2025 Nissan Versa
$17,390 - $21,390 | 35 MPG | $0.56 per mile
Best First Cars for 2025
44 vehicles under $30,000 earned at least a 4-star NHTSA safety rating for 2025. The 2025 Nissan Versa ranks first, combining safety and affordability for new drivers.
How this list is generated
Model year: 2025; Base MSRP: 30000 or lower; NHTSA overall safety rating: 4 or higher. Data is updated when source agencies publish new information.
$17k–$30kPrice Range
11Brands
305-Star Rated
$750Lowest Fuel Cost
Showing 30 of 44 vehicles
2025 Nissan Sentra
$21,590 - $24,590 | 34 MPG | $0.56 per mile
2025 Kia K4
$21,990 - $28,090 | 33 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Hyundai Elantra
$22,125 - $28,975 | 31 MPG | $0.56 per mile
2025 Toyota Corolla
$22,325 - $28,040 | 34 MPG | $0.56 per mile
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
$22,995 - $29,500 | 33 MPG | $0.56 per mile
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
$23,100 - $29,300 | 27-31 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
$23,780 - $27,080 | 35 MPG | $0.56 per mile
2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
$23,825 - $28,190 | 44-47 MPG | $0.64 per mile
2025 Subaru Impreza
$24,360 - $29,250 | 30 MPG | $0.56 per mile
2025 Kia Seltos
$24,690 - $31,190 | 29-31 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
$24,700 - $31,500 | 31 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Mazda CX-30
$25,195 - $37,150 | 29 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Honda HR-V
$25,400 - $31,000 | 27-28 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
$25,450 - $29,800 | 50 MPG | $0.64 per mile
2025 Buick Encore GX
$25,940 - $33,100 | 27-30 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
$26,560 - $33,360 | 29 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Subaru Legacy
$26,810 - $40,110 | 30 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Hyundai Sonata
$26,900 - $37,700 | 27-47 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Nissan Altima
$27,000 - $34,830 | 28-31 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Kia K5
$27,190 - $34,960 | 27 MPG | $0.66 per mile
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
$27,345 - $31,595 | 25 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Kia Sportage
$27,390 - $38,290 | 25-28 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Toyota Prius
$28,350 - $36,765 | 54-57 MPG | $0.64 per mile
2025 Nissan Rogue
$28,590 - $39,990 | 31-33 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Hyundai Tucson
$28,705 - $41,295 | 26-35 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$28,750 - $42,750 | 22-25 MPG | $0.79 per mile
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
$28,790 - $37,790 | 38-43 MPG | $0.76 per mile
2025 Mazda CX-5
$29,050 - $41,080 | 25 MPG | $0.69 per mile
2025 Toyota RAV4
$29,800 - $39,505 | 29-30 MPG | $0.69 per mile
Common Questions
How many 2025 cars have 5-star safety ratings?
30 of 44 vehicles earned NHTSA's top 5-star overall safety rating for 2025. The top-ranked is the 2025 Nissan Versa, with prices starting at $17,390.
Which 2025 cars have zero recalls?
17 of 44 vehicles on this list have no recalls on file with NHTSA. Recall counts can change at any time as manufacturers and NHTSA identify new issues.
What safety rating should a first car have?
NHTSA recommends choosing vehicles with 4-star or 5-star overall safety ratings. This list includes only 2025 vehicles under $30,000 with at least a 4-star NHTSA rating. 30 of 44 on this list earned the top 5-star rating.
How much should a first car cost in 2025?
Among safe, affordable options for 2025, base prices range from $17,390 to $29,800. All vehicles on this list are under $30,000 and have earned at least a 4-star NHTSA safety rating.
Which brands have vehicles on this list?
11 brands are represented: Buick, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and 3 more. Rankings are based on EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, and RepairPal data, not editorial opinion.