It’s hard to find a cheap car in 2022. Insanely high car prices have been a mainstay for months, with only a few signs that prices could fall later this year. If you’re on a budget for a new car, your options are limited. But they are certainly not bad. These are the top eight options under $25,000, according to Edmunds.
The 2022 Mazda3 is one of the best cars under $25,000
The 2022 Mazda3 is a compact sedan that gives you a luxurious look without a high price tag. For under $25,000, you can get the Mazda3 2.5 S trim, which is powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that puts out 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
Every Mazda3 model comes with many standard features. For driver aids, there are rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistant, driver drowsiness monitor and frontal collision mitigation. The Mazda3 is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2022. Inside, the eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8.8-inch infotainment screen give you plenty of technology to enjoy.
Behind the wheel, the Mazda3 is fun to drive, with responsive steering and quick acceleration. It is an easy daily driver that can give you a little more if you want to have fun. It’s no wonder this year’s new Mazda3 got a spot Edmunds’ list of the best cars, trucks, and SUVs for under $25,000.
The Honda Civic 2022 is one of the best cars money can buy
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The Honda Civic is one of the best sedans you can buy on the market today. The Civic has a history of reliability, comfort and affordability, and the 2022 model is no different. Edmunds even called the Civic the top sedan of 2022.
You can also get two trims for under $25,000: the base Honda Civic LX and the Sport. Both Civic models are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that gives you 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. All Honda Civic models come with many of the same driver aids as the Mazda3: lane-keeping assistant, adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation. There are a few more, such as automatic high beam and a traffic sign reading system.
The Civic Sport trim gives you a bigger 18-inch wheel instead of a 16-inch one. It also includes remote ignition and keyless entry, sport mode, eight-speaker audio system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Though less powerful than the Mazda3, the Civic’s cargo space and fuel economy at a combined 33 to 35 miles per gallon make it a worthwhile option.
The 2022 Kia Forte is a cheap new car for under $25,000
Redesigned for 2022, the Kia Forte is known as one of the most affordable sedans on the market. All Forte trims fall under the $25,000 budget cap.
But that low price does not mean that you make concessions on driving characteristics or options. There are two powertrains: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque for the FE, LXS and GT-Line versions and a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. and produces 195 lb-ft. ft of torque in the GT†
All 2022 Kia Forte models come standard with cruise control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and at least an 8-inch touchscreen display. The Forte comes standard with driver aids such as Forward Collision, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Top models such as the Forte GT-Line and GT come with navigation-based smart cruise control and collision avoidance with pedestrians and cyclists.
There is more cargo space than the Civic at 15.3 cubic feet. It also has great warranties like a five-year or 60,000-mile base and 10-year or 100,000-mile drivetrain to give you peace of mind.
The 2022 Kia K5 has a lot to offer new car buyers
While the 2022 Kia K5 made the Edmunds list of the best cars, trucks and SUVs under $25,000, only one Kia K5 model makes it under the budget cap: the LX† The LX trim comes with a 1.6-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine that gives you 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The K5’s engine is efficient at 32 combined miles per gallon.
Like the Forte, the Kia K5 comes standard with Forward Collision Restriction, Driver Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems. Inside, you also get an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You can also enjoy the standard five-year or 60,000-mile base and 10-year or 100,000-mile drivetrain warranty on each model.
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is one of the best SUVs under $25,000
While Edmunds calls the 2022 Mazda CX-30 one of the best SUVs under $25,000, Edmunds reviewers note that the Mazda CX-30 looks a lot like an SUV-sized Mazda3. Like the Kia K5, only one trim level for the CX-30 falls under the budget cap: the 2.5 S†
It is powered in the same way as the Mazda3 with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The standard features of the CX-30 set it apart. It is the only vehicle on this list with standard four-wheel drive.
Drivers can also enjoy a host of safety features, including Forward Collision Restriction, Lane Departure Warning, adaptive cruise control and drowsy driver tracking systems.
The CX-30 is easy and fun to drive and handles just like the Mazda3. There’s more cargo space than most sedans on this list with 20.2 cubic feet of space, and it feels luxurious in the cabin. But it has the worst fuel economy on the list at 26 combined mpg.
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The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers two budget-friendly trims
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has two under-budget finishes: the LS and LT† Both are powered by the smallest engine on the list: a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline three-cylinder that delivers 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. That means the two Trailblazer trims get great gas mileage for a non-hybrid SUV at 30 mpg for the LS and 28 mpg for the LT.
With 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, there’s a lot more room in the Trailblazer than in the CX-30. Standard features on the Trailblazer include a Wi-Fi hotspot, a fold-down passenger seat, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For safety features, forward collision and lane assist are standard. The LT trim adds a few perks like cruise control, keyless entry and heated front seats.
With these features at a great starting price, it’s no wonder Edmunds put this year’s model on its list of the best cars, trucks and SUVs under $25,000. Additionally, Edmunds ranked the Trailblazer as the second best extra-small SUV for 2022 and 2023.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a sub-compact SUV under $25,000
Hyundai’s subcompact SUV, the Kona, offers two trim levels below the $25,000 MSRP: the SE and the SEL† Both Hyundai Kona models have a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It’s a fuel sipper at 32 combined mpg.
Exterior styling has been updated for the 2022 Hyundai Kona, but retains the standard features that have been a mainstay since 2018. Driver aids such as forward impact, lane departure restriction and lane departure assist system are available on all models. Four-wheel drive is optional on both trim levels, and the Kona handles well in the corners.
It has less cargo space than the Trailblazer or the CX-30 at 19.2 cubic feet, but as one of the best cars, trucks, and SUVs under $25,000, the Hyundai Kona is an affordable and fun option for staying under the budget.
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The 2022 Ford Maverick Is The Best Truck Under $25,000
The 2022 Ford Maverick is the only truck on Edmunds’ list of the best cars, trucks and SUVs under $25,000. It also offers a lot without a hefty price tag. The XL and XLT models fit comfortably under the $25,000 budget cap.
Every Ford Maverick model comes with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid engine that produces 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system excels in fuel economy; the 37 mpg combined is the best on this list.
Based on Ford’s compact SUV Escape, the Maverick offers you a four-foot bed behind four seats in the cabin. The 2022 Ford Maverick can also tow up to 2,000 lbs. and load 1,500 lbs. payload when needed.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, under-seat storage and forward collision limitation. It’s not as comfortable and roomy inside as the SUVs or sedans on the list. But if you’re looking for an affordable truck, the Maverick is hard to beat. TrueCar even called it the second best medium truck on the market.
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