Top 2026 Cars Under $25,000
Today’s lineup of new cars, trucks and SUV’s available in the U.S. command a fleet average price of around $55,000. That’s up nearly 30% in just about five years. The good news is that while the new $25,000 figure that represents what we call “an affordable car” is more expensive now, what you get for the money in almost all cases is pretty impressive.
Our stable of top 2026 cars priced under $25,000 are all base models and due to our progressive safety regulations all come standard with an impressive list of semi-autonomous driving features. Back-up cameras, forward emergency braking and multiples of airbags are standard on all.
And as we go down our list here, all car prices discussed include destination fees to be included on this list.
2026 Chevrolet Trax LS $22,995
The entry level for the Chevrolet range is the Trax compact SUV which starts at $22,995 and offers three trim grades before breaking the $25,000 barrier. We tested the roomy and well built Trax last year and were impressed with its style, quality, driving character, and its value.
It’s powered by a 137 horsepower 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. As such it can achieve and EPA estimated 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg city. Though it is considered an SUV, it is not available with AWD.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS $24,995
Available in a bright selection of colors even in base model trims, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes standard with the very same 37 horsepower 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine as the Trax, but comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and does offer AWD as an option.
Compared to the less expensive Trax, the Trailblazer design slightly older. It’s silhouette is taller and slightly shorter in length, giving the driver and passengers the sensation of a higher seating position more akin to a traditional SUV.
2026 Hyundai Elantra SE Sport $23,370
A car we have tested before, the current generation Hyundai Elantra has been with us in the current generation for a few years now. The Hyundai Elantra has won the accolade of being on our “Id Buy It” List for its sharp crisp standout styling inside and out, top quality fittings in the cabin, and a lot of features for the money even in base SE trim.
Powered by a 147 horsepower naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Elantra comes exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While a hybrid variant is available for a higher price, the base model achieves a respectable 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway.
2026 Hyundai Venue SE $21,695
Hyundai’s entry level model is the Venue sub-compact SUV which while one of the oldest designs in the brand’s showroom still offers up a unique sense of style. Plenty roomy, well built and simple to the bone, we enjoyed its character and value when we test drove it.
Offering a bright selection of colors and standard alloy wheels in base trim, it’s powered by a 121 horsepower 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive only it can achieve 29 mg city and 33 mpg highway.
2026 Kia K4 LX $23, 185
First introduced as a 2025 model the K4 sedan is one of the newest designs from Kia. It offers up styling that you will either love or hate. It’s daring, it’s bold and as modern as it comes. The smartly designed cabin is fresh too, well equipped for the basic class with a well featured 12.3-inch touchscreen and push button start – items most cars don’t give you until you step up into higher grades.
Larger than the previous generation sedan it replaced, the K4 is roomy due to its larger greenhouse. It’s powered by a simple and reliable 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) all good for 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
2026 Kia Soul LX $21,935
One of the most recognizable models from Kia remains the cute and boxy Soul. Now in its third generation, the Soul has grown a few inches here and there and continues with its cheeky style and character in a way few new cars at this price do.
It’s powered by the same 2.0-liter engine and transmission combination found in the K4 sedan with its 147 horsepower. Here though it’s boxy shape and size bring the fuel economy down a few ticks to 27 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
2026 Nissan Kicks S $23,925
Fresh off the heels of a striking 2025 ground up redesign, the 2026 Nissan Kicks S adds a standard 12.3-inch infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto and two front USB-C ports.
With a modest 141 horsepower 2.0-liter four cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission, Kicks has impressive fuel economy of up to 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. AWD is available at extra cost.
2026 Toyota Corolla LE $23,920
While it may not be the most exciting or newest design of the collection, the 2026 Toyota Corolla continues to offer up a combination of value, solid reliability, and confidence that has made it a favorite for bargain shoppers for decades. It’s always considered the “safe choice” even if it’s not the most in terms of styling, value and the latest features.
It stands out however as the most powerful option in our entire list with a 169 horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). And while you might think that would hit the gas mileage, no. It’s rated at 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
2026 Volkswagen Jetta S $24,720
Another car that has landed on our “I’d Buy It” list is the current generation Volkswagen Jetta sedan. It’s a design that been around for more than a few years but got a styling update for the 2025 model year. It remains the sharp and down to German business suit it has always been.
It has also been brought up to date with modern infotainment systems and a decent collection of features for the money including standard alloy wheels. Powering the Jetta is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and premium 8-speed automatic transmission. With 158 horsepower and mpg ratings of 29 city and 39 highway it’s almost top of class in performance specs.
