Top 10: the cheapest cars in 2025
For the past two years, the average purchase price of a new vehicle in Quebec has been approaching $70,000. The automobile is becoming a luxury item once again. What's more, the rising costs of owning a car (registration fees, insurance premiums, fuel or electricity, maintenance and repair costs) are gradually driving middle-class motorists out of the market.
That's why, every year, we bring you a list of the most affordable sedans and hatchbacks. A sign of the times, since the withdrawal of the Mitsubishi Mirage, only seven cars remain under $30,000, and none under $20,000.
Note: Prices shown include shipping and set-up charges, administrative fees and excise taxes (tires and air conditioning), but exclude applicable rebates and sales taxes. MSRP does not include these charges.
10. Nissan Altima – 34 660 $ (MRSP of 31 798 $)
In recent months, the Chevrolet Malibu, Kia K5 and Subaru Legacy have left the Canadian market, and all the signs are that the Nissan Altima will soon follow suit. While it remains an affordable alternative to SUVs, with standard all-wheel drive, fuel-efficient powertrains and a spacious cabin, we have to accept its ordinary build quality, dated appearance and steep depreciation compared to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The latter require a premium of around $5,000 but give you much more.
9. Subaru Impreza – 30 257 $ (MRSP of 27 795 $)
Last year, Subaru sold 3,276 Imprezas and 28,303 Crosstreks. Yet the two vehicles share the same chassis and engines! Leaving aside its dated interior design, the Impreza surpasses the Crosstrek in driving balance and even cargo volume. With a price tag some $2,000 lower than the Crosstrek, the Impreza is one of the least expensive all-wheel drive vehicles on the market. This constant-mesh drive system, exclusive to compact cars, also works wonders in winter. But you pay for its virtues both upfront and at the pump.
8. Honda Civic – 29 793 $ (MRSP of 27 840 $)
In 2024, the Honda Civic once again became the most popular car in Canada, aided by the return of an excellent hybrid powertrain that scooped the 2025 North American Car of the Year award. This powertrain shines in terms of fuel efficiency (announced at nearly 5 L/100 km) and power (200 hp), which contributes to its balanced handling. That said, the Civic Hybrid's many qualities come at a price. Not planning to stretch the $35,000 price tag? The entry-level LX and Sport models will prove reliable and durable, but less exciting.
7. Volkswagen Jetta – 28 360 $ (MRSP of 25 795 $)
The seventh-generation Volkswagen Jetta gets a second refresh for 2025. In addition to minor cosmetic alterations and improvements to connectivity, the redesigned dashboard loses several physical controls, to the detriment of ergonomics. The manual gearbox has been removed from the catalogue, except the GLI, a sporty car that's a pleasure to drive every day. For the rest, regular Jettas offer appreciable ride and acoustic comfort on long journeys, low fuel consumption and generous dimensions for their segment.
6. Mazda3 – 27 913 $ (MRSP of 24 900 $)
Mazda levels up its products, and the 3 brings a nice dose of refinement and elegance to the compact segment. The GT and Suna variants change the game with their smooth turbocharged engines (optional) and plush looks. That said, even the Mazda3 GX and GS deliver undeniable pleasure behind the wheel, supported by a well-tuned engine (2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 191 hp) and careful soundproofing. Nervous road-holding, however, sacrifices the smoothness of the ride, while measured visibility and habitability impose compromises.
5. Toyota Corolla – 26 752 $ (MRSP of 23 970 $)
In its basic versions (L and LE), the Toyota Corolla is content to meet the basic criteria of a modern car. And it does so brilliantly. Highly reliable, fairly practical and equipped as standard with several driving aids, it offers peace of mind for the very long term. Its cost per kilometer is among the lowest in the industry, as are its depreciation and maintenance costs. Like the Honda Civic, it's a safe bet. The same applies to the hybrid powertrain, with its optional four-wheel drive.
4. Kia K4 – 26 567 $ (MRSP of 23 995 $)
Arriving on our roads this autumn, the Kia K4 replaces the Forte. Currently available only as a sedan, it is the longest compact (4,710 mm), which benefits interior space. And like all South Korean products, the K4 stands out for its assertive design, extensive technological content and competitive pricing. Unsurprisingly, the K4's many refinements are accompanied by a... sharp price rise compared to the Forte ($3,500 on average). Nevertheless, we appreciate that Kia is investing in the car market in 2025. It may contribute to its growth.
3. Nissan Sentra – 26 580 $ (MRSP of 23 898 $)
Since its redesign in 2020, the Sentra has climbed several rungs up the ladder in terms of looks, equipment and everyday enjoyment. However, its offering is still limited to one configuration (that of a sedan) and a 149-hp powertrain with modest performance. It is still mated to a manual gearbox (the CVT transmission costs around $600 extra), but the driving experience is not very engaging. And while finish quality remains average, the cabin redeems itself with good cargo volume and a full list of safety equipment on all versions.
2. Hyundai Elantra – 25 260 $ (MRSP of 22 599 $)
As with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, there's a Hyundai Elantra to suit every budget... provided it exceeds $25,000. The South Korean brand retains base versions that stand out for their equipment/price ratio, but also a hybrid powertrain and an ebullient Elantra N. And unlike some of its rivals, this car doesn't go unnoticed... If you like the styling, which some may consider tortured, you'll appreciate its rigorous assembly, its good road manners and the generous 5-year, 100,000 km general warranty.
1. Nissan Versa – 23 480 $ (MRSP of 20 798 $)
While the Mitsubishi Mirage doesn't return for the 2025 model year, the Nissan Versa becomes the most affordable new car in Canada... in theory. Indeed, the last gasoline-powered subcompact on sale is scarce in dealer inventories and, unless you buy in cash, switching to a Sentra or Kicks Play costs only a few dozen dollars more per month. And leasing can sometimes be cheaper, thanks to promotions, advantageous financing rates and residual value! So why choose the smaller, less refined and attractive Versa? For its small size, surprisingly practical trunk and minimalist design, it is likely to appeal to those who prefer voluntary simplicity.
