2025 Honda Accord Hybrid
The oldest nameplate in the business is also one of the best-selling cars stateside. The hybrid variant starts just under $33,000 and comes with a 204 hp powertrain that can return EPA-certified 51 city, 44 highway, and 48 combined MPG-51.
Opt for 17-inch rollers and that highway MPG can easily hit 50. Accord’s non-hybrid lineup is equally impressive and comes with the same dependable ride quality for about 3k less.
Model |
2025 Honda Accord Hybrid |
---|---|
Price |
$31,500 (LX trim) |
Engine | 2.0 L Hybrid Inline 4 |
Horsepower |
204 hp |
Torque |
247 lb-ft |
Transmission |
CVT |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
51/48/50 mpg |
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
On paper, the 2025 Accord Hybrid has 232 hp, nearly 30 more than the Accord, but in the real world, you would be hard-pressed to notice the difference. For 2025 Camry only comes in Hybrid powertrains mated to whether FWD or AWD, the latter being another reason apart from the looks you would go for the Camry instead of the Accord.
As the most fuel-efficient LE trim comes with wireless carplay, 9 speaker audio, and 16-inch wheels, it can do EPA-certified 51 city, 53 highway, and 52 combined MPG.
Model |
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid |
---|---|
Price |
$30,000 (LE trim) |
Engine | 2.5 L Hybrid Inline 4 |
Horsepower |
232 hp |
Torque |
163 lb-ft |
Transmission |
CVT |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
51/53/52 mpg |
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2025 Hyundai Elantra N
286 Horsepower, the price-to-performance ratio is simply insane with the Elantra N, which also comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as a bonus. Car and Driver managed a sub-5 second sprint on multiple occasions and flat out will easily do 155 mph. You also get a full aero kit consisting of a spoiler, a diffuser, and a splitter.
Model |
2025 Hyundai Elantra N |
---|---|
Price |
$26,000 (N Line trim) |
Engine | 2.0 Liter inline 4 |
Horsepower |
286 hp (with boost) |
Torque |
289 lb-ft |
Transmission |
6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
22/31/26 mpg |
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The 2025 GLI has been refreshed with a new face and red accents throughout the car. It comes with a manual tranny and a turbocharged 4-cylinder with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft.
It costs around $34,000 and has a build quality that surpasses its archrival Elantra. Do note that if your Jetta GLI has all season it's better to swap them with summer rubber for maximum performance.
Model |
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI |
---|---|
Price |
$30,000 (S trim) |
Engine | 2.0 L inline 4 |
Horsepower |
228 hp |
Torque |
258 lb-ft |
Transmission |
6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
26/36/30 mpg |
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2025 Mazda 3
Mazda 3 comes with a wide variety of engine and gearbox combinations starting just a hair shy of $25,200. The powerful 250 hp turbo models are the ones to get as they come standard with an AWD system.
The recommended 2.5 Carbon Turbo comes with Exclusive Zircon Sand Metallic paint with Terracotta leatherette-trimmed seats and costs $32,000.
For $3000 more you can upgrade to Premium Plus trim which comes with Bose audio, 360-degree monitor, and parking sensors.
Model |
2025 Mazda 3 Turbo Carbon |
---|---|
Price |
$24,000 (Base trim) |
Engine | 2.5 L inline 4 |
Horsepower |
250 hp |
Torque |
320 lb-ft |
Transmission |
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
28/36/31 mpg |
2025 Subaru WRX
AKA Poor Man’s Panamera, the 2025 Subaru WRX comes with a raspy 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with standard all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, or you can opt for the CVT. Inside, you’ll find an 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The WRX's sport-tuned suspension and excellent handling are highlights for those who crave performance.
Safety features include Subaru's EyeSight suite, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts who want both speed and everyday practicality.
Model |
2025 Subaru WRX |
---|---|
Price |
$30,000 (Base trim) |
Engine | 2.4 L Flat Four |
Horsepower |
271 hp |
Torque |
258 lb-ft |
Transmission |
6-speed manual or CVT |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
19/26/22 mpg |
2025 Honda Civic Si
Since the Type R is nowhere near its MSRP, the equally impressive Civic Si combines sporty performance with everyday usability. Starting at around $28,000, the Si packs a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, and while front-wheel drive limits traction.
Model |
2025 Honda Civic Si |
---|---|
Price |
$28,000 (Si trim) |
Engine | 1.5 L Inline 4 |
Horsepower |
200 hp |
Torque |
192 lb-ft |
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
26/36/30 mpg |
2025 Nissan Versa
The 2025 Nissan Versa is the cheapest car in America starting at just $17,500 for the base trim. It features a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While it won’t win any races, the Versa’s low price point and great fuel efficiency (up to 40 mpg highway) make it a solid choice for commuters and first-time buyers.
The interior is basic but functional, with a 7-inch touchscreen and standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. With its low cost of ownership and surprisingly comfortable ride, the Versa stands as one of the most affordable and reliable cars in its class.
Model |
2025 Nissan Versa |
---|---|
Price |
$17,500 (S trim) |
Engine | 1.6 L Inline 4 |
Horsepower |
122 hp |
Torque |
114 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed manual or CVT |
MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
32/40/35 mpg |
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