6 Most Affordable and Reliable New Cars for Middle Class Families Coming in 2025

Price hikes on necessities seem to be happening across the board, whether it’s your grocery bill or your auto loan. As 2025 is about to sneak up on everyone, you may think that finding a new car in your budget that can safely cart your family around may be out of the question.

However, next year is shaping up to be an exciting time to drive for middle-class families seeking a balance between affordability and reliability in their new car purchases.

With sustainability, technology and comfort at the forefront, automakers are developing vehicles that cater to the needs of modern families while keeping costs manageable. So if you make between $50,000 to $150,000 — which would typically land you in the middle class — you might want to get behind the wheel of these six affordable and reliable new cars coming in 2025.

• Starting price: $24,895

The Subaru Legacy is well-known for its all-wheel-drive system and roomy cabin, making it an excellent choice for families living in regions with harsh weather. The 2025 model offers even more standard safety features while maintaining its reputation for reliability and solid performance.

Keep in mind that some drivers warn that the base engine offers a slower acceleration. However, the Subaru Legacy’s combination of safety, comfort and all-weather capability makes it a strong contender for middle-class families.

• Starting price: $24,250

The Honda Civic remains one of the best-selling and most highly-rated cars globally, because it’s reliable, practical and, most importantly, affordable. The 2025 model will focus on delivering enhanced safety features and improved fuel economy, all wrapped in an attractive exterior.

With a strong resale value and low maintenance costs, the Civic is an ideal option for families who need a versatile and budget-friendly vehicle. If you are in the market for a new Honda, you should note that most of the high-end tech features are exclusive to the hybrid, not standard.

• Starting price: $23,950

Who says that affordable and reliable can’t be fun to drive? The 2025 Mazda 3 continues the brand’s tradition of offering sporty handling combined with a premium-feeling and upscale interior, making it a great option for families who want a more engaging driving experience.

Mazda’s focus on design and technology makes this car stand out in the compact sedan category, but there have been complaints about the sizable blind spots in the hatchback models. The Mazda 3 offers a balance of driver-friendly dynamics, fuel efficiency and a touch of luxury, making it a unique option for family-oriented buyers.

• Starting price: $23,310

Toyota continues to dominate the family car market, and the 2025 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid are no exception. Known for their exceptional fuel efficiency and dependability, Corollas are perfect for families looking to reduce fuel expenses without compromising quality.

If you have a bigger family, be aware that the hatchback oddly seems to have less cargo space than the sedan. The Corolla stands out due to Toyota’s reputation for reliability and a wide variety of safety features, making it a top choice for families prioritizing long-term value.

• Starting price: $27,190

The Kia Sportage has been a popular choice for families looking for a small SUV that offers plenty of space, style, tech and a generous supply of standard features at an affordable price. The 2025 model is expected to come with several updates, making it more attractive than ever for middle-class families.

The Kia Sportage is perfect for families who need a bit more room without entering into full-size SUV territory. Its blend of affordability, practicality and reliability makes it a standout choice for 2025.

• Starting price: $23,220

If you go with the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta as your new car, know that it offers a blend of European styling, technology, spacious design and exceptional fuel economy at a family-friendly price point. Known for its smooth ride and understated elegance, the Jetta is perfect for middle-class families looking for a reliable and comfortable daily driver.

Though there has been some mention of a touch-control overload, Volkswagen’s reputation for quality engineering makes the Jetta a standout option for those who want something stylish yet practical.

The bottom line is that 2025 is about to knock on your door, and if you’re in the market for a new car, it’s always good to know which make and model will get the most mileage out of your money.

Middle-class families have a variety of affordable, reliable and tech-forward cars to choose from, no matter if you’re leaning toward the sustainability of hybrids or the practicality of a compact sedan. Each of these vehicles promises to offer long-term reliability, safety and comfort, ensuring you and your family can travel with peace of mind long down the road.

Photo Disclaimer: Please note some photos are for illustrative purposes only and might not feature exact models, base models or the cars’ specific trim levels. As a result, some of the cars in the photos might have different MSRPs than the ones listed in this article.