A new Consumer Reports newsletter update on the cheapest new cars, which lists the lowest prices today, has seen a price decrease overall and introduced two newly recommended models, replacing the 2025 Buick Envista and the 2025 Subaru Impreza.
"The cheapest cars in America can be found by looking at transaction prices—what people are actually paying—rather than looking at just the window stickers," states CR analysts.
The Cheapest and Most Reliable Models
The updated listing is due to CR analysts closely monitoring the market and seeking out makes and models that will provide new car shoppers with good, solid, and reliable cars without requiring serious car debt by agreeing to specific models outside of most shoppers' budgets.
"In fact, as we analyze data each month to identify the best car deals, we often see that car buyers are paying a premium that adds hundreds of dollars to the manufacturer's suggested retail price for even the least expensive models…with car loan interest rates now averaging 7.1 percent, according to Edmunds, this can mean significant long-term costs," stated CR automotive experts.
This month, eight of the 10 featured models—from Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota—are selling for more than their sticker prices. And one is a great bargain this month, a midsized sedan selling for almost $3,000 below MSRP.
10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends
Amongst the recommended models, you will find "…those models ranked based on the transaction price—not the MSRP—starting with the cheapest model, at $20,449. Because we're citing actual figures, we list the specific configuration. Other versions of the featured models often carry relatively similar pricing, with the same percentage above or below the MSRP," states the recent newsletter update.
1. 2025 Hyundai Venue $20,449
Price Range: $20,200 - $23,450
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 23 / Hwy 41 mpg
#18 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Hyundai Venue SE IVT
Average transaction price: $20,449
Average spent over MSRP: $249
MSRP: $20,200
2. 2025 Nissan Sentra $21,506
Price Range: $21,590 - $24,590
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 22 / Hwy 44 mpg
#6 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Nissan Sentra S CVT
Average transaction price: $21,506
Average spent over MSRP: $84
MSRP: $21,590
3. 2025 Nissan Versa $21,550
Price Range: $17,190 - $21,190
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 22 / Hwy 45 mpg
#19 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Nissan Versa SR CVT
Average transaction price: $21,550
Average spent over MSRP: $360
MSRP: $21,190
4. 2025 Toyota Corolla $22,569
Price Range: $22,325 - $28,190
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
#8 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Toyota Corolla LE
Average transaction price: $22,569
Average spent over MSRP: $244
MSRP: $22,325
5. 2025 Hyundai Elantra $23,298
Price Range: $21,125 - $35,850
CR MPG: Overall 33 / City 21 / Hwy 49 mpg
#16 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Hyundai Elantra SEL Sport IVT
Average transaction price: $23,298
Average spent over MSRP: $48
MSRP: $23,250
6. 2025 Mazda 3 $24,056
Price Range: $23,950 - $36,950
CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg
#5 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Mazda3 2.5 S
Average transaction price: $24,056
Average spent over MSRP: $106
MSRP: $23,950
7. 2025 Kia Soul $24,333
Price Range: $20,490 - $24,790
CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 21 / Hwy 35 mpg
#11 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Kia Soul S
Average transaction price: $24,333
Average spent over MSRP: $1,343
MSRP: $22,990
8. 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback $24,340
Price Range: $23,780 - $27,080
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
#12 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE CVT
Average transaction price: $24,340
Average spent over MSRP: $560
MSRP: $23,780
9. 2025 Hyundai Sonata $24,628
Currently under CR testing and rating
Recommended model: 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL 2.5L
Average transaction price: $24,628
Average spent over MSRP: $2,872
MSRP: $27,500
10. 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid $25,526
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg
#1 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks
Recommended model: 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue
Average transaction price: $25,526
Average spent under MSRP: $76
MSRP: $25,450
If you are in the market for a used or slightly used new car, here is a recent article titled "Best Used Cars: Consumer Reports' Top Picks for June 2025."
For an additional recent Consumer Reports recommendation, be sure to check out the "10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now for the Road Trip Ahead."
COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Best New Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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