7 Best Cars for Millennials in 2025

What are millennials looking for in a new car? Key findings from a 2024 report from Cars.com reveals that their top three priorities are the price (63%), fuel efficiency (42%) and longevity and reliability (34%). For the money, it’s not surprising to see practicality trump speed, power and luxury features now that so many millennials are in their parenting years.

To determine which cars are best for millennials to buy in 2025, GOBankingRates reviewed a 2024 Insurify study about the most popular cars for each generation and sourced the 2025 model starting prices from Car and Driver. See which seven cars are worth buying if you’re a millennial car shopper.

• 2025 starting price: $37,645

We have a few Chevrolet models on this list because key findings from Insurify reveal that this is the preferred car model for millennials in 33 states. That means more than half of American millennials own and drive Chevrolets. This information becomes even more fascinating when you consider Chevrolet ownership among millennials extends across all U.S. regions.

The Chevrolet Silverado, in 10th place as the most popular car for millennials, might not have the same amount of endurance as the Ford F-150, but this pickup is gaining traction thanks to its ability to haul families and tow boats.

It’s also entirely possible that positive word of mouth from baby boomers and Gen X is nudging millennials to make the purchase. The Silverado ranks as the fifth most popular car with these two generations.

• 2025 starting price: $26,995

Millennials who do not want a truck can pocket nearly $10,000 by shopping for a Chevrolet Malibu. The midsize Malibu checks off millennial driver needs with its affordable price tag and solid fuel economy, and it nicely assumes the role of a family-friendly ride.

• 2025 starting price: $23,460

Toyota is the second most popular car brand with millennials as seven states boast the highest ownership rates. Several states — including Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii — are based on the West Coast. The remaining three wild cards are Florida, Maryland and Vermont. 

The Toyota Corolla is a millennial triple threat in being reliable, safe to drive and affordable enough to purchase on most budgets. It ranks as the fifth most popular car model with millennials and Gen Zers.

• 2025 starting price: $29,835

Millennials with a little extra money to put toward a Toyota are likely to spend it on a Camry. 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who would disagree with this financially savvy and practical car choice. The Camry is beloved across all generations. According to Insurify’s data, it’s the second most popular car model with baby boomers and Gen X and third most popular with Gen Z.

• 2025 starting price: $29,390

Honda ownership is much more popular with Gen Zers than it is with millennials. Only five states have the highest millennial ownership rate for Honda vehicles. These states are based on the East Coast and include Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

Millennials with families are likely to consider spending their money on a Honda Accord in 2025, and this wouldn’t come as a big surprise either. The Accord is the most popular car model with millennials, thanks to its fuel efficiency, roomy cabin and overall value for the price.

• 2025 starting price: $39,345

Millennials lag behind every other generation when it comes to high rates of Ford ownership. Only millennials in four states, including Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Maine, prefer to drive a Ford.

Despite these lower numbers (especially when compared to Chevrolet), the most popular Ford model among millennials is an F-150. And while this is the most expensive car on this list at close to $40,000, the full-size pickup is absolutely worth the money spent for adventurous and active millennials and their families.

• 2025 starting price: $23,025

The Hyundai Elantra is one of two Hyundai car models wrapping up the tail end of the most millennial cars. It comes in eighth place, while the Sonata takes ninth place. 

With impressive performance on the road, excellent fuel efficiency and an affordable price tag, it edges out the Sonata slightly for a place on this list and opportunity to save millennial car shoppers nearly $5,000. (The Hyundai Sonata starting price is $27,995.)