Even inexpensive brand-new vehicles can end up costing a lot due to many trims and optional upgrades. Also, there are cheap cars that perform poorly. Thankfully, Consumer Reports has released its yearly list of the best 2021 models. So here are the Consumer Reports best new cars under $25,000 :
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Consumer Reports Best New Cars Under $25,000
Best Sedan: 2021 Toyota Corolla
Firstly, we have the best sedan under $25,000, which is the Toyota Corolla. Even though the sedan segment is not as popular as before, the 2021 Corolla continues to sell. Toyota’s best selling compact car offers 8 trims below the price, with a hybrid one included. It is priced from a $20,025 base price, and its hybrid variant starts from $24,595.
It has great gas mileage (32-52 combined mpg based on the engine), and it is reliable and safe; coming with plenty of standard driver assistance technology. With the 2021 Corolla, you will get a comfortable ride, along with spaciousness. CRs say that it was also fun to drive due to its functional chassis, and responsive steering.
Consumer Reports have given the 2021 Toyota Corolla ‘excellent’ predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction scores. As far as affordable compact sedans are concerned, this vehicle is a simple-yet-capable answer.
Best Crossover: 2021 Mazda CX-30
The crossover is undoubtedly the most important and sought out segment in the automotive markets today. So, we end this by looking at Consumer Reports picking the 2021 Mazda CX-30 as its top pick for crossover vehicles less than $25,000. The base model of this subcompact crossover is priced from $22,050, so you can also get a higher trim level for $25,000.
Consumer Reports say that 2021 Mazda CX-30 showed brilliance during its road test, as it felt very sporty compared to its rivals, due to its eager dynamics. The base engine offers a six-speed automatic instead of a CVT like most of its competitors. The interior trimmings are posh for their price, you get a lot of standard technology along with driver assistance features, and predictive available AWD. Fuel economy estimates are decent at 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.
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Other than the positive road tests, the 2021 CX-30 has also received positive predicted reliability and predicted ownership satisfaction ratings by Consumer Reports. This means that the 5-seater crossover will serve you for a long time.
Best Eco-friendly Car: 2021 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is the face of hybrid vehicles worldwide and it will represent them here as well. Even though it has gained a plethora of competitors, it continues to stay in the market due to its spacious cabin, excellent fuel economy, and it is the only one in its class to offer optional AWD. The base Prius model is priced at $24,520 hence it has made this list.
The Prius is also the most reliable car in its class. It is a safe car, filled with a long list of standard features, that also make it tech-friendly. Also, the Prius has the highest owner satisfaction rating. This means that you can have a well-built car at a good price. But the main priority is fuel efficiency.
This base variant also offers a brilliant EPA-rated fuel economy. Consumer Reports tested the Prius and said that it consumed just 43 mpg in the city and 59 mpg on the highway, giving a combined fuel average of 52 mpg.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
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