The Cheapest New Cars of 2025

Mitsubishi Mirage

• EPA Combined MPG: 39
• Horsepower: 78 hp
• Base Price: $16,695

The Mirage is dirt cheap, but that's the nicest thing we can think of to say about it. This tiny hatchback's combination of anemic three-cylinder power and bantamweight mass makes it a poor match for today's fast-paced, SUV-dominated roadways. You'd be better off putting the same chunk of change toward a used car that's quicker and more substantial.

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Nissan Versa

• EPA Combined MPG: 30–35
• Horsepower: 122 hp
• Base Price: $17,190

We can appreciate the Versa's enduring popularity — as subcompact sedans go, it's quite spacious inside and has enough features to satisfy for the price. Having said that, it's quite slow by current standards, and the base price only gets you a manual transmission. Want an automatic? Prepare to spend more, and at that point, you might as well just upgrade to a more capable model.

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Mitsubishi Mirage G4

• EPA Combined MPG: 37
• Horsepower: 78 hp
• Base Price: $17,795

Like the Mirage hatchback, the G4 is dramatically underpowered by current standards, and its lack of mass makes it an iffy proposition on highways populated by much larger vehicles. The fuel economy is nice, but we can't recommend the Mirage G4 when there are so many superior sedans out there than can be had in lightly used condition for about the same price.

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Hyundai Venue

• EPA Combined MPG: 31
• Horsepower: 121 hp
• Base Price: $20,200

The Venue's fuel economy may seem appealing, but you have to accept a humble 121-horsepower engine in order to get it, and that's a big sacrifice. Also, the Venue is so small that its cargo capacity is more like that of a small hatchback than an SUV. Hyundai does see to it that the Venue has some modern features inside, so if frugality is the name of the game, an argument could be made.

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Chevrolet Trax

• EPA Combined MPG: 30
• Horsepower: 137 hp
• Base Price: $20,400

We'll get the weirdest part about the Trax out of the way first: you can't have it with all-wheel drive. For that, you'll need to step up to its Trailblazer platform-mate, which offers AWD as an option. Confused? So are we, but the Trax is otherwise quite desirable at its low price point, boasting a tech-forward dashboard and plenty of room inside, plus a six-speed automatic transmission rather than the front-drive Trailblazer's CVT.

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Kia Soul

• EPA Combined MPG: 30
• Horsepower: 147 hp
• Base Price: $20,490

We've always been charmed by the Soul, and it starts with the styling. Outside of the Mini Cooper, it's hard to think of another small car with such distinctive looks. Beyond that, the Soul is hampered by mediocre acceleration, but it compensates with a spacious interior that should have enough tech features to keep today's drivers happy.

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Nissan Sentra

• EPA Combined MPG: 34
• Horsepower: 149 hp
• Base Price: $21,590

The Sentra isn't close to competing with the top compact sedans, but it's a clear step up from its Versa stablemate, so there's that. If you're just looking for basic transportation with adequate pep and tech, don't rule this Nissan out.

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Nissan Kicks

• EPA Combined MPG: 30–31
• Horsepower: 141 hp
• Base Price: $21,830

The Kicks delivers funky styling, ample cargo capacity, optional AWD and, on most models, a slick 12.3-inch touchscreen. It's also relatively slow and noisy, but given that it's one of the cheapest SUVs on the market, you might be in a forgiving mood.

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Hyundai Elantra

• EPA Combined MPG: 23–54
• Horsepower: 139–276 hp
• Base Price: $21,875

The Elantra has fallen a bit behind its corporate cousin, the new Kia K4, but there's still plenty to be said for Hyundai's compact sedan. You can get it as a hybrid, a sporty thing (N Line) or an even sportier thing (Elantra N). The base model won't excite you with its humble engine and CVT, but it's pretty roomy and refined for what it is.

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Kia K4

• EPA Combined MPG: 29–34
• Horsepower: 147–190 hp
• Base Price: $21,990

The K4 has stormed onto the compact-sedan scene with a uniquely eye-catching design and Kia's excellent widescreen infotainment interface inside. We're not enthused about the base powertrain, but it gets the job done if you're just trying to get from here to there, and the K4's looks and tech could tip the scales versus rivals.

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Volkswagen Jetta

• EPA Combined MPG: 33
• Horsepower: 158 hp
• Base Price: $21,995

The Jetta is a lot of car for the money, full stop. Even the cheapest version gives you a quick and refined turbocharged engine that's paired with a conventional automatic — no droning CVTs here. It drives like a more expensive car, so if you actually like to drive, this sedan belongs on your short list. On the other hand, its cabin technology is a bit behind the times.

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Toyota Corolla

• EPA Combined MPG: 35–47
• Horsepower: 138–169 hp
• Base Price: $22,325

The Corolla won't wow you with its quickness or backseat space, but otherwise, this formerly milquetoast compact car has become a sharp-looking ride with engaging handling to match. Don't count it out, especially if you're thinking about resale value, which is excellent here.

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Buick Envista

• EPA Combined MPG: 30
• Horsepower: 137 hp
• Base Price: $22,900

Like its Chevy Trax platform-mate, the Envista comes only with front-wheel drive, but it's otherwise quite attractive if you're looking for an SUV that won't break the bank. Style and tech are fully accounted for here; you just have to compromise somewhat on interior space and acceleration.

