2020 Toyota Yaris
$15,650 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10
A redesigned hatchback model joins the Toyota Yaris model lineup for 2020, with a price a bit higher than the base sedan. The Sedan model carries over unchanged, and it exhibits nimble handling and comes with a good predicted reliability rating. It also has great fuel economy estimates with both the automatic and manual transmissions. Toyota added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to the list of standard features for 2020.
2020 Nissan Versa
$14,730 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
Fully redesigned for 2020, the Nissan Versa can no longer claim the mantle of the cheapest new car on the market. Despite no longer being the cheapest, the 2020 Nissan Versa is a better value than older models. Despite its low base price, it has a nearly perfect predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five, and its cabin is fitted with nice materials and has a pleasing design. This vehicle has a standard 7-inch touch screen, a decent-sized trunk, and impressive fuel economy estimates.
2020 Kia Rio
$15,750 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
The Kia Rio comes in two models: sedan and hatchback. Both exhibit sporty handling and come with a well-mannered engine. Its base price is one of the cheapest among small cars, but its standard features list is also a bit bare-bones compared to competitors. However, you can upgrade to the Rio S and still spend less than $17,000. Doing so will outfit this Kia similarly to other small cars, with gains such as remote keyless entry, cruise control, and a split-folding rear seat.
2020 Chevrolet Sonic
$16,720 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
The Chevrolet Sonic can be had as a sedan or hatchback, both of which have ample cargo room. The turbocharged engine feels peppy when driving around town, though it can be strained when going over steep hills. Sharp steering helps this Chevrolet feel more fun to drive than many rival subcompacts. While it has a rich array of standard features, including a 7-inch touch screen, it’s also lacking simple touches like cruise control or power windows which only come in higher trim levels.
2020 Hyundai Elantra
$18,950 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
Like a lot of the cars on this list, the Elantra offers you a choice between hatchback and sedan models – both of which have a good amount of cargo space and a smooth ride. Further bolstering this Hyundai’s appeal are its well-made cabin and its good predicted reliability rating. However, it doesn't come standard with a touch screen like most competitors, and some of its rivals are also more fun to drive.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq
$22,400 | Class: Hybrid and Electric Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
The Hyundai Ioniq is one of the most affordable hybrid cars on the market. It’s also available in plug-in hybrid or electric variants, but both of those start at more than $25,000. The base Ioniq hybrid has more cargo space than many rivals thanks to its hatchback design, and it comes with an intuitive infotainment system replete with a 7-inch touch screen. Unlike many hybrids, its regenerative brakes feel smooth, and its fuel efficiency outshines most hybrids – including the Toyota Prius.
2020 Volkswagen Golf
$23,195 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
Outside of a poor predicted reliability rating, the Volkswagen Golf doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses. It’s a hatchback with a tremendous amount of room for cargo. It also has roomy seats and lots of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring, among others. Inside, this hatchback almost feels like a luxury car thanks to its first-rate materials and stylish design. On the road, it’s a decent daily driver, with an eager four-cylinder engine and poised handling.
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,100 | Class: Midsize Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
The Nissan Altima is a great commuter car, thanks in large part to its impressive fuel economy ratings, relaxing ride quality, and capable engine. Its seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the standard infotainment system features an 8-inch touch screen, satellite radio, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some of its rivals are a bit more engaging to drive, but this Nissan is a good sedan.
