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Fortunately, Consumer Reports’ recommended cheap cars list offers buyers peace of mind. These are not only the lowest-priced cars based on TrueCar’s national transaction data, but they also meet CR’s strict standards for road-test performance, safety, owner satisfaction, and long-term reliability.
Why Consumer Reports’ Cheap Car List Matters
According to CR’s newsletter, “The cheapest cars in America can be found by looking at transaction prices—what people are actually paying—rather than just window stickers.”
This means that instead of relying on MSRP pricing for budget cars, CR is showing shoppers the real-world cheapest cars to buy right now. For those drivers who want a safe and dependable ride without piling repairs on top of car debt, this data-driven list is invaluable.
Eight out of the ten cheapest new cars on the list are currently selling for above MSRP, showing just how competitive the affordable-car market has become.
The 10 Cheapest New Cars Consumer Reports Recommends (2025)
Here’s CR’s full rundown of affordable cars recommended for reliability in 2025, complete with average transaction prices and fuel economy figures.
- 2025 Hyundai Venue ($20,754)
- Price Range: $20,200 – $23,450
- CR MPG: 32 overall / 23 city / 41 highway
- Recommended model: SE IVT
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $554
- 2025 Nissan Sentra ($21,363)
- Price Range: $21,590 – $24,590
- CR MPG: 32 overall / 22 city / 44 highway
- Recommended model: S CVT
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $227
- 2025 Nissan Versa ($21,639)
- Price Range: $17,190 – $21,190
- CR MPG: 32 overall / 22 city / 45 highway
- Recommended model: SR CVT
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $449
- 2025 Toyota Corolla ($22,775)
- Price Range: $22,325 – $28,190
- CR MPG: 36 overall / 24 city / 51 highway
- Recommended model: LE
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $450
- 2025 Kia Soul ($24,901)
- Price Range: $20,490 – $24,790
- CR MPG: 28 overall / 21 city / 35 highway
- Recommended model: S
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $911
- 2025 Hyundai Elantra ($23,950)
- Price Range: $21,125 – $35,850
- CR MPG: 33 overall / 21 city / 49 highway
- Recommended model: SEL Sport IVT
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $700
- 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback ($24,083)
- Price Range: $23,780 – $27,080
- CR MPG: 36 overall / 24 city / 51 highway
- Recommended model: SE CVT
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $303
- 2025 Mazda3 ($24,209)
- Price Range: $24,150 – $37,150
- CR MPG: 30 overall / 20 city / 44 highway
- Recommended model: 2.5 S
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $59
- 2025 Buick Envista ($25,235)
- Price Range: $23,800 – $28,600
- CR MPG: 29 overall / 21 city / 39 highway
- Recommended model: Sport Touring
- Avg. spent over MSRP: $65
- 2025 Kia Seltos ($25,730)
- Price Range: $24,690 – $31,190
- CR MPG: 28 overall / 20 city / 35 highway
- Recommended model: LX IVT AWD
- Avg. spent under MSRP: $1,040
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What Is the Cheapest and Most Reliable New Car for 2025?
From this list, the 2025 Hyundai Venue takes the crown as the cheapest reliable new car recommended by Consumer Reports, with an average transaction price of just $20,754.
However, for buyers who want more features and long-term dependability, the 2025 Toyota Corolla continues to stand out as one of the best budget cars for reliability and resale value.
Related Articles on Affordable Cars
If you’re considering used or slightly used vehicles, here are some first-hand reports worth reading:
- My 2016 Corolla Saved My Husband, 11-Month-Old Daughter, and Me
- 2025 Toyota Camry Complaints – How I Won My Lemon Law Case
- Why I Let My Daughter Buy a 2024 Toyota Corolla With 3,000 Miles
And for a broader perspective on car shopping: I Test Drive Over 50 New Car Models Every Year—Here’s What I Would Buy.
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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Source: torquenews.com
