Recent college grads may find themselves in need of a new car as they transition from school life to work life. The average price of a new car may be going up but there are actually plenty of brand-new, affordable cars in 2020 that deliver on reliability, comfort, and style. We have gathered a list of some of the best new cars to buy under $25,000 that are ideal for new grads.

Honda Fit

While the Honda Fit may look super teeny, this subcompact is quite versatile. It’s capable enough to carry lots of cargo and roomy enough to give passengers the headroom and leg space they need. It is available in four different affordable trim levels. Standard infotainment features on te Fit include a nice six-speaker stereo, a 7-inch touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This model isn’t known for its power but at least its a good commuter car.

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte is a good value buy. It’s not powerful but for a subcompact car, it feels pretty athletic. You can choose between a regular four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged one. If you are planning to be on the highway regularly then the turbocharged option on the higher GT trim level makes more sense. With the Forte, you also get fuel efficiency, comfort, and an easy to use infotainment system

Hyundai Kona

Drivers love the Hyundai Kona because it’s dazzling on the outside and dynamic on the inside. Its standard four-cylinder engine offers enough power but the turbocharged one is more engaging. The Kona also features an upscale looking cabin with colorful touches. Its front seats are comfortable by the rear seats are on the narrower side; cargo space is adequate.  Another great aspect of the Kona is its advanced safety features that come standard.

Kia Soul

If you’re looking to make an even bolder statement, you don’t have to look much further than the Kia Soul. We still love its funky boxy shape and vivid personality. It’s hard to put the Soul in just one category though since it can be considered as a hatchback, compact car, or small SUV. No matter how you choose to look at it, it’s a great vehicle that delivers on quality and safety.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a great option in the small car class and features a luxurious feeling cabin as well as sporty handling. This well-rounded vehicle is fun to drive and complete with desirable driver-assist features. Its generally comfortable to ride in but its rear seat is cramped so it falls short compared to consistent leaders like the Honda Civic. 

Honda Civic

With the Honda Civic, you get a longtime favorite that’s durable, lively, and fuel-efficient. It’s available as a sedan, hatchback, or coupe. The Civic also offers a particularly handsome cabin. While the Civic is one of the pricier options on our list it’s worth it because of its high satisfaction and safety rankings. The only real drawback is that the infotainment screen can be a little annoying to use.