9th January 2023

Top 5 Cars under $25,000 in 2023

Want a new car but can’t justify spending more than you need to? Our article explores five quality cars, all available for under $25,000.Last modified: 8th August 2023
Jemima Kelly |
Under 25k2

Whether for driving long distances or simply picking up the kids from school, having a car to get from A to B is something most people desire. However, some cars are just not affordable for the average Aussie. 

As the market changes in line with economic shifts, a lot of new cars are becoming fairly pricey. Australians in 2022 paid around 20% more for new cars than we were paying two years ago. Both car manufacturers and dealerships have no incentive to drop prices, as demand is still extremely high. 

According to Canstar Blue, Aussies are spending an average of $40,916 on new cars. For many people, this price tag is a lot more than they’re willing to spend. 

Our guide takes you through the specs and reviews for five different cars that could cost less than $25,000, helping you find a new set of wheels without breaking the bank. 

If you’re looking to get on the road in 2023 and are in need of car finance, Jacaranda offers car loans from $10,000 to $25,000.

Cars under $25K: 


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1. Kia Picanto - From $15,990

One of the only cars in 2022 to sit under the $19,000 mark, the Kia Picanto is nothing to turn your nose up at. For a mind-blowing price range of $15,990 to $20,490, the humble Picanto has inherited the title of “most affordable car”. 

Despite its tiny frame, the Kia Picanto claims 255L of boot space with all five seats in use or an impressive 1,010L with the second row folded. Though it could get squishy when packed with 5 adults, the Picanto’s interior puts comfort first, with seats that can comfortably hold a 182cm tall adult in every position bar the middle. 

Kia Picanto 2023 Specs

Model

Price*

Specs

ANCAP Safety Rating

GT (turbo) (pe)

$20,490

T3, 1.0L, 5 SP Manual

4-star

GT-Line (pe) Automatic

$19,040

4 cyl, 1.2L, 4 SP Automatic

4-star

GT-Line (pe) Manual

$17,440

4 cyl, 1.2L, 5 SP Manual

4-Star

S (pe)

$17,590

4 cyl, 1.2L, 4 SP Automatic

4-Star

S (pe)

$15,990

4 cyl, 1.2L, 5 SP Manual

4-Star

* Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Kia Picanto 2022 variant. The Price excludes costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options. Figures based off CarsGuide.

2. Suzuki Ignis - From $19,490

City car meets 4x4 crossover: say hello to the Suzuki Ignis. This sweet car is a well-priced, well-equipped, fun-to-drive and spacious city car that is extremely lightweight and easy to control. 

The Ignis has been circulating the market for almost 10 years and seems to age very well. The 2022 Ignis has a shinier grille, better sound deadening and some neat interior details. As for the exterior, the Ignis boasts both retro and futuristic simultaneously. 

Suzuki Ignis 2023 Specs (models under $25,000)

Model

Price*

Specs

ANCAP Safety Rating

GL

$22,490

4cyl, 1.2L, CVT Automatic

No rating

GL

$21,490

4 cyl, 1.2L, 5 SP Manual

No rating

GLX

$24,490

4cyl, 1.2L, CVT Automatic

No rating

* Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Suzuki Ignis 2022 variant. The Price excludes costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options. Figures based off CarsGuide.

3. Kia Rio - From $19,690 

A fun car to zip around city streets in, the Kia Rio is a solid and well-sorted hatchback that's easy to live with around town and more than capable of longer journeys. The comfortable seats and decent legroom are big interior advantages. 

One major feature of the Kia Rio that tends to turn heads is the multimedia system. With an 8.0-inch touchscreen boasting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the Rio is a great modern choice for just around $20,000. 

Kia Rio 2023 Specs (models under $25,000)

Model

Price*

Specs

ANCAP Safety Rating

S

$21,990

4cyl, 1.4L, 6 SP Automatic

5-star

S

$19,690

4cyl, 1.4L, 6 SP Manual

5-star

Sport

$23,490

4cyl, 1.4L, 6 SP Automatic

5-star

Sport

$21,190

4cyl, 1.4L, 6 SP Manual

5-star

SX

$22,390

4cyl, 1.4L, 6 SP Automatic

5-star

SX

$20,090

4cyl, 1.4L, 6 SP Manual

5-star

* Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Kia Rio 2022 variant. The Price excludes costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options. Figures based off CarsGuide.

4. Hyundai Venue - From $21,440

Replacing the Hyundai Accent (at least in Australia), the Venue is now the most affordable Hyundai car available. With a punchy drive and some decent equipment, the cheap and cheerful Venue is an ideal option when you’re looking to buy a first (or second) car. 

The Venue has a unique boxy body and a simple and straightforward interior. You’ll be able to spot this car from a mile away, especially the two-tone variant.

Hyundai Venue 2023 Specs (models under $25,000)

Model

Price*

Specs

ANCAP Safety Rating

Base

$23,460

4cyl, 1.6L, 6 SP Automatic

4-star

Base

$21,440

4cyl, 1.6L, 6 SP Manual

4-star

Active (Manual)

$23,370

4cyl, 1.6L, 6 SP Manual

4-star

* Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Hyundai Venue 2022 variant. The Price excludes costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options. Figures based off CarsGuide.

5. Suzuki Baleno - From $18,490

When people think of Suzuki, their minds will tend to go to the Swift or Jimny. The Baleno is a quiet achiever in the Suzuki family but is one under the $25,000 mark to definitely consider for your next set of wheels. 

The humble Baleno underwent a bit of a facelift from the 2020 model. The exterior is sleek and pointed, with a bold headlight design. All 2022 models feature a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather steering wheel, power door mirrors, 15-inch steel wheels, and dusk-sensing halogen headlights.

With room to stretch out, the Baleno is a reliable car, perfect for school drop-offs or a trip to the grocery store.

Suzuki Baleno 2023 Specs (models under $25,000)

Model

Price*

Specs

ANCAP Safety Rating

GL

$19,990

4cyl, 1.4L, 4 SP Automatic

No rating

GL

$18,990

4cyl, 1.4L, 4 SP Manual

No rating

GLX

$21,990

4cyl, 2.0L, 4 SP Automatic

No rating

* Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Hyundai Venue 2022 variant. The Price excludes costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options. Figures based off CarsGuide.

Jacaranda Finance Car Loans

Despite the average Aussies spending over $40,000 on a new car, there are still plenty of 2023 options available under $25,000 (and great cars at that!). And that’s just for driveaway models: you could snag an even better bargain by buying a used car and comprehensively searching the market for a car that suits your needs.  

Written by - Jemima Kelly

Content Writer
Jemima Kelly is a Content Writer at Jacaranda Finance. She is enthusiastic about accurate and informative content, and holds a Bachelor of Creative and Professional Writing from QUT.
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