2025 Kia K4 – $23,145
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Inline-4 |
| Power | 147 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 33 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 15 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Kia)
For 2025, Kia drops the Forte and replaces it with the K4 compact sedan. Featuring the Korean automaker’s signature brand of value, the K4 falls midpack price-wise but boasts a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. All models also come standard with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, LED headlights, and a driver attention monitor.
62025 Hyundai Elantra – $23,025
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Inline-4 |
| Power | 147 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 36 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 14 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Hyundai)
A mechanical twin to the Kia K4, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra is our fuel economy champ with a 36 MPG combined rating per the EPA. Like the other sedans on this list, the Elantra can’t match crossovers on cargo space. However, the standard 6-speaker audio system is unusual for this segment and the 3 years of complimentary maintenance is unmatched.
2025 Nissan Kicks – $22,970
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Inline-4 |
| Power | 141 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 31 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 60 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Nissan)
Nissan has unveiled an all-new second-gen Kicks compact crossover for 2025 with bolder looks and a bigger footprint. It shows up with the 60 cubic feet of maximum cargo space but manages to keep the starting price just below $23,000. Steel wheels are unfortunately the standard setup, but a digital gauge cluster and LED headlights do make the base model cut.
42025 Nissan Sentra – $22,730
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Inline-4 |
| Power | 149 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 34 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 14 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Nissan)
As ever. the 2025 Nissan Sentra can stretch a gallon of gas with a 34 MPG combined rating and its mini-Altima styling is easy on the eyes. Nissan now includes 2 years of complimentary maintenance with the Sentra along with forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
2025 Hyundai Venue – $22,000 (Est.)
Specs
| Engine | 1.6-Liter Inline-4 |
| Power | 121 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 31 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 32 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai’s smallest crossover is expected to cost about $22,000 for the 2025 model year, but official figures have not yet been released. Though making just 121 horsepower, which is the lowest of any car on this list, the 2025 Venue does come with alloy wheels, wireless smartphone integration, and a 10-year powertrain warranty.
22025 Kia Soul – $21,665
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Inline-4 |
| Power | 147 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 30 MPG |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 62 Cu. Ft. |
(Source: Kia)
Kia has moved the 2025 Soul beyond its cutesy hamster-driving antics of yesteryear into a downright handsome crossover. But it’s still as cheap as ever and one of just 2 models here that fall under $22,000. It also offers the most overall cargo space of 62 cubic feet, has a digital instrument panel, and of course, has Kia’s 100,000-mile powertrain coverage backing it up.
12025 Chevrolet Trax – $21,495
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 | 54 Cu. Ft. |
