The ’20s have been a tough time so far for drivers. Between soaring gas prices and a worldwide chip shortage
, car-related costs have been a consistent thorn in our collective side. Luckily, it’s not all bad out there. If you’re in the market for a new car
that won’t hit you too hard in the wallet, there are options. Read on to learn about seven offerings that get you some well-deserved bang for your buck. Picking seven winners
Consumer Reports (CR)
recently released a list of seven best new cars under $25,000. The models chosen were selected for those prized qualities of fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. All of the cars are compact four-doors, and most have driver-assist features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Each car is given a score out of 100 based on four factors: performance on road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.
The Tesla Model S P85D received a full 100 in 2015, and there haven’t been any 100s since then, but rest assured that an imperfect score does not suggest an imperfect car.
In seventh place with a score of 69 is the 2022 Mazda 3. Blind spot warning is not a standard feature on this car, unlike the rest in the list, which may explain its seventh place finish.
But if you don’t mind warning yourself about blind spots, the Mazda 3 is an otherwise great choice. CR reports getting 30 miles to the gallon from the 2.5 L four-cylinder engine, and testers enjoyed a “refined” drive. The Mazda 3 ranges from $20,800 to $34,400.
The 2022 Honda Civic takes sixth place with a score of 70. Though unimpressed with the noisiness of the car over long periods of time, CR reviewers were pleased with the 33 mpg that its 2 L four-cylinder engine fetched in tests, and enjoyed the unfussy infotainment system. You can take the Civic home from anywhere between $22,350 and $29,850.
Not so middling middle of the pack
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Climbing to a score of 73 is the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. Though reviewers weren’t blown away by the fun of the handling, calling it “competent but a bit dull,” they sang the praises of the Jetta’s fuel economy.
Plus, it stays true to Volkswagen’s reputation for safety and includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot warning as standard. Reporting 34 mpg and costing between $20,195 and $27,795, this little car punches above its weight.
It wouldn’t be a proper bang-for-your-buck list without a compact Toyota, and it’s the 2022 Corolla that gets the nod this time. Fuel efficiency is the name of the game, says CR, noting that the 1.8L four-cylinder knocks out 32 mpg, and the hybrid attains a “maybe we could actually consider taking a road trip” 48 mpg.
Though the backseat isn’t spacious, handling and controls were both given the thumbs up. The Corolla ties the Jetta at 73.
Podium finishers
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The 2022 Hyundai Elantra nabs third place, with a score of 76, and joins its other two podium-toppers in offering an option under $20,000. Its standard option slightly outperforms the Corolla’s with 33 mpg, but the hybrids tie at 48 mpg. The expansive safety features and spacious interior give the Elantra the edge, and despite the reviewers’ ho-hum feel for the ride, handling was nonetheless praised.
Our runner-up is the 2022 Nissan Sentra, scoring 77. Ranging from $19,610 to $22,200, the Sentra’s top level is the closest in price to its standard, and reviewers found nothing to critique at any level.
It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning as standard, and achieves 32 mpg. With a comfortable and good-looking interior, plus a quiet and unruffled riding experience, it’s hard to find fault with the Sentra.
But a first place trophy must be awarded, and it’s the 2022 Subaru Impreza that somehow surpasses the Sentra. Scoring 81, the Impreza wins for cheapest possible standard option, at $18,795.
This low price is a wonderful mismatch to its tasteful interior, simple controls, and what CR calls “ride comfort that puts some luxury cars to shame.” A 2L four-cylinder engine returns 30 mpg on all-wheel drive, and drivers can feel assured by the presence of forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
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