2020 Buick Encore
$23,200 | Class: Subcompact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
Bolstering the Buick Encore’s appeal is its perfect predicted reliability rating and silky-smooth ride quality. The Buick is more expensive than other models in its class, but it comes better equipped, too. The Encore features an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and QuietTuning, which helps block out road noise. Shoppers should note that this SUV’s engine is unimpressive, and acceleration comes leisurely.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945 | Class: Compact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
The VW Tiguan is a solid option in our ranking of subcompact SUVs, particularly because it has a good predicted reliability rating. It may be a bit expensive compared to other models in its class, but it comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. It’s also one of the few compact SUVs to offer a third row of seats. Its turbocharged base engine is fine for city driving, but it feels strained on the highway.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze
$17,995 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Available as both a hatchback and sedan, the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is great to drive for daily commutes, thanks to its gentle ride and above-average fuel economy ratings. Regardless of which model you get, the Cruze has a fantastic predicted reliability rating, and the base model comes with lots of easy-to-use tech, including the MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
2020 Hyundai Veloster
$18,600 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Lithe handling and well-weighted steering help make the Hyundai Veloster a joy to drive. You can even upgrade to a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine with a manual transmission and still spend less than $25,000: Prices start at $23,150 for models with the stronger engine option. The Veloster also has a longer powertrain and basic warranty than many class rivals.
2020 Toyota Corolla
$19,600 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Toyota fully redesigned the Corolla sedan for 2020 and carried over the hatchback unchanged. This Toyota has a perfect predicted reliability rating and gets great fuel economy – up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. However, both of its engine choices are unimpressive, and Android Auto is not available.
2020 Hyundai Kona
$20,100 | Class: Subcompact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Not only is the Hyundai Kona one of the cheapest small SUVs, but it also has a handsome cabin and one of the most intuitive infotainment systems on the market. It looks and feels like a more expensive model. Bolstering the Hyundai’s appeal further is its sporty handling. Buyers should note that the Kona is not available with all-wheel drive, unlike most other SUVs.
2019 Mini Cooper
$21,900 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Mini is not the first name that springs to mind when thinking about cheap cars, but the Mini Cooper isn’t all that expensive. Its dynamic handling makes it enjoyable to drive, and a top-notch predicted reliability rating may help ease some consumers’ concerns. The Mini Cooper is a stylish, great car that can be had as a two-door hardtop, a four-door hardtop, or a convertible – although getting the drop-top bumps the price above $25,000.
2020 Toyota Prius
$24,325 | Class: Hybrid and Electric Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
As far as our hybrid and electric vehicle ranking goes, the Toyota Prius distinguishes itself with its large cargo hold, straightforward infotainment controls, and roomy, supportive seats. You’ll also spend a lot less on gas with the Prius than you would with other new cars. It’s not quite as upscale or sporty as some rivals, but it does have an abundance of standard tech and safety features, including Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning.
2020 Kia Sportage
$23,990 | Class: Compact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The Kia Sportage is a well-rounded compact SUV. It features a good predicted reliability rating, a well-equipped and user-friendly infotainment system, upscale cabin materials, and balanced handling. It also comes with several standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and a driver attention monitor. There are some drawbacks though, such as dull engine performance and lackluster fuel economy estimates.
2020 Subaru Forester
$24,495 | Class: Compact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
Although the Subaru Forester’s price is typical among rival vehicles, the compact SUV’s standard all-wheel drive, upscale cabin, and generous helping of standard safety features (including lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control) help make it a good value among new crossovers. Its four-cylinder engine helps this Subaru stand out as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
2020 Honda Fit
$16,190 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The subcompact Honda Fit is one of the best new cars you can buy. We named it our 2020 Best Subcompact Car for the Money for its combination of quality and value. It has premium cabin materials and sporty handling, as well as a decent amount of cargo space. You can also take advantage of Honda’s Magic Seat to configure the rear seats in a number of ways to accommodate bulky or lengthy cargo.
2020 Honda Civic
$19,750 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The Honda Civic ranks near the top of our compact car class. It comes in three body styles, including a sedan, hatchback, and coupe – all of which start at under $22,000. Regardless of body style, you’ll get a vehicle with a high-end cabin and playful handling. The Honda has a range of potent engine options, and variants with the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) get great fuel economy ratings.
2020 Kia Soul
$17,490 | Class: Subcompact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
Kia fully redesigned the Soul for the 2020 model year. Whether you consider the Soul a subcompact SUV, a hatchback, or a compact car, it’s a great vehicle with an affordable price. Its passenger and cargo space fall more in line with a small crossover than a small car, and it has an intuitive infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touch screen, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, some of its rivals drive with more athleticism.
