2025 Subaru Impreza – $24,500 (Est.)
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Flat-4 |
| Power | 152 HP |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 30 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 56 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Subaru)
Though Subaru has yet to unveil official pricing for the 2025 Impreza, based on last year’s model and price increases of other Subaru models, we expect the latest Impreza to get under our $25,000 pricing cap. It’s certainly worth a look as the only car on this list with standard all-wheel drive. It’s also the only true hatchback here, a body style that combines ample cargo space with the inherently more engaging handling that comes from a lower ride height versus crossovers.
112025 Chevrolet Trailblazer – $24,395
Specs
| Engine | 1.2-Liter Turbocharged Inline-3 |
| Power | 137 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 30 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 54 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Chevrolet)
The 2025 Chevy Trailblazer is a nice blend of rugged looks with the big cargo hold that comes from a squared-off crossover body. These small SUVs are also impressively well-equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevy’s choice of a three-cylinder engine makes sense when you consider it earns 30 MPG combined.
102025 Toyota Corolla – $24,000 (Est.)
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Inline-4 |
| Power | 169 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 35 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 13 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Toyota)
Official pricing on the latest Toyota Corolla is not yet available, but like the Impreza, we expect it to fall comfortably under $25,000. Along with the Japanese automaker’s reputation for reliability, the 2025 Corolla offers one of the best combined fuel economy ratings of these 12 cars at 35 MPG. It’s also relatively powerful with 169 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-pot, making it the most potent of any car on this list.
2025 Buick Envista – $23,495
Specs
| Engine | 1.2-Liter Turbocharged Inline-3 |
| Power | 137 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 30 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 42 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Buick)
Buick’s elegantly styled Envista crossover shares an engine with the Chevy Trailblazer but bucks the CVT trend in this segment with a traditional 6-speed automatic. Cargo space is crimped somewhat by the sloped rear roofline, but high-end touches like an 11-inch central display, LED headlights, and a digital gauge cluster help make up for it.
82025 Volkswagen Jetta – $23,220
Specs
| Engine | 1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Power | 158 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 34 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 14 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: VW)
Volkswagen has updated the Jetta for 2025 with freshened styling and a newly standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Unfortunately, the 6-speed manual is no longer offered on base Jettas, but the 34 combined MPG these relatively cheap models manage is nice. As is the standard adaptive cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
