo space of up to 48 cubic feet.

13. Volkswagen Passat 1.8T (MSRP: $21,120)

New Cars Under 25k

Image Credit: NetCarShow

The reliable Passat is a strong car and has delivered best performance in the last 2 years. The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is capable enough to deliver more power and best efficiency. It is a family sedan that has excellent passenger and trunk space.

14. Honda CR-V (MSRP: $24,045)

New Cars Under 25k

Image Credit: CNET

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that offers flexible space for passengers and cargo. It also scores well on safety and fuel economy.

The base model of Honda CR-V has 184-horsepower four-cylinder engine. This model is frugally tailor made and redefined for better drive.

It is more stylish, more spacious and technically it is an advanced version of its peers.

CR-V now offers a better and redesigned turbocharged engine. It also includes enhanced cruise control. On the interiors it is more voluminous, the new edition includes a soft-touch dashboard and delicately sewed seats.

The infotainment features have also been revised and the CR-V now comes with an Apple CarPlay and Android auto system.

There is also an option of a dual USB for those who will be seated in the rear.

Also Read: 25 Most Comfortable Cars for Seniors

15. Ford Escape (MSRP: $23,750)

New Cars Under 25k

Image Credit: youtube

The Ford Escape is one of the top SUVs under 25k. It is a total package that offers solid value on nimble handling, excellent performance, and updated interiors and lots of add on features.

The price $23,750 is for the base Escape S trim. Escape now comes with an attractive cabin and the interiors feel more aristocratic than other rivals available in the market.

It now comes with 34 cubic feet of cargo space which means there is enough to pack a kit for a trip to the beach or camping. Upon folding down the rear seats, Escape’s space is enhanced to 70 cubic per feet.

16. Hyundai Tucson (MSRP: $22,700)

Top SUVs Under 25k

Image Credit: Carscoops

For a decent price of $22,700, the Tucson provides a spacious cabin with comfy back seats.

The base model has stain-resistant fabric on the seats, a rear view camera, and a 5-inch touch-screen infotainment system.

The styling of Tucson is modern and resembles with Hyundai’s Santa Fe. The huge hexagonal front grill is bordered with swept back headlamps.

The dashboard has add-on features such as the touch screen display at the centre with steer-mounted audio controls. It gets USB, AUX, Bluetooth connectivity along with GPS navigation as well.

The safety features are also enhanced as the, dual front airbags come with ABS and EBD and includes six airbags. The Tucson comes with both petrol and diesel engines.

The 2.0-litre four cylinder engine powered by turbo diesel gives out 182bhp of power.

17. Chevrolet Equinox (MSRP: $23,580)

Top SUVs Under 25k

Image Credit: gmauthority

The Chevy Equinox has been redesigned completely and hence it is one of the top SUVs under 25k. Chevrolet Equinox includes infotainment system supported by both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and even a 4G LTE data connection.

The quiet, practical cabin makes Equinox a reliable car and the well-tuned chassis makes it a desirable car.

The 170-hp 1.5-liter engine and the 137-hp 1.6-liter diesel engine come with a six-speed automatic gear box, and the gutsy 252-hp 2.0-liter engine has a nine-speed gear box.

The infotainment features are also enhanced. Additional active safety features, such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are also present in the Equinox model.

18. GMC Terrain (MSRP: $24,070)

Top SUVs Under 25k

Image Credit: Autoblog

The GMC Terrain is a spot on compact SUV and scores high on the strength of its top-notch reliability, comfortable seats, and upscale interior design.

The Terrain is now very quiet and a comfortable drive. It offers enjoyable driving dynamics that are an added surprise.

The Terrain includes three turbocharged straight-four 1.5-liter engine which provides 170 horsepower. The 252-hp 2.0-liter engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic gear box. The 137-hp diesel 1.6-liter engine gets a six-speed unit.

19. Honda HR-V (MSRP: $19,465)

Top SUVs Under 25k

Image Credit: Chasing Cars

The Honda HR-V has spacious interior and is known for its cargo-hauling configuration. It currently holds the top spot in US automobiles ranking as the best sub-compact SUV in the segment.

The EX-L navi model of the Honda HR–V pushes the prices above 25k. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine offers excellent fuel-economy which is the top of its class.

It has a front-wheel-drive CVT model that achieves a combined rating of 31 mpg. The HR-V returns 30 mpg which is 1 mpg below its EPA highway rating.

20. Buick Encore (MSRP: $22,990)

Top SUVs Under 25k

Image Credit: autobytel

The Encore fills in the gap between a high-end luxury and a mainstream SUV car making it a good option as luxury car less than 25k.

Encore is a top-end car that has good predicted reliability which is not the case with the other cars in competition with it.

