What car can I buy for $25,000?

With a $25,000 budget in late 2025, you can get a well-equipped new compact sedan or small crossover—think Toyota Corolla, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Trax, Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Kicks, or even a base Toyota Corolla Cross if you avoid options. You’ll find even more choice among lightly used 2022–2024 models, including popular hybrids and small SUVs.

The market context

New-car prices have moderated from pandemic highs, but the average transaction price still hovers well above $45,000. The $25,000 mark remains a value sweet spot anchored by compact sedans and subcompact crossovers. Expect modern safety tech (automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring on many trims), big infotainment screens, and solid fuel economy, while all-wheel drive and advanced hybrids are less common at this price unless you shop used or leverage incentives.

New cars you can buy for $25,000 today

The models below typically transact at or under $25,000 including destination (before taxes/registration). Pricing varies by region and incentives; confirm current dealer quotes.

• Chevrolet Trax (2025): ~${21,500–24,500}. Roomy small crossover with big-car tech and value; FWD only.
• Buick Envista (2025): ~${24,500}. Stylish coupe-like crossover with upscale interior touches at a budget price.
• Toyota Corolla LE (2025): ~${23,000–24,500}. Benchmark reliability and safety; efficient 2.0L four-cylinder.
• Kia Forte (2025): ~${21,500–24,500}. Feature-rich compact sedan with long warranty; sporty GT trims cost more.
• Hyundai Elantra (2025): ~${23,000–24,600}. Sharp design, strong standard safety tech, excellent warranty.
• Nissan Sentra (2025): ~${22,000–24,700}. Comfortable ride, generous standard safety; mild updates improve value.
• Volkswagen Jetta (2025): ~${22,500–24,500}. Spacious cabin, smooth drive; value improves with current incentives.
• Kia Soul (2025): ~${21,700–24,400}. Boxy practicality, big cargo space; no AWD, but strong equipment for the price.
• Hyundai Venue (2025): ~${21,300–23,800}. City-friendly size, low operating costs; front-wheel drive only.
• Nissan Kicks (redesigned 2025): typically mid-${23,000s}. Fresh interior tech; FWD standard, AWD availability varies by trim and region.
• Toyota Corolla Cross L FWD (2025): roughly ~${24,800–25,300}. Extra ride height and cargo over Corolla; base trim fits if you skip options.
• Nissan Versa (2025; final model year): ~${18,000–21,000}. One of the least expensive new cars; simple, efficient, and widely available on lots this year.

Among new vehicles, sedans deliver the most features per dollar, while crossovers like the Trax, Envista, and Corolla Cross give you extra space with minimal price penalty. AWD is rare below $25,000; if you need it, consider used options or watch for regional incentives.

Hybrids and EVs within or near budget

Hybrids under $25,000 are scarce new once destination is included, but some trims and regional deals can sneak under the wire. New EVs under $25,000 are essentially unavailable without incentives, making the used market the best value for electrification at this price.

New models that can land around $25,000 (trim- and incentive-dependent)

These options sometimes price in at or near $25,000 after dealer discounts or local incentives; pricing can exceed $25,000 without them.

• Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE (2025): often ~$25,500–26,000 with destination; watch for dealer or state incentives to bring it under.
• Nissan Leaf S (2025): MSRP generally above $27,000; occasional state/local incentives can drop effective price below $25,000. Federal credit eligibility has varied by battery sourcing—check current rules before shopping.

If your $25,000 cap is firm, hybrids are more reliably attainable on the used market, and used EVs can be standout values with tax credits.

Used EVs and hybrids that fit comfortably under $25,000

For electrified choices without range anxiety on your budget, the used market offers strong value—and may unlock federal used-EV credits up to $4,000 if the vehicle price is under $25,000 and income limits are met.

• Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV (2020–2023): Often $14,000–$22,000; 200+ miles of range, DC fast charging, low running costs.
• Nissan Leaf (2019–2022, 62 kWh versions preferred): Typically $12,000–$20,000; note CHAdeMO fast-charge limitations for road trips.
• Hyundai Kona Electric (2020–2021): Commonly $18,000–$25,000; 250+ miles EPA range and lively performance.
• Toyota Prius / Corolla Hybrid (2017–2022): Frequently $15,000–$24,000; renowned efficiency and reliability.

Used electrified models maximize fuel savings and features at this budget, but verify battery health, recall completion, and charging standards compatibility before you buy.

Best used gasoline picks under $25,000 (2021–2024)

If you want more space, AWD, or higher trims without breaking budget, late-model used and certified pre-owned vehicles are your best bet.

• Honda Civic (2022–2023): EX/Sport trims often $20,000–$25,000; refined drive, efficient, holds value.
• Mazda3 (2021–2023): Preferred/Select trims typically $19,000–$25,000; upscale interior, engaging handling.
• Toyota Camry (2018–2021): Many trims under $25,000; roomy and reliable midsize sedan.
• Subaru Crosstrek (2019–2021): Usually $20,000–$25,000; standard AWD and strong resale value.
• Toyota RAV4 (2017–2019): Base/LE trims often approach $25,000; durability and practicality.
• Hyundai Kona / Kia Seltos (2020–2022): $18,000–$24,000 for well-equipped FWD; some AWD within reach.
• Honda HR-V (2020–2022): Typically $17,000–$23,000; flexible cargo and low ownership costs.

Late-model used vehicles stretch your dollar further, often adding AWD, advanced safety, or premium interiors compared with new base trims at the same price.

How to stay under $25,000 out-the-door

Hitting a hard cap means managing destination, taxes, and fees as seriously as MSRP. These steps help you control the “OTD” (out-the-door) number.

1. Ask for OTD quotes from multiple dealers, not just “price before fees.” Compare line items.
2. Include destination (typically $1,100–$1,400) in your working budget; it’s non-negotiable from the manufacturer.
3. Mind doc and add-on fees (VIN etch, nitrogen, paint sealant). Decline non-required add-ons.
4. Target in-stock vehicles. Dealer trades and factory orders can add time and reduce leverage.
5. Consider demos or courtesy cars with a few thousand miles; discounts often exceed any wear-and-tear impact.
6. Leverage incentives: loyalty, college grad, military, and regional cash can stack.
7. Run insurance quotes before signing; premiums vary widely by model and can sway total cost of ownership.
8. If financing, pre-qualify with a credit union; let the dealer beat your rate, not set it.

A disciplined OTD strategy often unlocks trims you thought were out of reach—and prevents last-minute surprises in the finance office.

Which one fits your needs?

Match your driving profile to the strengths of each model to make a confident choice.

• City mileage and parking ease: Hyundai Venue, Kia Soul, Nissan Versa.
• Commuting efficiency with comfort: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, VW Jetta.
• Small family versatility: Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envista, Toyota Corolla Cross (base).
• Long-term reliability focus: Toyota Corolla/Corolla Cross, Honda Civic (lightly used), Toyota Camry (used).
• Budget with big features: Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Nissan Sentra.
• Electrified value: Used Chevy Bolt EV/EUV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota Prius/Corolla Hybrid.

If you’re undecided, test-drive a sedan and a small crossover back-to-back to see whether ride height or trunk space matters more in daily life.

Summary

At $25,000 in 2025, the smart money is on compact sedans (Corolla, Forte, Elantra, Jetta) and value-packed small crossovers (Trax, Envista, Soul, Venue), with the Corolla Cross L squeezing in if you skip options. If you want AWD, a hybrid, or more space, look to lightly used 2021–2024 models—or used EVs like the Chevy Bolt—to maximize features and total cost of ownership. Shop the OTD number, pit dealers against each other, and be flexible on color and options to keep your purchase squarely within budget.