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Chevrolet Trailblazer

• EPA Combined MPG: 27–31
• Horsepower: 137–155 hp
• Base Price: $23,000

The Trailblazer is a bit of a head-scratcher given that the Chevy Trax shares the same platform and is both better-looking and cheaper. If you want all-wheel drive, though, the Trailblazer is the only way to go, so keep that in mind.

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Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

• EPA Combined MPG: 25–26
• Horsepower: 148–168 hp
• Base Price: $23,695

The Outlander Sport's calling card is value — you can probably get one for cheaper than most rivals. Otherwise, this is an ancient little SUV that struggles to keep up with newer alternatives. Make sure you test-drive a few competitors first if you're considering one of these.

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Toyota Corolla Hatchback

• EPA Combined MPG: 35
• Horsepower: 169 hp
• Base Price: $23,780

The Corolla hatch has an even more cramped backseat than its sedan counterpart, but it's also surprisingly fun to drive with its tidy proportions and nimble handling. The fuel economy is great, too, and of course Toyotas hold their value like practically no other.

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Toyota Corolla Hybrid

• EPA Combined MPG: 44–47
• Horsepower: 138 hp
• Base Price: $23,825

The Corolla Hybrid is all about those MPGs. Put your right foot down and you'll find that it's even slower than the regular Corolla, but if fuel-sipping trumps all else, it's a strong contender.

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Mazda 3

• EPA Combined MPG: 26–31
• Horsepower: 191–250 hp
• Base Price: $23,950

The Mazda 3 is often overlooked, and that's a shame. It drives more like a premium car than a mainstream compact, and its styling has an upscale vibe inside and out.

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Toyota Corolla Cross

• EPA Combined MPG: 30–42
• Horsepower: 169–196 hp
• Base Price: $24,035

The Corolla Cross is a tale of two powertrains, and the cheapest models naturally have the less desirable engine. If you can swing the Corolla Cross Hybrid's price tag, go for it, because it's both quicker and more fuel-efficient. But the base model delivers a lot of versatility if you don't have a need for speed.

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Honda Civic

• EPA Combined MPG: 24–49
• Horsepower: 158–315 hp
• Base Price: $24,250

The Civic is a perennially top-ranked small car because it has few weaknesses, although its standard 2.0-liter engine is one of them, lacking the verve and refinement of Honda's best motors. Step up to the Civic Hybrid and you'll have one of the best all-around cars on the market at its price point.

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Hyundai Kona

• EPA Combined MPG: 26–31
• Horsepower: 147–190 hp
• Base Price: $24,350

Don't expect driving thrills from the Kona unless you ante up for the optional turbocharged engine, but do expect plenty of tech and versatility for the price. The styling is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, but it certainly doesn't blend in.

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Subaru Impreza

• EPA Combined MPG: 29–30
• Horsepower: 152–182 hp
• Base Price: $24,360

The Impreza gives you SUV-grade cargo capacity despite being a lower-to-the-ground hatchback, but its base 2.0-liter engine feels underpowered. While the optional 2.5-liter engine solves that problem, it also raises the price considerably. We like the Impreza, but it's a bit of a mixed bag.

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Kia Seltos

• EPA Combined MPG: 25–31
• Horsepower: 146–195 hp
• Base Price: $24,590

One of our top-rated subcompact SUVs, the Seltos packs a lot of functionality and features into its modest footprint. We favor the turbo engine for its authoritative acceleration, but any Seltos should impress you with its broad range of talents.

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Mazda 3 Hatchback

• EPA Combined MPG: 26–30
• Horsepower: 191–250 hp
• Base Price: $24,950

The Mazda 3 hatch won't wow you if you're expecting SUV-adjacent cargo capacity or passenger space. But if you like the idea of a sleek hatchback that wraps around you and drives more like an entry-level luxury car, give this Mazda a close look.

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Mazda CX-30

• EPA Combined MPG: 25–29
• Horsepower: 191–250 hp
• Base Price: $24,995

Essentially a Mazda 3 hatchback on stilts, the CX-30 adds a dose of SUV attitude to the compact-hatch formula. The interior is quite nice, injecting some luxury energy into a vehicle segment that's largely bereft of it.

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Volkswagen Taos

• EPA Combined MPG: 28–31
• Horsepower: 174 hp
• Base Price: $24,995

The Taos is a winner by just about every measure of a subcompact SUV, from its refined and spirited turbocharged engine to its spacious and versatile interior. Don't expect the latest touchscreen tech, though; VW has fallen behind a bit in that area.

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Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

• EPA Combined MPG: 54
• Horsepower: 139 hp
• Base Price: $25,100

The Elantra Hybrid is predictably a champ when it comes to fuel economy. If you want zesty acceleration, too, we'd recommend the Prius or Civic Hybrid first, but this Hyundai is certainly a competitive offering. Notably, its K4 cousin does not offer a hybrid variant.

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Honda HR‑V

• EPA Combined MPG: 27–28
• Horsepower: 158 hp
• Base Price: $25,400

The subcompact HR-V disappoints with its uninspired acceleration and so-so fuel economy, but if you like the sound of SUV versatility plus Honda resale value on the cheap, we can see the appeal.

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Chevrolet Malibu

• EPA Combined MPG: 31
• Horsepower: 163 hp
• Base Price: $25,800

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Jeep Compass

• EPA Combined MPG: 27
• Horsepower: 200 hp
• Base Price: $25,900

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