6 Best Cars for Gen Z in 2025

Few Gen Zers prioritize brands or manufacturers when they’re buying cars. According to a 2024 report published by Cars.com, only 18% of Gen Zers care about the vehicle brand. What matters most to Gen Z is the car’s fuel efficiency (36%) and price. The amount of money spent is the top priority for 61% of all Gen Zers, according to the study.

Taking these considerations in mind, GOBankingRates reviewed a 2024 Insurify study outlining the most popular cars for each generation and referred to Car and Driver for starting prices on 2025 models to determine which vehicles are most suitable for Gen Z. 

Keep reading to find out which cars Gen Z should consider buying in 2025.

• 2025 model starting price: $26,995

Chevrolet is an incredibly popular car brand for Gen Zers across the United States. According to Insurify, it’s the most-owned car brand by Gen Zers in 20 states. Most of the Midwest — including Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois — and Southwest states such as Arizona and New Mexico all boast high Chevrolet ownership rates.

The most popular Chevrolet model with Gen Zers is the Chevrolet Malibu, which took eighth place in Insurify’s rankings. Despite not being as powerful as other Chevrolet models, the midsize Malibu checks off Gen Z’s more pressing needs of being reasonably priced with a good fuel economy.

• 2025 model starting price: $29,390

Honda is the second most popular car model among Gen Zers, with 10 states boasting the highest ownership rates. You’d be most likely to spot Gen Zers driving a Honda vehicle on the East Coast, especially in states such as New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

The Honda Accord, which ranks as the second most popular car for Gen Z, is a practical and fuel-efficient choice. Interestingly enough, the Accord ranks in the top five cars for each respective generation. Outside of Gen Z, it comes in fourth place for baby boomers, third with Gen X and first for millennials.

• 2025 model starting price: $25,345

If you decide the Honda Accord isn’t for you, it’s possible you may prefer to buy a Honda Civic. According to Insurify data, this is the most popular car brand with Gen Z — and it delivers a great value for the price. You may even be able to shave a few hundred dollars off the price by shopping for the 2024 model.

• 2025 starting price: $29,835

Toyota vehicles have the highest number of Gen Z owners in six states — and almost all of them are on the West Coast. These states include California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The sole outlier is Florida.

The third most popular car model among Gen Z is the Toyota Camry. Its solid fuel efficiency and affordability makes this model just as popular with other generations. The Camry ranks within the top three cars for each generation: second place for baby boomers and Gen X and third with millennials.

• 2025 starting price: $23,460

If the Camry’s price tag is a little out of reach for your budget, consider purchasing a Toyota Corolla. The Corolla ranked fifth among Gen Z drivers and has a reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.

• 2025 starting price: $22,730

The majority of states that have the highest number of Gen Z owners with Nissans are in the South. These include Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. On the East Coast, the highest number of Gen Zers who own Nissans reside in Delaware. 

Two Nissan models ranked among the most popular vehicles with Gen Z. While the Sentra took 10th place, we wanted to highlight it specifically for Gen Zers on tight budgets. The Sentra has the lowest starting price out of any models mentioned on this list. 

Those with more financial wiggle room may consider buying the Nissan Altima, which ranked in fourth place and has a starting price of $28,140.