For 2025, affordable new cars and SUVs are becoming a rare breed, with only a handful of options under $25,000. And if you’re looking for a new car under $20,000? There’s just one left. Whether you’re hunting for value, reliability, or cutting-edge features on a budget, this guide covers every new car in 2025 that won’t break the bank.
The Last New Car Under $20,000: 2025 Nissan Versa
Base Price + Destination Fee: $18,330 – $22,330
CarEdge Value Rating: A ($34,012 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: Following the end of production for the Mitsubishi Mirage, the Nissan Versa is the last new car on sale in America with a starting price under $20,000. It’s what you’d expect for the cheapest car in America – affordable, basic transportation without the frills.
Compare Nissan Versa Cost of Ownership
New Cars Under $25,000 in 2025
As new cars under $20,000 are on the verge of extinction, we’re forced to increase our budget. Without further ado, here’s every new car and SUV on sale today for under $25,000 (including mandatory destination fees).
2025 Hyundai Venue
Base Price + Destination Fees: $21,395 – $24,645
CarEdge Value Rating: A- ($35,544 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: In 2025, the Hyundai Venue is the cheapest SUV on sale in America. Drivers love the compact size for city driving, while the impressive standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen and advanced safety tech make it a well-rounded choice.
Compare Hyundai Venue Cost of Ownership
2025 Kia Soul
Base Price + Destination Fees: $21,665 – $26,965
CarEdge Value Rating: B+ ($37,174 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: The Kia Soul stands out with its quirky design, flexible interior, and shockingly low price point. It’s perfect for drivers who prefer a car with character. Its unique styling, user-friendly tech features, and fun driving dynamics make it a favorite among young drivers.
Compare Kia Soul Cost of Ownership
2025 Nissan Sentra
Base Price + Destination Fees: $22,730 – $25,730
CarEdge Value Rating: B ($36,750 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: If you’re searching for a cheap new car that doesn’t feel cheap, the 2025 Sentra is right up your alley. The seats are comfortable, infotainment simply works as it should, and the price is shockingly low for a new car in 2025.
Compare Nissan Sentra Cost of Ownership
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
Base Price + Destination Fees: $22,910
CarEdge Value Rating: B ($37,605 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: Most of all, drivers love the price. Time and time again, car buyers have lamented the shift to premium cars, and the premium prices that come with it. Budget-friendly automakers like Nissan have been steadily increasing prices, but the cheaper version of the Kicks is sticking around as an affordable subcompact SUV for now.
Learn more about the Nissan Kicks Play
2025 Hyundai Elantra
Base Price + Destination Fees: $23,025 – $30,600
CarEdge Value Rating: A+ ($35,190 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: The 2025 Elantra is a car that looks more expensive than it is, both inside and out. With options like faux leather, dual touchscreens, and three engines to choose from, there’s plenty of ways to customize your Elantra. The hybrid Elantra starts at $26,250, but nearly doubles fuel economy to 58 miles per gallon.
Compare Hyundai Elantra Cost of Ownership
2025 Kia K4
Base Price + Destination Fees: $23,145 – $24,245
CarEdge Value Rating: A ($34,382 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: With the discontinuation of the Kia Forte comes the arrival of the K4. Kia wasn’t shy about their plans to basically rename the Forte with the big overall for 2025. With the new name comes even more value. The K4 is a huge hit with thoroughly modern looks and features, all for under $25,000.
See Kia K4 listings with local market data
2025 Nissan Kicks
Base Price + Destination Fees: $23,220 – $29,070
CarEdge Value Rating: B ($37,605 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: The Nissan Kicks is fully redesigned for 2025. With better looks and all-wheel drive joining the lineup, a lot more shoppers will be test-driving the Kicks. The new Kicks is slightly larger in every way, giving this compact SUV more room for the driver and passengers alike. Drivers appreciate the 2025 Kicks for its modern design, roomy interior, available all-wheel drive, and most of all, the low price.
Compare Nissan Kicks Cost of Ownership
2025 Toyota Corolla
Base Price + Destination Fees: $23,460 – $29,325
CarEdge Value Rating: A+ ($33,007 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: What’s not to love? The Corolla is known around the world for reliability, efficiency, safety, and overall great value. The Corolla Hybrid is one of the cheapest hybrid cars on sale in America, starting at just $24,960 with destination fees included.
Compare Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Base Price + Destination Fees: $24,395 – $30,595
What Drivers Like: Looking for something more than the Chevy Trax, but hoping to stay under $30,000? The Trailblazer offers a blend of sporty styling and practicality, with plenty of tech and safety features. Its more powerful engine option, optional all-wheel drive, and low price are top attractions.
Compare Chevrolet Trailblazer Cost of Ownership
2025 Subaru Impreza
Base Price + Destination Fees: $24,780 – $29,555
CarEdge Value Rating: A+ ($33,410 5-year cost to own)
What Drivers Like: The 2025 Subaru Impreza is one of the best values for a new car today. But the greatness doesn’t end there. Standard all-wheel drive, excellent safety ratings, and a generous interior make the Impreza a legendary budget choice.
Compare Subaru Cost of Ownership
2025 Buick Envista
Base Price + Destination Fees: $24,795 – $29,695
Value: Buick’s Envista brings upscale comfort and refinement to the entry-level SUV segment. As a replacement for the less exciting Encore, Buick’s new base model is great for around town, but lacks the acceleration for regular highway driving.
What Drivers Like: Drivers enjoy its quiet cabin, smooth handling, and attractive exterior styling at an affordable price.
See Buick Envista Listings Near You
Value-Packed New Cars Still Exist in 2025
As car prices continue to rise, it’s refreshing to see that value-driven options are still available in 2025. From the only new car under $20,000 to feature-packed models like the Kia K4 and Subaru Impreza, there’s something for everyone at an affordable price point. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly transportation or a stylish and dependable ride, these vehicles prove that great value is still within reach.
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