Car prices have risen in recent years, with the average transaction price of a new car at $48,937 in September, up from just under $40,000 at the start of 2020.

Paying that much for a new car is out of reach for budget-conscious car buyers. Fortunately, there are still plenty of cheaper options available, including a handful that start at $25,000. As a bonus for all the pennies out there, three vehicles in the list below have some of the cheapest car insurance rates. Here are the models that still look like a good deal.

1. Honda HR-V

Starting price: $25,400

Hondas are well-known for their reliability and ability to hold their value, which is why buying this subcompact SUV for just $25,400 could be a great decision. The HR-V packs a lot into its relatively small profile, including Apple CarPlay® and a 7-inch touchscreen.

Safety enthusiasts will love that the base LX comes standard with Honda Sensing technology, which includes forward collision warning and lane keep assist. Rounding out the HR-V’s safety credentials is a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the organization’s highest rating. CNN also ranked the HR-V as one of the cheapest vehicles to insure.

Fun fact: the type of car you drive can affect your insurance costs. Click here to find the best car insurance for your needs

2. Hyundai Kona

Starting price: $24,350

Another great option for budget-conscious buyers is the 2025 Kona, which starts at just $24,350. That may seem like a shockingly low price for a new car, but don’t worry, this subcompact SUV is still loaded with goodies.

The base SE model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 17-inch wheels and Apple CarPlay. You’ll also pass gas stations, given that the 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine is rated at an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined (highway and city). Step up to the SEL trim (still under $26,000) and you get a power leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver’s seat and large 18-inch wheels. To top it all off, the Kona is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

3. Chevrolet Trailblazer

Starting price: $24,790

The newest Trailblazer looks like a real bargain with a starting price that’s just $24,790. You get a 1.2-liter turbo engine for the price and plenty of safety features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane keep assist.

Add the all-wheel-drive option to the LS trim for an extra $1,605, and you also get the upgraded 1.3-liter turbo engine with 155 horsepower over the smaller engine’s 137 horsepower. Either way, you’ll be riding 17-inch wheels and changing tunes on the 11-inch touchscreen. As a bonus, the Trailblazer also ranks among the cheapest cars to insure.

4. Toyota Corolla

Starting price: $22,175

A staple in any affordable car list is the prolific Toyota Corolla. While the Corolla’s styling isn’t a head-turner, its starting price of just $22,175 certainly is.

The compact sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter, 169-horsepower engine that boasts an estimated 35 mpg combined. You won’t find all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it has it where it counts in the safety department. A pedestrian detection system and lane departure alert with steering assist are standard on the base LE model, as is an 8-inch touchscreen.

5. Subaru Crosstrek

Starting price: $25,195

If you’re the outdoorsy type who’s always up for an adventure, but not one to blow your budget, look no further than the Subaru Crosstrek. With standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, even the base Crosstrek is ready to go anywhere.

You’ll get a 2.0-liter, 152-horsepower engine with an estimated 34 mpg highway and standard safety features, including automatic emergency steering and pre-collision brake support. According to CNN, the Crosstrek also earned a spot as one of the cheapest vehicles to insure.

Considering that car prices have risen significantly over the past few years, it’s good to know that some new vehicles come at a relatively low price. And if you choose one with below-average insurance costs, you’ll find it easy to keep your total vehicle costs within your budget.