Buyers’ guide: The most affordable cars of 2025

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 The most affordable cars of 2025

Far from a few years ago, when it seemed every new-car price was skyrocketing following COVID-19 supply restraints, there is now a suite of options available to consumers. Whether you’re chasing adventure in a 4x4, practicality in a medium SUV, or thrills in a sports car, the sub-$50,000 price bracket caters to a wide range of buyers.

Our list is broken down by vehicle size and powertrain to help you understand the breadth of options. Our price guide details the manufacturer’s recommended retail price (unless otherwise stated ‘drive-away’), and the vehicles are ‘priced from’, meaning there could be multiple variants priced beneath our $50,000 cut-off. All prices are correct as of September 2025.

  • Size: Hatchback
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Price: $18,690

 The most affordable cars of 2025

Where buyers not all that long ago were afforded plenty of choice in the Under $20,000 bracket, today just a single model comes in under what is something of a psychological barrier.

Lauded for its compact dimensions, which make it perfect for zipping around town, the Picanto doesn’t want for the kind of equipment and technology buyers expect today. 

  • Size: Hatchback
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Price: $21,990 drive-away

 The most affordable cars of 2025

Once one of Australia's cheapest cars, the new MG 3 moves the brand to a more mainstream position. A thorough rethink of the city car segment sees the new model equipped with competitive safety and technology.

  • Size: Light SUV
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Price: $23,990 drive-away

 The most affordable cars of 2025

The Chery Tiggo 4 reignites Australia's budget car market with sharp pricing, high levels of equipment, a seven-year warranty and an interior that defies its price.

More in the $20,000-$25,000 range

CarSizeFuelPrice
Hyundai VenueLight SUVPetrol$23,000
Mahindra XUV3XO Small SUVPetrol$23,990 drive-away
Suzuki SwiftHatchbackPetrol$24,490
Prices correct as of September 2025.

  • Size: Hatchback
  • Fuel: Hybrid
  • Price: $28,990

 The most affordable cars of 2025

A mainstay of the affordable new car diaspora, the Toyota Yaris jumped up in price dramatically when the new model was released in late 2020. But it also came with a vast swag of new equipment and technology, bringing the once cheap-and-cheerful into line with modern expectations.  

  • Hatchback
  • Electric
  • $29,990

 The most affordable cars of 2025

Australia’s most affordable EV, the BYD Dolphin is an easy recommendation for buyers looking to go electric on a budget. Plenty of standard equipment is the icing on the cake.

More in the $25,001-$30,000 range

CarSizeFuelPrice
Kia Stonic Light SUVPetrol$25,660
Mitsubishi ASX Small SUVPetrol$26,740
Mazda 2HatchbackPetrol$26,990
GWM Haval Jolion Small SUVPetrol$26,990 drive-away
MG ZS Small SUVPetrol$26,990 drive-away
Toyota HiLux Ute 4x2Petrol$27,730
Nissan JukeLight SUVPetrol$29,165 
Hyundai i30 SedanSedanPetrol$29,250 
Chery C5Small SUVPetrol$29,990 drive-away 
Chery Tiggo 7Medium SUVPetrol$29,990 drive-away
Suzuki FronxSmall SUVPetrol$29,990 drive-away
Prices correct as of September 2025.

  • Sedan
  • Petrol
  • $30,590

 The most affordable cars of 2025

With SUVs taking over the road and dealership forecourts, it’s refreshing to see there’s still appetite for small sedans like the Kia K4. Brimming with standard equipment and backed by Kia’s standard seven-year warranty, the K4 is the perfect antidote to a world of SUVs. 

  • Small SUV
  • Petrol
  • $31,990 drive-away

 The most affordable cars of 2025

A newcomer to Australia, the Renault Duster brings rugged styling and pleasing on-road manners and in the case of 4x4 models, off-road capability.

  • Hatchback
  • Hybrid
  • $32,110

 The most affordable cars of 2025

A mainstay of the affordable car market since it first arrived here in 1968, the Corolla has become Australia’s favourite small car with a solid reputation for affordability and reliability. Over 50 million have been sold around the world over its lifespan.

  • Small SUV
  • Petrol
  • $33,990 drive-away

 The most affordable cars of 2025

Compact on the outside, but surprisingly spacious on the inside, the Skoda Kamiq offers a long warranty and polished presentation in the small SUV segment.