2020 Mazda3
$21,500 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
Whether you get it as a hatchback or a sedan, the Mazda3 is a fantastic vehicle. Its standard 8.8-inch display (not a touch screen), peppy engine, dynamic handling, and classy cabin all help it shine as a well-rounded small car. Its biggest shortcoming is the cramped seating in the back row. The Mazda may not be the most powerful car in its segment, but its class-leading performance stems from its engaging handling and fine-tuned steering. Driving this Mazda is a joy.
2020 Honda Accord
$23,870 | Class: Midsize Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
Perennially vying for the top spot in our ranking of midsize cars with the Toyota Camry is the Honda Accord. Its large trunk and lively handling make it both practical and a blast to drive. Its peppiness doesn’t sacrifice fuel efficiency, and the Accord also gets great safety ratings. It doesn’t have many standard features, but you will get a lot of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.
2020 Kia Forte
$17,790 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
The Kia Forte may not be the cheapest new car, but it is affordable for its segment. Despite that, it offers plenty of bang for your buck. Its seats are comfortable and spacious, its trunk is large, and it comes with plenty of standard tech features. Additionally, you can upgrade to the top trim GT with its turbocharged flat-four engine (and have your choice of a manual or automatic transmission) and still spend less than $25,000. In this case, the Forte GT has a base price of $22,290.
2020 Toyota Camry
$24,425 | Class: Midsize Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
As of this writing, the Toyota Camry is our top-ranked midsize car. It has just about everything you could want in a sedan, including great fuel economy estimates, an agile and smooth ride, and a long list of standard safety and tech features. Some of these include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 7-inch touch screen, and a suite of driver assistance features.
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The 25 Best Cars Under $25,000
- 2020 Toyota Yaris: $15,650 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10
- 2020 Nissan Versa: $14,730 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
- 2020 Kia Rio: $15,750 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
- 2020 Chevrolet Sonic: $16,720 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
- 2020 Hyundai Elantra: $18,950 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
- 2019 Hyundai Ioniq: $22,400 | Class: Hybrid and Electric Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
- 2020 Volkswagen Golf: $23,195 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
- 2020 Nissan Altima: $24,100 | Class: Midsize Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
- 2020 Buick Encore: $23,200 | Class: Subcompact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
- 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: $24,945 | Class: Compact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
- 2019 Chevrolet Cruze: $17,995 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2020 Hyundai Veloster: $18,600 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2020 Toyota Corolla: $19,600 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2020 Hyundai Kona: $20,100 | Class: Subcompact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2019 Mini Cooper: $21,900 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2020 Toyota Prius: $24,325 | Class: Hybrid and Electric Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2020 Kia Sportage: $23,990 | Class: Compact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
- 2020 Subaru Forester: $24,495 | Class: Compact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
- 2020 Honda Fit: $16,190 | Class: Subcompact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
- 2020 Honda Civic: $19,750 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
- 2020 Kia Soul: $17,490 | Class: Subcompact SUVs | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
- 2020 Mazda3: $21,500 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
- 2020 Honda Accord: $23,870 | Class: Midsize Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
- 2020 Kia Forte: $17,790 | Class: Compact Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
- 2020 Toyota Camry: $24,425 | Class: Midsize Cars | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
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The Best Affordable New Vehicles in U.S. News Rankings
Searching for new, cheap cars can be a tricky process – especially since many people equate cheap cars with bad quality. Luckily, it’s not as hard to find good, inexpensive new cars as you might think. It can be an overwhelming process if you’re not sure what you want, so we're here to help you narrow your search. We set a price cap of $25,000 for new cars, SUVs, and trucks to provide a list of some of the best affordable cars on the market, according to the U.S. News rankings.
Our reviews score vehicles based on the categories that matter most to shoppers and rank them within their respective classes. Using that information, we compiled this list. It includes small and midsize sedans, hatchbacks, a few SUVs, and even a couple trucks.
Bear in mind that our scores frequently change as we receive new data, so the scores in this slideshow may not match those you find elsewhere on our site.