21. Jeep Renegade (MSRP: $17,995)

Luxury Car Under 25k

Image Credit: Vehicle History

The Jeep Renegade is quite a match to its peers. The fuel economy and benchmark feature list is the best as compared to its many rivals.

The Renegade is a fun-to-drive vibe on the road. Its Trail hawk model is the only tiny SUV from its makers.

The advanced technology package includes lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and park-assist systems as an optional add on. It has a 2.4 litre engine that comes with automatic transmissions.

Also Read: How to Remove Water Spots from Car

22. Nissan Versa Note SV (MSRP: $16,380)

Luxury Car Under 25k

Image Credit: motortrend

Nissan’s versa note SV is wide in capacity and comfortable on the inside. It offers exceptional reliability, roomy back seat, ease of use, excellent mileage of 31 mpg and broad comfortable seats.

It has a new V-shaped grille that brings more style to this hatchback. The new add-on to the interiors is the larger cup holders and an additional 12-volt outlet and re-positioned USB ports for ease of access.

The surplus and huge back seat; superior gas saving, attractive styling, low base price and the versatile cargo area make the Versa Note SV a desirable car.

23. Honda Civic LX (MSRP: $18,640)

Luxury Car Under 25k

Image Credit: youtube

A sleek and a sophisticated sedan, the Honda civic lx cannot disappoint any buyer.

It has a quick-shifting 6-speed manual gear box and an angular body. On the interiors you will find the most sophisticated upholstery.

The base model in LX includes anti-lock brakes, power windows, remote keyless entry and power-adjustable mirrors.

The infotainment system has a 160-watt CD/MP3 stereo that comes with Bluetooth. The Coupe model offers an additional trim level.

The LX-P has a sunroof and keyless ignition to the LX model. The EX model adds 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, an upgraded 8-speaker stereo.

It also has a lane watch blind spot monitoring as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart phone integration.

24. Fiat 500 Abarth (MSRP: $19,995)

Luxury Car Under 25k

Image Credit: autosdrive

Abarth from Fiat has an unmatched performance-tuned suspension. This small car is targeted at people who would want to accomplish errands that would usually be done using a bike or a motorcycle.

This is an adorable car because even the modest, 101-hp base 500 looks cute and offers a high-performance.

It is available in both coupe and cabriolet also called the 500C styles. The Abarth now has lowered suspension, upgraded wheels, and bigger front brakes and at least 50 percent more rumble than the base car.

It has a single turbocharger Fiat 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine that comes with standard five-speed manual gearbox. The engine is capable enough to produce 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft torque.

It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds. The Abarth is not as quick as its rivals but has a tactile steer, stronger brakes, bolstered sport seats, and an excellent exhaust note.

25. Ford Fiesta ST (MSRP: $20,970)

Sports Cars Under 25k

Image Credit: CarMagazine

A well-packaged car that has 26/33 mpg city/hwy and 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

It is a hatchback car which can seat 5 passengers and has 4 doors. It is one of the best small car under $25,000.

The 1.6-liter engine makes 197 hp and pairs to a six-speed manual gear box. A 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system is standard and the navigation is optional.

26. Jeep Wrangler Sport (MSRP: $23,995)

Best Cars Under $25000

Image Credit: edmunds

The jeep wrangler comes across as the best sports car under 25k. It has an easy torque, good off-roading and comes with choices on cabins.

It is a four-wheel drive that has 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed manual gear box. A five-speed automatic gear box comes optional.

27. Nissan Rogue (Priced at $23,820)

Best Cars Under $25000

Image Credit: autobytel

As the name suggests, Nissan rogue is actually a solid and middle-of the-road vehicle. It has upscale finishes, large cargo area, innovative storage system, excellent fuel economy and classy interiors. It is considered as one of the top SUVs under 25k. The Rogue can easily seat five to seven people.

Also Read: 21 Top Luxury Hybrid Cars

28. Toyota RAV4 (Priced at $24,410)

Best Cars Under $25000

Image Credit: motortrend

RAV4 is one of the best compact SUVs from Toyota. The SUV has unmatched and impressive list of great features.

The spacious cabin and impressive safety features are worth a try. This edition of RAV4 includes a host of safety tools such as the feature called safety sense P that has attributes like it gives a warning on collision from the front.

It also assists in alerting when the lane has been changed. It also has adaptive speed control and mechanical high-beam headlights.

If you are tight on budget then this list is going to be very helpful and will impact your buying decision. You do not have to be super rich or have fortunes to get you the most reliable, safe and a good vehicle that fulfills all your requirements.

The exhaustive list of best cars under $25,000 is right in front of your eyes; every model listed here is unique and is recommended after a thorough research.

These days cars are becoming increasingly expensive, the average price of a new car is hovering in the range of $25,000 – $30,000. The list above has been worked out keeping in mind a budget that will suit everyone’s pocket.

Leave a Comment