10 New Vehicles With the Best Value for 2025
The last few years have not been kind to middle-class motorists. New-vehicle ownership costs have skyrocketed, and automakers have abandoned many small cars in favour of bigger, more expensive and more profitable SUVs and trucks.
Clearly, the automobile is becoming a luxury item. Still, there are some pretty good deals out there—vehicles that offer plenty of bang for your buck. You’ll find 10 of them below. And don’t miss our updated lists of the most affordable new cars and SUVs in Canada coming up in just a few weeks.
- Also: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV: The EV Many Were Waiting For
- Also: 2025 Ford Maverick Sports Fresh Styling, New Tech, AWD Hybrid Option
Note: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) listed here are all accurate at the time of writing. However, they are subject to change at any time. They do not include freight and PDI, other applicable fees, or available rebates and offers.
Chevrolet Equinox EV – MSRP starting from $44,999
With unbeatable range for the price, the Chevrolet Bolt EV did a lot for the EV transition. Until a second generation arrives, the Equinox EV is a great deal, combining the versatility and space of an SUV with the low monthly payments of a small electric crossover like the Kia Niro. Reliability is still a question mark, but the same can be said about a number of competitors that were developed from scratch and launched on the market in recent years.
Ford Maverick – MSRP starting from $34,500
Launched in the summer of 2021 with a base MSRP of $25,900, the Maverick has revived the spirit of compact pickups from the 1990s and 2000s. Featuring a clever design, this little Ford boasts a short yet practical cargo bed and delivers surprising handling. It gets even better in 2025 with the option of all-wheel drive on the Maverick Hybrid, increasing towing capacity to 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs). Maverick prices have gone up substantially over the past three years, but they’re still on the same level as a compact SUV.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – MSRP starting from $42,499
Beyond its boxy, polarizing exterior, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers three rows of seats and good value—at least in base trim. The more expensive, higher-end models are priced like proper three-row midsize SUVs and feature an inefficient turbocharged engine and unpleasant transmission. Go with the Santa Fe Preferred or Preferred Trend and revel in the hybrid system’s 6.9 L/100 km combined score.
Kia Carnival – MSRP starting from $40,495
The spiritual heir to the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Carnival is aimed at middle-class families and the proverbial soccer moms. No vehicle under $45,000 offers as much space, versatility and content—not even an SUV. Highly luxurious, the Carnival SX and SX+ models outclass the aging Honda Odyssey and retail for $10,000 less than a Toyota Sienna Platinum or Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle. Under the hood, you'll find a smooth and dependable V6 or, optionally, a new hybrid powertrain.
Kia EV9 – MSRP starting from $59,995
Until the Hyundai IONIQ 9 arrives, the EV9 remains the only three-row electric SUV that qualifies for government subsidies (sorry, VinFast VF 9 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz customers). In addition, the big Kia benefits from the excellent E-GMP platform and powerful electric motors. It offers fast charging speeds, ample range (between 370 and 489 km, depending on battery size) and a plethora of features in typical Korean fashion.
Mazda CX-5 – MSRP starting from $32,550
The current CX-5 dates back to 2017, making it the oldest compact SUV on the market. Although rivals are more modern and blessed with more cutting-edge technology, it still proves attractive thanks to a steady dose of updates and modest price increases over the years. Smaller SUVs such as the Volkswagen Taos and Kia Seltos offer nearly as much cargo room as the CX-5, but you just can’t find a more fun-to-drive model under $40,000.
Subaru Outback – MSRP starting from $34,495
Three decades after its original launch, the Outback is still one of a kind. No other manufacturer has been able to replicate the success of this high-riding wagon. The capable suspension and proven all-wheel drive system make a mockery of the elements and challenging terrains. Safety, comfort and space are just three more reasons why people keep turning to the Outback. Compared with the Crosstrek and Forester, which have been hit with major price increases lately, the reasonably affordable Outback offers more bang for your buck.
Tesla Model 3 – MSRP starting from $54,990
In early 2024, Tesla gave the Model 3 sedan a proper redesign and addressed a number of issues including questionable build quality. Then, in the fall, the base rear-wheel-drive variant (now made in the U.S. instead of China) was upgraded with a larger battery that promises a range of up to 584 km. As far as electric cars go, it’s hard to get better value, although the Hyundai IONIQ 6 does have something to say about that.
Toyota Corolla – MSRP starting from $23,670
If you're looking for reliable transportation to get you from A to B, and luxury isn’t a priority of yours, the Corolla is a safe buy. Unlike many rivals, Toyota’s compact sedan keeps offering entry-level models that offer just the essentials a modern car should have. And for a tad over $30,000, a Corolla Hybrid with all-wheel drive is available. Whichever model you choose, depreciation is slow and monthly payments are lower than those of the more refined Honda Civic.
Volkswagen Jetta – MSRP starting from $25,795
Many Canadians have lamented the departure of the standard Golf as Volkswagen turned to more lucrative SUVs. Fortunately, the German brand has not yet abandoned the Jetta, its last remaining budget car, which is updated for 2025. Look for pleasant driving dynamics, a generous list of features and adequate space for occupants. The more powerful Jetta GLI also offers great value when it comes to compact sports sedans.