More in the $30,001-$35,000 range

CarSizeFuelPrice
Mazda CX-3 Light SUV Petrol $30,370 
Suzuki Jimny Small SUV Petrol $30,490 
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback Petrol$30,790 
Mazda 3 HatchbackPetrol$31,310 
Toyota Yaris Cross Light SUV Hybrid $31,790 
Skoda Fabia Hatchback Petrol $31,990 
Subaru Impreza Hatchback Petrol $32,490 
Isuzu D-Max Ute 4x2Diesel $32,700 
Hyundai Kona Small SUV Petrol $32,950 
MG 5 SedanPetrol $32,990 drive-away
Kia Seltos Small SUV Petrol$33,140 
Skoda Scala Hatchback Petrol$33,990 drive-away
MG HS Medium SUVPetrol$33,990 drive-away
Mazda CX-30 Small SUVPetrol$34,060 
Mitsubishi Triton Ute 4x2 Petrol $34,490 
Nissan Qashqai Small SUV Petrol $34,665 
Volkswagen T-Cross Light SUV Petrol $34,990
Honda HR-V Small SUV Petrol $34,900 drive-away
Jaecoo J7 Medium SUV Petrol $34,900 drive-away
Renault Koleos Medium SUV Petrol $34,990 drive-away
Prices correct as of September 2025.

  • Ute 4x2
  • Diesel
  • $36,490 drive-away

 The most affordable cars of 2025

A dual-cab ute that doesn't break the bank, the GWM Cannon offers decent payload and towing ability. A 2025 update brought a more powerful 2.4-litre engine, bringing the Cannon into line with some mainstream utes like Nissan’s Navara and Mitsubishi’s Triton.

  • Hatchback
  • Petrol
  • $37,500 

 The most affordable cars of 2025

The pint-sized hatchback brings performance motoring within reach of the masses with a perky turbo engine, manual transmission, a nicely balanced chassis and plenty of grip. 

  • Medium
  • SUV Petrol
  • $39,990 

 The most affordable cars of 2025

The Mitsubishi Outlander remains a medium SUV favourite, offering pricing and features on par with its rivals, and the option of seven seats

  • Sedan
  • Hybrid
  • $39,990

 The most affordable cars of 2025

One of Australia’s most popular mid-size sedans features a powerful hybrid drivetrain, and high levels of standard safety technology, all packaged up in sharp style that disguises a roomy, comfortable interior.

More in the $35,001-$40,000 range

CarSizeFuelPrice
Subaru Crosstrek Small SUV Petrol$35,990 
GWM Haval H6 Medium SUV Petrol$35,990 drive-away
GWM Ora Hatchback Electric $35,990 drive-away 
Hyundai i30 Hatchback Petrol $36,000
Mazda BT-50 Ute 4x2 Diesel $36,400 
Nissan Navara Ute 4x2 Diesel $36,428 
Mazda CX-5 Medium SUV Petrol $36,740 
Chery E5 Small SUV Electric $36,990 
Nissan X-Trail  Medium SUV Petrol $36,990
Renault Arkana Medium SUV Petrol $36,990 
Ford Ranger Ute 4x2Diesel $37,130  
Toyota Corolla Cross Small SUV Petrol $37,440
Honda ZR-V Small SUV Petrol $37,900 drive-away
Kia Sportage Medium SUV Petrol $37,990 
MG 4 Hatchback Electric $37,990
KGM Torres Medium SUV Petrol $38,000 drive-away
Hyundai Tucson Medium SUV Petrol $38,350 
Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Petrol$38,690  
LDV G10 Van Diesel$38,937
Volkswagen T-Roc Small SUV Petrol $38,990 
Hyundai InsterHatchbackElectric $39,000 
BYD Atto 3 Small SUV Electric$39,990 
Geely Starray EM-i Medium SUV Plug-in hybrid$39,990 
Peugeot Partner  VanPetrol $39,990
Mahindra XUV700 Medium SUV Petrol $39,990 drive-away
Prices correct as of September 2025.

  • Small SUV
  • Electric
  • $40,490 drive-away

 The most affordable cars of 2025

One of Australia’s most-affordable electric SUV, the MG S5 lands here with some pretty sharp drive-away pricing, a nicely designed and thoughtful cabin and a driving experience that is comfortable and pleasant.

