Reliability and maintenance costs are a crucial factor when it comes to affordable cars. These budget cars are primarily chosen for their value-for-money appeal, and the buyer therefore greatly appreciates their low maintenance costs. Now, the Japanese likes of Honda, Subaru, Toyota, and Nissan are generally known for their heightened reliability quotient. However, things take an interesting turn when we cap the starting price at $25,000. The likes of Kia and Hyundai actually climb the ladder higher in this case, and the most affordable car under $25,000 is not Japanese or Korean-made, but from Chevrolet.
This list is organized in increasing order of Quality and Reliability ratings as per JD Power, from the least to the most reliable new cars today for under $25,000.
The reliability race is close between the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V Hybrid.
This is a relatively new car in the Toyota line-up, with the U.S. getting its first-year model in 2022. The Toyota Corolla Cross builds on the Corolla nameplate’s popularity and ease of living with a taller stance, a more spacious and convenient cabin, cargo space, and an available all-wheel-drive system for light off-roading. It scores well on JD Power with an overall rating of 80/100, of which Quality and Reliability are at 82/100.
Being a Toyota, resale value is a no-brainer, and it scores a solid 88/100 on it. According to the NHTSA, there are no recalls or investigations yet, further cementing its solid build quality and reliability. The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross starts from $24,135.
The Subaru Impreza impresses by being the most affordable AWD car on sale today. Couple this with its peppy boxer power, and we have an entry-level car that offers an engaging ride for under $25,000. It is loaded with technology features as well, with the base trim also getting EyeSight Driver Assist technology standard.
It scores an overall 84/100 on JD Power, with the top contributors being Resale (87/100) and Quality & Reliability (83/100). As per the NHTSA, there have been no recalls or complaints yet. The 2025 Subaru Impreza starts from $24,360.
This car needs no introduction, as the Civic has been a staple in America for a long time. Honda nails the balance of performance, comfort, convenience, features, and looks with the Civic. Offered in both hatchback and sedan formats, it also offers versatility. It ranks second on JD Power’s Best Compact Car of 2025 list, with an overall score of 85/100.
Furthermore, there have been only two recalls to date, both for the base FWD trim level. The hybrid and Si sedans have had zero recalls, investigations, or complaints so far. The 2025 Honda Civic Sedan starts from $24,250.
The Hyundai Kona is a futuristic-looking small SUV that offers a lot for under $25,000. Korean automakers have made a reputation for providing insane value in terms of technology. The Kona is no different, with notable standard features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a slew of safety features including forward collision warning and lane-centering steering.
It even gets an optional AWD system for added driving finesse. Above and beyond all of these bits, the 2025 Kona has also cemented its solid reliability quotient with a JD Power score of 84/100, which contributes significantly to its overall score of 81/100. Furthermore, there have been no recalls or investigations so far across the various models, including the all-electric version. The 2025 Hyundai Kona starts from $24,550.
This is yet another small SUV that nails the sharp design language while maintaining a composed driving package. Despite being insanely affordable, the Trax doesn’t skimp on features to keep the aggressive price tag. It is powered by a peppy 1.2-liter turbo mill producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, ample muscle to ace the urban roads and occasional highway runs.
Technology features are also commendable for the price. Notable ones include standard features like Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-way power driver seat, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, to name a few. Then there’s its solid reliability quotient, evident in its JD Power score of 84/100. It claims a spot on JD Power’s Best Small SUV of 2025 list. Also, as per the NHTSA, there are no recalls or investigations yet for this entry-level SUV. The 2025 Chevy Trax starts from $20,500.
The Kia K4 defies all norms to offer a commendable driver’s car that is high on reliability, styling, and technology features, without the price tag. Even the base LX trim is loaded with features. Notable ones include a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Auto Emergency Braking Technology with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Lane Keeping and Following Assist, to name a few.
This bold, sporty-looking sedan scores relatively high in reliability, which further helps the K4 rank third on JD Power’s Best Compact Car of 2025 list, with an overall score of 84/100. There has been a single recall to date, as per the NHTSA. The 2025 Kia K4 starts at just $21,990.
The Hyundai Elantra is undeniably the sportiest-looking car in this lot. This sharp sedan fuses bold and edgy design elements to punch above its weight. Its standard powerplant is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower. The value-for-money proposition is up there, with even the base model getting standard features like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning, to name a few.
It won a place in the top five list of JD Power’s Best Compact Cars of 2025, with an overall score of 83/100. As of today, there are no recalls or investigations for this sporty-looking sedan, as per the NHTSA. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra starts from $23,370. Even better, the 2026 model is more affordable, with a starting price of $22,625.
This sub-$30,000 sedan from Hyundai is a compact HEV that you can truly rely on.
This is a no-frills entry-level sedan that is built to be the quintessential daily driver. Simplicity is the key here, with the Versa packing only the needed features. Despite being relatively barebones and even getting steel wheels, this Nissan sedan still comes with superior standard safety and assistive features like the Forward Collision System, Front Pedestrian Detection, and Rear Collision System, to name a few.
This is one of the few small cars that breach the 80-mark in the JD Power report. Furthermore, the Nissan Versa has no recalls or investigations, as per the NHTSA. This is the most affordable car of this bunch with a starting price of $17,390.
This is the most reliable sedan you can buy new, with a Quality and Reliability score of 88/100. This is pivotal in the Nissan Sentra’s overall score of 85/100, helping it rank first in JD Power’s Best Compact Car of 2025 list. The Sentra slots ahead of the Versa thanks to a larger form factor and more interior space. It looks sportier too.
Features such as a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, remote keyless entry, and blind-spot warning are standard here. As per the NHTSA, the Sentra has a single recall and no investigations as of now. The 2025 Nissan Sentra starts from $21,590, making it a solid value-for-money proposition.
The Chevy Trailblazer is a sharp-looking compact SUV. With its available AWD system, a peppy standard 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder, and a wholesome suite of technological features, it does make a solid, beginner-friendly do-it-all car. It has a relatively tall stance for some light off-roading.
Furthermore, a commendable 29/33 MPG city/highway makes it a frugal runner, too. It scores high on JD Power with an overall rating of 86/100, of which the Quality and Reliability score of 88/100 plays a crucial role. Also, there have been no recalls or investigations on the Chevy Trailblazer as per the NHTSA. The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts from $23,100.
Source: JD Power
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