© Nissan North America
New Cars for Less Than $25,000
Cars are an expensive commodity; for many Americans, an automobile can be the most expensive purchase of a lifetime. According to analysts at car research website KBB.com, the average transaction price for a new car is now almost $49,000 (November 2022 data). Despite that shocking number, plenty of options are available well below the average new-car price for folks on a budget. With stickers starting at around $15,000, quality new cars are available — complete with new-car warranties, a surprising number of standard features and the latest advanced safety technology. Here’s a look at new cars (and trucks) priced less than $25,000 — the least expensive 2023 models available in America. Note: Prices shown are for base-level trims and do not include destination charges or additional options.
© Hyundai Motors America
Hyundai Sonata
Base MSRP: $24,950
Engine: 2.5-liter 191-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 38 mpg hwy / 32 mpg combined
The Sonata is Hyundai’s midsize sedan, available with a range of powertrains that includes a fuel-efficient hybrid. Sonata carries over from the 2022 model year with only minor feature changes.
© American Honda Motors
Honda Civic
Base MSRP: $24,650
Engine: 2.0-liter 158-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg city / 37 mpg hwy / 33 mpg combined
Honda introduced the 11th-generation Civic last year, built on a more robust platform with updated styling and new interior features. Civic carries over from the 2022 model year primarily unchanged. The high-performance Civic Type R joins the 2023 lineup.
© Subaru of America
Subaru Legacy
Base MSRP: $24,395
Engine: 2.5-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder BOXER
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 35 mpg hwy / 30 mpg combined
The Legacy is Subaru’s midsize sedan and the only one in America that comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Legacy receives a significant update for 2023 with revised front styling, upgraded features, a more powerful turbocharged Legacy Sport and the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Volkswagen Taos
Base MSRP: $24,155
Engine: 1.5-liter 158-horsepower turbocharged four cylinder
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 36 mpg hwy / 31 mpg combined
Volkswagen introduced the Taos for the 2022 model year as the entry point to the brand’s crossover lineup. Taos remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year; however, the crossover gets additional standard features for all three trim levels.
© American Honda Motors
Honda HR-V
Base MSRP: $23,800
Engine: 2.0-liter 158-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg hwy / 28 mpg combined
The HR-V is the entry-level SUV in the Honda lineup, available with front- or all-wheel drive. For 2023 the HR-V is completely redesigned. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new HR-V gets updated exterior styling, upgraded interior features and a larger, more powerful engine.
© Subaru of America
Subaru Crosstrek
Base MSRP: $23,645
Engine: 2.0-liter 152-horsepower 4-cylinder BOXER
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy / 25 mpg combined
The smallest crossover in the Subaru lineup, the Crosstrek offers plenty of utility with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. Subaru updated the Crosstrek in 2021; for 2023, the Crosstrek gets a new SE trim with upgraded features.
© Kia Motors America
Kia Seltos
Base MSRP: $23,340
Engine: 2.0-liter 146-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy / 29 mpg combined
Kia introduced the Seltos for the 2021 model year as its lowest-priced AWD crossover. With styling similar to the larger Telluride, the Seltos slots between the Soul and Sportage. The 2023 Seltos is primarily unchanged from the 2022 model year, aside from some additional safety features for the base-level trim. A refreshed 2024 Seltos will arrive later this year.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Toyota Corolla Cross
Base MSRP: $23,060
Engine: 2.0-liter 169-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy / 32 mpg combined
The Corolla Cross is a new crossover based on the popular Corolla sedan, available with front- or all-wheel drive. Corolla Cross is an all-new model for the 2023 model year.
© Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Base MSRP: $22,995
Engine: 2.0-liter 148-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy / 26 mpg combined
The entry-level crossover in the Mitsubishi lineup, the Outlander Sport is available in a range of trim levels and comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Outlander Sport remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year.
© Mazda Cars North America
Mazda CX-30
Base MSRP: $22,950
Engine: 2.5-liter 191-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy / 29 mpg combined
Introduced a few years ago, the sporty CX-30 is the least-expensive crossover in the Mazda lineup. With seating for five, the CX-30 comes with AWD as standard equipment. For the 2023 model year, the CX-30’s updated engine has more horsepower and improved fuel economy.
© Mazda North American Operations
Mazda Mazda3
Base MSRP: $22,550
Engine: 2.5-liter 191-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 37 mpg hwy / 31 mpg combined
The last remaining passenger sedan in the automaker’s lineup, the Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback. Mazda3 comes with front-wheel drive as standard equipment and has the option of all-wheel drive. For the 2023 model year, the Mazda3’s engine is updated with more horsepower and improved fuel economy.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford Maverick
Base MSRP: $22,195
Engine: 2.5-liter 191-horsepower hybrid four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy (2022 data): 42 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy / 37 mpg combined
The Maverick is Ford’s first unibody compact pickup truck. Introduced last year, Maverick comes with a hybrid powertrain and impressive cargo and towing capability. All-new last year, the Maverick remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year, with the exception of the newly available Tremor Off-Road Package.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Base MSRP: $22,100
Engine: 1.2-liter 137-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder engine
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy / 30 mpg combined
The Trailblazer is Chevrolet’s compact 5-passenger crossover and currently the lowest-priced model offered by the brand. Taking its name from a former model, the Trailblazer is available in a range of trim levels with front- or all-wheel drive. Trailblazer remains unchanged for the 2023 model year except for new colors that include Nitro Yellow and Fountain Blue.
© Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Kona
Base MSRP: $21,990
Engine: 2.0-liter 147-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg city / 35 mpg hwy / 32 mpg combined
The Kona is a stylish compact crossover, available with front or all-wheel drive. Hyundai offers the high-performance Kona N as well as the full-electric Kona EV. Kona carries over from the 2022 model year with new standard equipment and minor changes to feature availability. Look for an all-new Kona to arrive for the 2024 model year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Toyota Corolla
Base MSRP: $21,550
Engine: 2.0-liter 169-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg city / 41 mpg hwy / 35 mpg combined
The Corolla is Toyota’s time-honored compact passenger car, available as a sedan or hatchback and with a variety of powertrain options and optional all-wheel drive. Toyota has upgraded the base-level Corolla with a more powerful fuel-efficient engine. All Corollas now come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance features, as standard equipment.
© Volkswagen of America
Volkswagen Jetta
Base MSRP: $20,655
Engine: 1.5-liter 158-horsepower turbocharged four cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city / 42 mpg hwy / 34 mpg combined
The Jetta is Volkswagen’s sporty sedan and the lowest-priced model in the VW lineup. A high-performance Jetta GLI is also available. After a complete refresh for the 2022 model year, the Jetta remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year.
© Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Elantra
Base MSRP: $20,500
Engine: 2.0-liter 147-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg city / 42 mpg hwy / 37 mpg combined
Hyundai’s compact four-door sedan, the stylish Elantra was last redesigned for the 2021 model year. Elantra is available with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain and as the high-performance Elantra N. Elantra carries over primarily unchanged from the 2022 model year, with some minor changes in options.
© Nissan North America
Nissan Kicks
Base MSRP: $20,290
Engine: 1.6-liter 122-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city / 39 mpg hwy / 33 mpg combined
The Kicks is the entry-level crossover in the Nissan lineup and comes exclusively with front-wheel drive. Introduced a few years ago, the compact crossover was refreshed for the 2021 model year. The Nissan Kicks remains unchanged for the 2023 model year.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Nissan Sentra
Base MSRP: $19,950 (2022 price)
Engine: 2.0-liter 149-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city / 39 mpg hwy / 33 mpg combined
One of the longest-lasting names in the Nissan lineup, the Sentra is a compact sedan that received a significant redesign for the 2020 model year. Sentra is available in a range of trim levels and is well-equipped with safety and convenience features. Sentra remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year.
© Subaru of America
Subaru Impreza
Base MSRP: $19,795
Engine: 2.0-liter 152-horsepower 4-cylinder BOXER
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy / 26 mpg combined
The lowest-priced new car in America with all-wheel drive, Impreza is the entry-level trim in the automaker’s lineup. Impreza carries over into the 2023 model year with no changes. Look for an all-new 2024 model to arrive later this year.
© Kia Motor America
Kia Soul
Base MSRP: $19,890
Engine: 2.0-liter 147-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy / 30 mpg combined
A stylish compact crossover, the Soul is the entry point into the Kia crossover lineup. Offered in four trim levels, Soul is only available with front-wheel drive. Kia has given Soul a refreshed look for the 2023 model year with new available colors and more standard equipment.
© Hyundai Motors America
Hyundai Venue
Base MSRP: $19,500
Engine: 1.6-liter 121-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy / 31 mpg combined
In 2020 Hyundai added the Venue to its SUV lineup as the brand’s smallest crossover. Available exclusively with front-wheel drive, Venue carries over primarily unchanged from the 2022 model year with some minor changes in available options.
© Kia Motor America
Kia Forte
Base MSRP: $19,490
Engine: 2.0-liter 147-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg city / 41 mpg hwy / 34 mpg combined
Forte is Kia’s compact car offering that received major updates to design and equipment last year. Kia offers the Forte in a range of trim levels, and it remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year.
© Kia Motor America
Kia Rio Sedan
Base MSRP: $16,550
Engine: 1.6-liter 120-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg city / 41 mpg hwy / 36 mpg combined
The entry-level passenger car and lowest-priced model in the Kia lineup, Rio is available as a sedan or 5-door hatchback. The 2023 Kia Rio remains primarily unchanged from 2022.
© Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Mirage
Base MSRP: $16,245
Engine: 1.2-liter 76-horsepower 3-cylinder engine
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg city / 43 mpg hwy / 39 mpg combined
The Mirage is the entry point into the Mitsubishi lineup. This compact front-wheel-drive hatchback is the lowest-powered production model available in America. Mirage remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year.
© Nissan North America
Nissan Versa Sedan
Base MSRP: $15,730
Engine: 1.6-liter 122-horsepower four cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 35 mpg hwy / 30 mpg combined
The Versa retakes its title as the lowest-priced new car in America. This small 4-door sedan brings recognizable Nissan styling inside and out with a long list of standard features. For the 2023 model year, Nissan gives Versa updated styling as well as several new standard features.