  • Medium SUV
  • Petrol
  • $43,490

 The most affordable cars of 2025

An all-new Forester brings a new look and a new hybrid powertrain giving the popular mid-size SUV the armoury to take on the best-selling Toyota RAV4 in the segment.

  • Medium SUV
  • Petrol
  • $44,990

 The most affordable cars of 2025

An all-new Tiguan has arrived in Australia, the model line-up growing in size and bringing with it more powerful engines, revised exterior styling, updated technology and new equipment across the range.

More in the $40,001-$45,000 range

CarSizeFuelPrice
Geely EX5 Medium SUV Electric$40,990 
Skoda Karoq Medium SUV Petrol$40,990 drive-away
LDV T60 Ute 4x2 Diesel $41,042 drive-away
Volkswagen Caddy VanPetrol $41,225
Skoda Octavia SedanPetrol $41,490 drive-away
Honda CR-V Medium SUVPetrol$41,900 drive-away
Mini CooperHatchback Petrol $41,990
Chery Tiggo 8 Medium SUVPetrol $41,990 drive-away
Mahindra Scorpio Medium SUVDiesel $41,990 drive-away
Mazda MX-5Sports Petrol $42,140 
Peugeot 2008 Small SUVPetrol $42,490
KGM Musso Ute 4x4Diesel $42,500 drive-away
JAC T9 Ute 4x4Diesel $42,662
BYD Sealion 6 Medium SUV Plug-in hybrid $42,990
Kia Tasman Ute 4x2Diesel $42,990
LDV D90 Large SUV Diesel $43,647 drive-away
Leapmotor C10 Medium SUV PHEV $43,888
Toyota GR86 SportsPetrol $43,940
Subaru Outback Large SUV Petrol$44,190 
Subaru BRZ SportsPetrol $44,290  
Toyota C-HR Small SUVHybrid$44,540
Renault Kangoo Van Petrol$44,990 
Kia Niro Small SUV Hybrid $45,000
Prices correct as of September 2025.

  • Small SUV
  • Petrol
  • $45,900

Alfa Romeo’s compact SUV brings a touch of Italian flair at a price that won’t break the bank. With a punchy three-cylinder engine, the Junior matches its Italian good lucks with a n excellent driving experience.

 The most affordable cars of 2025

  • Medium SUV
  • Electric
  • $49,990

Chinese newcomer Deepal enters the Australian market with a stylish and well-equipped fully-electric SUV with 475km of driving range.

 The most affordable cars of 2025

More in the $45,001-$50,000 range

CarSizeFuelPrice
Jeep Compass Small SUV Hybrid$45,990 
GWM Haval H6 GT Medium SUV Petrol $45,990 drive-away
LDV Deliver 7  Van Diesel$46,305 
BYD Seal  SedanElectric $46,990
Cupra Leon Hatchback Petrol$46,990 
Hyundai Staria VanDiesel $46,990
Haval H7Medium SUV Hybrid $46,990 drive-away
MG QS Large SUV Petrol $46,990 drive-away
MG QS Large SUVPetrol$46,990 drive-away
KGM Actyon Medium SUVPetrol $47,000 drive-away
KGM ActyonMedium SUVPetrol $47,000 drive-away
Lexus LBX Light SUV Hybrid$47,550 
Kia EV3 Small SUVElectric $47,600 
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Small SUVPHEV $47,790 
GWM Tank 300 Medium SUV Diesel $47,990 drive-away
LDV Mifa People mover Petrol $47,990 drive-away 
Subaru WRX Sports Medium SUV Petrol $48,190 
Volkswagen Tayron Medium SUVPetrol $48,290
Isuzu MU-X Large SUV Diesel $48,400
Peugeot ExpertVan Diesel $48,990 
Audi Q2 Small SUVPetrol $49,400 
Subaru Zeekr X Small SUVElectric $49,900 
Mini CountrymanSmall SUV Petrol $49,990 
Renault Trafic Van Diesel $49,990
Honda Civic HatchbackHybrid$49,900 drive-away
Jaecoo J8 Large SUVPetrol$49,990 drive-away
Prices correct as of September 2025.
Tom Fraser

Tom started out in the automotive industry by exploiting his photographic skills but quickly learned journalists got the better end of the deal. With tenures at CarAdvice, Wheels Media, and now Drive, Tom's breadth of experience and industry knowledge informs a strong opinion on all things automotive. At Drive, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.

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