Great news if you're on a budget in your car buying journey. It doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality or settle for a vehicle without some bells and whistles - and importantly, safety features. In 2025, there are a lot of great budget-friendly vehicle choices out there that offer technology and driver assistance features for a great value. EpicVin recently sent us its list of the top 10 cheapest new cars of 2025 that provide great value for the price.
A few highlights before we get to the top 10:
- EpicVin found that the Nissan Versa (Manual) is still the cheapest new car in America, starting at $18,330.
- Compact sedans and small SUVs dominate the budget-friendly car market.
- EpicVIN data shows that affordable cars with good resale value save the most money over time.
- Fuel efficiency and safety technology have improved across all low-cost models.
- Like Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds, EpicVIN experts also recommend checking vehicle history before purchasing, even for new cars.
"Our data shows that choosing the right budget car isn’t just about the sticker price. Long-term reliability, fuel efficiency, and resale value make the biggest difference in overall cost savings," said Alex Black, CMO of EpicVIN.
Best Budget Cars for 2025
EpicVin's list is based on its extensive vehicle database and market research. Vehicles are ranked in the order of affordability and include comments from EpicVin researchers. Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds weighs in to on some of the models.
1. 2025 Nissan Versa (Manual) – $18,340
- Why it’s a great deal: The cheapest new car in the U.S.
- Pros: Good gas mileage, big trunk, low insurance costs
- Cons: Slow acceleration, basic features, manual transmission required for the lowest price
- EpicVIN Insight: Versa models from previous years have retained over 60% of their value after 5 years.
Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds on the 2023 Versa: "An exceptional commuter car or a great, fuel efficient and safe car for your young driver." Read his 2023 Nissan Versa review here.
2. 2025 Chevrolet Trax – $21,495
- Why it’s a great deal: A budget SUV with a stylish design
- Pros: Spacious, smooth ride, good tech features
- Cons: Front-wheel drive only, not as fuel-efficient as sedans
- EpicVIN Insight: 2023-2024 Trax models had lower-than-average repair costs compared to competitors.
Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds on the 2025 Trax: "In a sea of SUVs, the Trax stands out as an attractive, yet very affordable SUV." Check out his review here.
3. 2025 Kia Soul – $21,680
- Why it’s a great deal: A compact but spacious hatchback
- Pros: Roomy interior, fun styling, affordable maintenance
- Cons: No AWD option, base engine is underpowered
- EpicVIN Insight: Kia Soul models hold their resale value better than many small SUVs in this price range.
The Kia Soul is one of Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' favorite small SUVs. He calls the 2023 Soul an "outstanding value and a very enjoyable and fuel-efficient compact SUV." Check out his 2023 Soul GT-Line review here.
4. 2025 Hyundai Venue – $21,795
- Why it’s a great deal: The cheapest Hyundai SUV
- Pros: Small and easy to park, high safety ratings
- Cons: Tight back seats, slow engine
- EpicVIN Insight: The Venue ranks in the top 3 cheapest SUVs to insure, saving drivers hundreds per year.
5. 2025 Nissan Sentra – $22,730
- Why it’s a great deal: A step up from the Versa with more features
- Pros: Comfortable ride, high fuel economy, good safety features
- Cons: No AWD, not the quickest sedan
- EpicVIN Insight: Sentra models have lower-than-average maintenance costs over 10 years.
Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds on the 2025 Sentra: "It is so refreshing these days to see a really nice, good-looking car, that is also a great value." Read his 2025 Sentra review here.
6. 2025 Kia K4 – $23,145
- Why it’s a great deal: A brand-new Kia model with modern features
- Pros: Sleek design, large touchscreen, affordable parts
- Cons: Base engine lacks power, some competitors have better fuel economy
- EpicVIN Insight: First-year models can have higher depreciation, but Kia’s warranty makes it a safer bet.
Car Pro Show Host Jerry Reynolds on the 2025 Kia K4: "It is especially good to see a sedan that is affordable by today’s standards." Check out his 2025 Kia K4 review here.
7. 2025 Hyundai Elantra – $23,220
- Why it’s a great deal: Reliable and fuel-efficient
- Pros: Great gas mileage, high-tech interior, comfortable seats
- Cons: Base engine is not exciting, CVT transmission is not for everyone
- EpicVIN Insight: Hyundai Elantra ranks among the top cars for first-time buyers due to low long-term costs.
8. 2025 Nissan Kicks – $23,210
- Why it’s a great deal: A stylish subcompact SUV
- Pros: Many driver-assist features, efficient engine
- Cons: No hybrid option, limited cargo space
- EpicVIN Insight: Kicks models have a strong resale value after 3 years, better than most subcompact SUVs.
Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds on the 2025 Kicks: "There are a lot of great, small SUVs on the market today, but this Nissan ranks near the top of the list for looks, value, and features." Read his 2025 Nissan Kicks review here.
9. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta – $23,220
- Why it’s a great deal: A refined compact sedan with good tech
- Pros: Spacious interior, high fuel economy, smooth drive
- Cons: No AWD option, base model lacks power
- EpicVIN Insight: Jetta has one of the lowest repair costs among compact sedans, according to EpicVIN reports.
Read our 2025 Jetta Review.
10. 2025 Toyota Corolla – $23,460
- Why it’s a great deal: Toyota’s legendary reliability at an affordable price
- Pros: High resale value, fuel-efficient, hybrid option available
- Cons: Cramped rear seats, basic infotainment system
- EpicVIN Insight: Corolla models consistently rank in the top 5 for lowest depreciation rates.
Read our 2025 Corolla FX review.