Best New Cars Under $25k: Mazda3 Sedan Makes the List

Best New Cars Under $25k: Mazda3 Sedan Makes the List

If you’re searching online for the best new cars under $25k, you probably value the peace of mind that comes with a new car warranty and knowing you’re the vehicle’s first owner. You also want to upgrade from your current car affordably without stretching your budget.

But if you’re looking for cheap new cars, why settle for something less than stellar just to save a few bucks?

We’ve reviewed the current list of new cars under $25,000, and we’re bringing you our top pick in the sedan segment. Whether searching for the best car for teenagers or first-time new car buyers, or simply a superb new sedan that’s affordably priced and well-equipped, we think our top pick, the Mazda3 Sedan, has you covered.

Mazda3 Sedan: One of the Top New Cars Under $25k

The Mazda3 Sedan is mysteriously missing from some lists of the best new cars under $25,000. Mazda’s compact car is an often-overlooked option, and we think that’s a shame because it could very well be the best new car under $25,000.

But before we cover why the Mazda3 Sedan is one of the best of the least expensive new cars for sale, let’s consider how we got to this place where spending $25,000 on a new car presents far fewer choices than just a few years ago.

Fewer New Car Options Under $25,000

If you’re looking for new cars under $20,000 today, you may have already noticed there aren’t many options unless you happen to secure a sweet deal or discount. You may need to consider new cars around $25k instead.

New car affordability has been a growing issue for several years now. Even before recent supply chain constraints, automakers have been increasingly interested in discontinuing compact cars like sedans and hatchbacks for pricier (and more profitable) crossovers and SUVs.

While it’s true that interest in sedans has also declined with the rise of CUVs and SUVs, there’s still a market for affordable compact to midsize cars, including sedans and small hatchbacks.

Unfortunately for new car shoppers on a tighter budget, there are simply fewer options with every passing model year. We suspect the cheapest new car in 2024 will be significantly more costly than the year prior.

There’s a lot of value in certified pre-owned and late-model used cars, including Mazda car and SUV models like the Mazda3, CX-3, CX-5, and CX-30. But for drivers on a budget who want a brand-new car complete with that new car warranty, a new Mazda3 Sedan is tough to top. Here’s why:

New Cars Around $25k: Why the Mazda3 Sedan is a Top Pick

Compared to more spartan options in the small car segment (or what’s remaining of it), the new Mazda3 Sedan base model feels far more premium. Yet, the new Mazda3 price is highly competitive with alternatives from the likes of Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.

In the States, the new Mazda3 Sedan’s base trim is called the 2.5 S. With a starting MSRP of $24,170 for the 2024 model year, it stays below the $25k mark, excluding taxes, title, license fees, and destination charge.

At the new Mazda3 starting price or MSRP, you get a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder engine, an eight-speaker sound system, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go is also included, which is impressive alone, as many carmakers still charge extra for adaptive cruise control, or reserve it for far pricier vehicles or trim levels than the new Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S.

Like everything lately, though, the Mazda3 price has increased. The Mazda3 Sedan price for the 2023 model year started at just $22,550 MSRP, a significant discount from the 2024 Mazda3 price.

Still, you’ll find alternatives to the new Mazda3 Sedan have also become more expensive, so this Mazda sedan model is still a relative bargain given its standard equipment and premium look and feel.

Base Model Performance: Mazda3 Sedan Bests the Rest

So, how does the new Mazda3 Sedan’s power output, fuel economy, and overall performance compare to other new cars around $25,000?

The sub-$25k new Mazda3 Sedan returns an EPA-estimated 27 city and 37 highway MPG in its base form, and up to 28 city MPG in the Select Sport trim. That’s not the best in its class or among other affordable new cars, but it’s quite good considering this Mazda sedan features a larger, more powerful engine than its closest competition.

Other affordable new car options include the 158-horsepower Honda Civic Sedan, 149-horsepower Nissan Sentra, 147-horsepower Kia Forte, and 169-horsepower Toyota Corolla.

While these other inexpensive new cars for sale rely on continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) to reach peak fuel economy ratings, the Mazda3 Sedan utilizes Mazda’s Skyactiv-Drive technology, engineered to harness the benefits of a traditional automatic, a CVT, and a dual-clutch transmission in a single gearbox.

The Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic may not be one of the newest transmissions offered on the market, but it pairs nicely with the Mazda3 Sedan’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder engine that generates a healthy 186 lb-ft of torque, resulting in responsive and robust performance.

The aforementioned alternatives from Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Nissan feature smaller and substantially less powerful engines, less responsive CVTs, and only negligibly better gas mileage than the 191-horsepower Mazda3 Sedan.

New Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Select or Select Sport, an Even Better Value Under $25k?

For a bit more money — and still under that $25k mark — you can upgrade to the next-level 2024 Mazda3 Sedan trim, which comes with a substantial list of upgrades.

The previous next-tier trim level of the Mazda3 Sedan, the 2.5 S Select, has been retired for the 2024 model year. Replacing it in the lineup is the 2024 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Select Sport, with a starting MSRP of $24,960 in the States.

If you can still find a leftover new Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Select, though, it’s worth a look. With its starting MSRP of $23,950, the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Select is perhaps an even better value than the 2023 base trim.

Otherwise, consider its replacement, the 2024 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Select Sport, which boasts a similar equipment package, including significant enhancements over the 2.5 S model.

Key upgrades to the new Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Select Sport edition include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with a black metallic finish
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System

The new Mazda3 Sedan price for the 2.5 S Select Sport trim is around $500 more than the base model, but it also earns a slightly higher EPA-estimated city fuel economy rating of 28 MPG, perhaps helping to offset its higher price over the entirety of ownership.

New Cars Under $25k: Test Driving a New Mazda3 Sedan

Here at MazdaMotoring, we’re certainly fans of used and classic Mazda cars and SUVs. We even offer pre-owned Mazda car buying and selling via our online car auctions.

But if you’re shopping for an affordable vehicle under $25,000 and want the peace of mind that comes with being the first owner — including a new car warranty — we think the new Mazda3 Sedan deserves a close look.

This compact sedan should be on the shortlist when shopping for new cars under $25,000. But if your budget is higher, you can also consider the AWD, turbo, and hatchback variants of this new Mazda compact car.

You’ll only find your preferred brand-new Mazda3 Sedan around $25k at Mazda dealerships. So shop, visit, or contact your local Mazda dealer for full details on securing one of these affordable new cars for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Mazda3 Sedan one of the best new cars under $25k?

The Mazda3 Sedan is one of the best new cars under $25k for several reasons. First, it is one of the more powerful new car options around $25,000, as the new Mazda3 Sedan is powered by a 191-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine. It also comes nicely equipped with standard safety tech like adaptive cruise control, a feature that often requires upgrading to a pricier version of other new cars.

What is the new Mazda3 price?

The price on a Mazda3 varies by model year, body style, and trim level. For instance, the 2024 Mazda3 MSRP for the 2.5 S sedan model starts at $24,170 in the United States. Opting for the next-tier 2.5 S Select Sport edition comes with a Mazda3 Sedan price of $24,960, excluding taxes, title, license fees, and destination charge. You can also consider a 2023 or older model at a lower price.

What are some of the best cars under $25k?

There are lots of great options when shopping for cars under $25k, including plenty of quality pre-owned options. However, if you prefer the peace of mind that only comes with a brand-new car, the new Mazda3 Sedan should be a top consideration for the best cars under $25,0000. Its 191-horsepower engine, adaptive cruise control, and premium interior make it a smart buy.