6 New Cars under $25,000
/The pandemic has seen a shift in how and where we work, live, and drive.
With the upcoming shift from traditional offices to modern home offices, our vehicle needs will change and for those looking to downsize or perhaps pick up a new/first car, here are six solid new car options for less than $25,000.
Note that not all trim levels of each model are under the $25,000 mark but at least one trim level is.
Nissan Sentra
With the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla being perennial segment leaders, the Sentra has had a constant uphill drive. Recently fully redesigned, the Sentra is well-appointed inside, has a sharp and modern exterior and a smooth ride quality. More importantly, the mile-long list of standard safety features include Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Braking.
Boasting 149 horsepower and 145 lb-ft. of torque, there’s ample power to keep you in motion.
Massive bonus points to Nissan for making it available in a six-speed manual transmission on both the base S trim and the higher, sporty SR trim!
Mazda 3
Mazda’s quietly and quickly kept to their own lane over the past few years as they’ve transitioned into a high-class, premium brand, effectively separating themselves from the pack.
An upscale, minimalist interior, clean and handsome body lines, plus a spirited drive quality makes the Mazda 3 one of the best value propositions.
The GX and GS trim meet our criteria and with up to an evenly balanced 186 horsepower and lb-ft. of torque, the “zoom zoom” is very much alive.
Standard safety includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, there’s ample cargo space in both the sedan and hatchback, plus, the standard LED head and tail lights provide a premium look.
Toyota C-HR
The quirky and functional sub-compact crossover from Toyota has an interior that’s much bigger than it appears, so don’t be dissuaded by it’s smaller footprint.
With over 1,000 litres of cargo space, 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft. of torque, an inviting interior and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the C-HR is an ideal urban companion.
Throw in some smart standard safety, which is highlighted by Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Radar Cruise Control, and you’ve got a lot of car to move with.
Hyundai Venue
With all four trims meeting the financial threshold, Hyundai’s smallest crossover is stylish, spacious and svelte. Dubbed as an “urban adventurer,” the Venue features standard heated seats, a dual level cargo floor, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Combined fuel consumption is 7.5 litres/100 km and the 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft. of torque is plenty for city life.
Spice up your Venue with an available two-tone coloured roof.
Kia Soul
You’ll never lose it in a parking lot, given its unique boxy style. With three of the five trims below the $25,000 mark, you won’t have to sacrifice for your Soul.
Heated front seats, keyless entry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you’ll always be connected and warm.
The mid-trim EX and EX+ see safety features including Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist.
Thanks to its taller stance, cargo space is a cavernous 1,758 litres with the rear seats folded.
Power-wise, the front-wheel drive 2.0 litre engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque.
Subaru Impreza
(Even though it’s a review of the 2019 model, pricing for the current model year, for some trims, are below $25,000)
Known for their standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, which is quite handy during Canadian winters, the Impreza comes in sedan and hatchback iterations and has several trims below $25,000. Its mall size makes it easy to drive and park, it’s longevity (over 95% of Subaru’s sold in the last decade are still on the road) is astounding, and up to 1,565 litres of cargo space gives you a plethora of useable functional space.
You can select the brilliant EyeSight safety system (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Sway Assist, etc.,) for extra peace of mind on the road.
Whether you’re booting around the city or heading north of the city and exploring, the Impreza is impressive.
