The 10 Cheapest Cars of 2025
Ye of little faith, the corresponding list shows that it's possible to keep the total purchase amount low. Even better, the choices presented here prove that owning a cheap car doesn't have to feel like a sacrifice. It's worth noting that the following prices include the destination charge, so you're not shocked at the next dealer visit.
With that in mind, let's take a look at your options.
10. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu: $26,995
Photo by: Chevrolet
Turbo 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder
163 Horsepower
Chevrolet's mid-size
Malibu
sedan breaks into the top ten—with a caveat. Production ended in November 2024, with some remaining stock still available new. So the possibility of a killer deal is there if your local dealership is eager to move inventory. If size is more important and the idea of a crossover just doesn't appeal, beware that the remaining entries on this list only get smaller.
9. 2026 Honda Civic: $25,745
Photo by: Honda
2.0-liter Four-Cylinder
150 Horsepower
The staple
Honda Civic
gets a slight price bump for the 2026 model year. This gets you into an LX sedan with 16-inch wheels, wired smartphone connectivity, and essential safety tech to guard you on the road. If you want a manual, you'll have to step up to the Si, as it's no longer available on the non-hot hatchback.
8. 2025 Subaru Impreza: $25,530
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
152 Horsepower
If you want the cheapest new hatchback, the 2025
Subaru Impreza
is your best bet. For that, you get LED headlights, Subaru's famed EyeSight safety suite, all-wheel-drive, and some eye-popping color options. Since it was redesigned for 2024, there has been no sedan option.
7. 2025 Mazda3: $25,335
Photo by: Mazda
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder
191 Horsepower
Speaking of sedans, the
Mazda3
comes in at just $25,335 for 2025. The sportier hatchback version, meanwhile, commands an extra $1,000. At that price, you get the most potent base engine on this list, as well as alloy wheels, auto-on headlights with high-beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, a digital instrument cluster, and an 8.8-inch center display with smartphone connectivity.
6. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta: $23,720
Photo by: Victoria Scott / Motor1
Turbocharged 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder
158 Horsepower
Volkswagen's compact offering gets a major refresh for 2025 that sees revised styling and an updated cabin. The
Jetta
S makes a solid case for base, throwing in 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps and taillamps, VW's Digital Cockpit, a leather steering wheel, and an 8.0-inch center touchscreen with App-Connect. Plus, it's one of the few cars on this list with a standard turbocharged engine.
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5. 2025 Toyota Corolla: $23,545
Photo by: Toyota
2.0-liter Four-Cylinder
169 Horsepower
The
Corolla
is the oldest model on this list. But it still reigns supreme as the bargain standard for mass transportation, giving you only the essentials in the base LE. This includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, automatic climate control, and wireless smartphone connectivity wrapped in a package that still wears hubcaps in 2025. A hybrid powertrain is available, but it costs extra.
4. 2025 Hyundai Elantra: $23,370
Photo by: Hyundai
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
147 Horsepower
Like the Corolla, the
Elantra
is getting long in the tooth. However, it still packs a punch in value with standard equipment such as alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an 8.0-inch display, LED projector lamps, and a plethora of active safety features.
3. 2025 Kia K4: $23,165
Photo by: Kia
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
147 Horsepower
Kia's popular compact gains a new badge to go with a complete redesign for the 2025 model year. The aptly-named
K4
arrived on the scene late last year with trendy styling, an upscale cabin that punches above its price point, and a long list of amenities to boot. Highlights include a standard 12.3-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting inside and out, keyless start, a multitude of USB-C ports to keep your devices charged, and a number of safety features.
2. 2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
149 Horsepower
Surprise! The remaining two cars come from Nissan, one that is likely to see another generation and one that will be killed off soon—we'll get to that in a sec. Gracing the number-two spot is the
Sentra
, which throws in Safety Shield 360 and smartphone integration to go with a fuel-sipping powertrain. A new generation is expected to arrive soon.
1. 2025 Nissan Versa: $20,130
Photo by: Nissan
1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder
122 Horsepower
For a number of years, the
Nissan Versa
has been the cheapest new car to buy in America. Despite a recent refresh, it will soon join the Mitsubishi Mirage and Kia Rio in cheap car heaven as the brand shifts to a lineup focused mostly on SUVs. This is your last chance for basic transportation if you care about having four wheels and a warranty.
Cheapest Cars of 2025
2025 Nissan Versa: $20,130
2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730
2025 Kia K4: $23,165
2025 Hyundai Elantra: $23,370
2025 Toyota Corolla: $23,545
2025 Volkswagen Jetta: $23,720
2025 Mazda3: $25,335
2025 Subaru Impreza: $25,530
2026 Honda Civic: $25,745
2025 Chevrolet Malibu: $26,995
More on Cheap Cars
Mazda: Americans Want Cheap Gas Cars
Cheap Car Sales Exploded in 2024
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