Best New Cars Under $25,000 - Consumer Reports
The expanding SUV market is one factor in the rise of the average transaction price of a new vehicle, which was $48,699 in April 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. Fortunately, a number of automakers still offer sedans and hatchbacks for $25,000 or less. But to find a safe and reliable model, you should dig into the data to see how they perform in Consumer Reports’ tests and owner surveys.
To help you make a smart and informed purchase decision, we present the best compact cars and hatchbacks under $25,000 based on CR’s Overall Scores. Every model is recommended and well-equipped at this price, although several can be optioned up to $30,000 and beyond.
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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.
Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.
