Looking For the Ultimate Budget Ride? These are the 8 Best Cars Under $25,000
Not long ago, we shared the most affordable SUVs and trucks (yes, there was one truck!) under $27,000. With the popularity of SUVs, this is a sizable group—15 of the best cars, offering a nice array of options, upgraded materials, and touchscreen multimedia systems. But is it possible to get all that for even less? Well, we have good news: Yes, it is!
The not-so-good news is that it’s a shorter list; not only are carmakers paring back their sedan business, but those that still build sedans sell fewer of them these days.
But really, that’s a sliver lining for sedan shoppers; sedans tend to offer more features and upgrades for less money than an SUV. These are our 8 favorite sedans that start at under $25K, that can add a few additions and upgrades and come in well under $30K.
Buckle up and enjoy!
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
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The Subaru Impreza is a Fantastic Value for Any Driver
Subarus have always been a great value for the money, but the Subaru Impreza, in particular, is incredibly hard to beat. Unlike the other cars we’ll list here, the Impreza comes standard with AWD, and every model—including the $23,610 base trim—comes with Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight tri-camera safety system (it can even see pedestrians at night no matter what they’re wearing).
Incredibly, even at the top of the line, it’s still under $30,000, with the RS trim starting at $29,670. The little but mighty car is easy to see out of, easy to drive, and even easier to love. It’s great for teen drivers, college students, or first-time buyers. The Impreza is one of the best cars for commuters, with EPA estimates of 34 mph on the highway and 27 combined—and that’s with AWD!
READ MORE: 2024 Subaru Impreza RS: a Great Reminder that You Like Cars
The Kia K4 Will Help You Look Great While Saving
If you want something a little bigger than the Impreza for less, the Kia K4 should be on your shopping list. It replaces the Kia Forte, which had a starting price of $19,990. Not only is the upgraded Kia K4 a looker, but the starting price is well below the mark at $21,990. Even the GT-Line, or the most “expensive” trim, starts at $25,190, making it arguably one of the best cars for sedan fans.
At that price, it’s hard to believe it has a 12.3-inch touch screen and a turbocharged engine that generates almost 200 horsepower. However, if you’re looking for a sedan that can handle rough winters, the K4 might not be for you. Kia doesn’t offer AWD as an add-on. Even with a turbo, though, the K4 earns around 30 mpg in the city, 40 on the highway, 34 combined, so buyers save at the pump, too.
But it should be noted that a great set of winter tires makes all the difference.
The Kia K4 is also great for a first-time car buyer, someone looking to build up their credit, or someone who wants to upgrade to a bigger, family-friendly car without going into the negatives.
READ MORE: The New 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line is a Breath of Fresh Air
The Hyundai Elantra Is a Great Budget-Friendly Sedan, Too
Hyundai, the parent company of Kia, makes a stunning, technology-packed, and bank account-friendly sedan, too: the Elantra. The Elantra is a full-sized sedan like the K4, starting at $22,125, and like the Kia, it only comes in front-wheel drive.
While it doesn’t have AWD as an option, the hybrid option is also below budget at $25,450. The gas-only option gets hybrid-like mileage, though, with 32 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway. Naturally, the hybrid gets much higher than that, making it one of the best cars for the money, too.
Especially since Hyundia and Kia come with the best warranties in the industry, covering the engine and transmission for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
READ MORE: Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda 3 : Economical Compact Sedan Wars
The Honda Civic Was, And Still Is, One of the Best Cars Under $25K
A Honda Civic has been regarded as one of the best cars for new drivers for a reason: It’s safe, reliable, and affordable. Either you or someone you know had a Civic as a first car, and like it was 10 years ago, the Civic is still a great deal for just about any buyer. Especially now that there’s a sport version (the Si), a hatchback version, and now a hybrid, all for under $30,000.
The base price starts at $24,250, the hybrid starts at $25,550, and for a little extra, the hybrid could be bought for $28,950. While that technically doesn’t make the list because it’s over $27,000, we mention it because it’s a fantastic value for the price.
There’s no such thing as an AWD Civic (and there likely never will be, due to tradition). All are FWD only, but that’s okay. With the right tires, the Civic can handle anything.
All trim levels come with all the creature comforts you could possibly dream of, and even the standard version gets over 30 miles to the gallon on the highway and close to it in the city.
The Mazda 3 is an Excellent Option in a Sedan or Sporty Hatchback
You probably remember Mazda because of its old “Zoom Zoom” commercials. The Mazda 3 is a great testament to the age-old catch phrase (you probably sang it after reading, huh? It’s okay—we did, too). It’s lightweight, affordable, efficient, peppy, and safe.
The starting price for the base 2.5S Sedan is $23,950, and it goes up to $25,990 for the hatchback. We’d opt for the hatchback because it gives buyers more cargo space, exclusive 18-inch wheels, and a unique look.
Plus, as an added bonus, it comes with built-in Amazon Alexa functionality, making it a more intuitive buy. Unlike most on this list, the Mazda 3 can be built with AWD as an option and still come below $27,000.
READ MORE: 7 Secrets that Make Mazda SUVs and Sedans Fan Favorites — and 1 Common Complaint
We Couldn’t Make a List Like This Without the Toyota Corolla
If you didn’t have a Honda Civic as your first car, we’d bet it was a Toyota Corolla. Like the Civic, it’s great for the same reasons: it’s comfortable, affordable, safe, efficient, and stylish. The newest model year of the Corolla is no different.
Except, this time, the Corolla can be bought as a hatchback (which we LOVE) and a hybrid. Even at the base, the Corolla comes with an almost 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a myriad of safety features, and it earns up to 32 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway.
It’s arguable one of the best cars at this price point. The base model starts at $22,325 and goes up to $26,650 for the FX trim. Unlike the Civic, though, the Toyota Corolla hybrid starts at $23,825. The SE trim (also AWD) of the hybrid is $26,265, making it one of the most affordable hybrids on the list.
If you want AWD but not a hybrid, then you can get the standard trim with AWD when building it out.
Finally, A German Car Makes the List: VW Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta has always been a favorite of the brand, as it’s a great size, has excellent safety features, has a long list of customization options, a roomy cabin, and a great sound system. The starting price is $21,995 for the 2025 model year and goes all the way up to $29,000 for the 1.5T SEL.
The SE, which is just one trim below the top, meets our requirements with a price of $24,975, making it a great deal for those on a budget but who want something with a little more oomph.
Like most of the models listed, the Jetta doesn’t come with AWD as an option—it’s FWD only—but it does have one of the most spacious interiors and quietest rides. Plus, VW likes to advertise that it’s cheap to maintain compared to its competitors. And remember, there is always the option of adding winter tires, which are less than AWD anyway.
Last But Certainly Not Least, the Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra has long been a staple in driveways of Nissan fans and style-inspired buyers. With a starting price of $21,590, the Sentra is one of the best cars for the price on the road. Powered by a 4-cylinder engine and front wheel drive (there is no AWD option), the Sentra generates 149 HP and gets about 35 MPG city/highway combined
Even upgrading to the top-of-the-line Midnight Edition, complete with blackout details, sport wheels, and leatherette seating, buyers can get a truly badass look at a badass $25,250. The Premium package adds Bose sound, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and a power moonroof for $2,590 in all but the base model.
Read: Nissan’s Midnight Editions Brings Stylish Cars and Truck to Its Lineup
OK, sedan fans, start your (search) engines!
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