10 vehicles that offer good value for money in 2025

The last few years have not been kind to middle-class motorists. The costs of owning a vehicle have exploded and manufacturers have abandoned many sedans and city cars in favor of up-to-date utility vehicles and vans.

Obviously, the automobile is becoming a luxury item. In this context, we offer you an overview of ten good deals that stand out in their segment for the sum of their qualities and their competitive prices. On this subject, we will soon publish a list of the most affordable new cars and SUVs. Stay tuned!

Note: Prices shown are MSRPs (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices) at time of posting and are subject to change. They do not include taxes, rebates or other applicable fees.

Thanks to its unbeatable range/price ratio, the Chevrolet Bolt has helped to democratize the electric automobile. While waiting for a second generation of the model planned for next year, the Equinox EV turns out to be a good deal. It combines the versatility and road qualities of a compact SUV with the monthly payments of an electric subcompact, such as a Kia Niro. However, the reliability of this product, developed on a completely new software and mechanical architecture, remains to be validated. This doubt also hangs over several competitors created from a blank sheet…

Ford Maverick – MSRP starting at $34,500

Launched in summer 2021 starting at $25,900, the Maverick has revived the spirit of compact pickup trucks from the 1990s and 2000s. Minimalist in its basic versions and designed with ingenuity, this Ford also delivers a functional body and a astonishing road behavior. It improves in 2025 by making it possible to combine all-wheel drive with the hybrid engine, whose towing capacity increases to 1,814 kg (4,000 lb). Like everywhere else, prices have increased substantially over the past three years, but they still rival those of a less practical compact SUV.

Beyond its boxy style which continues to make people talk, the Hyundai Santa Fe relies on its three rows of seats and its remarkable roominess/price ratio… in its basic versions. More expensive, the high-end models rub shoulders with SUVs from the higher category, in addition to being associated with a greedy turbocharged engine and an unpleasant transmission. This is why we prefer, precisely, the Santa Fe Preferred and Preferred Trend, more affordable and powered by a hybrid engine consuming less than 7 L/100 km.

Kia Carnival – MSRP starting at $40,495

Spiritual heir to the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Kia Carnival is aimed at middle-class families. No vehicle under $45,000 offers this much space, versatility and equipment. Not even an SUV. Very luxurious, the Carnival SX and SX+ outclass the aging Honda Odyssey and retail for $10,000 less than the Toyota Sienna Platinum and Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle. Under the hood, we find a smooth and reliable V6 or, since 2025, a frugal hybrid unit. We will of course have to forget the stereotype of soccer mom…

Kia EV9 – MSRP starting at $59,995

While waiting for its cousin the Hyundai Ioniq 9 next year, the Kia EV9 remains the only electric utility vehicle with three rows of seats eligible for government subsidies, unlike the VinFast VF 9 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz starting at nearly $80,000. Furthermore, the Kia benefits from the excellent E-GMP platform, efficient electric motors, fast charging, sufficient autonomy (between 370 and 489 km, depending on the size of the battery) and extensive equipment, as is the tradition of South Korean manufacturers.

Mazda CX-5 – MSRP starting at $32,550

Rolling its hump since 2017, the Mazda CX-5 is today the dean of compact SUVs. Although it is not modern, this well-established product remains attractive thanks to continuous improvements and moderate price increases over the years. Certainly, the latest generation subcompact SUVs have grown to the point of approaching the trunk volume of this Mazda. However, the CX-5 GX, GS and GT are a more pleasant to drive and equally well equipped solution to the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V which can approach $40,000.

Subaru Outback – MSRP starting at $34,495

Three decades after its launch, the Subaru Outback remains one of a kind. No manufacturer has been able to credibly reproduce its raised family approach. Its suspension elements as well as its all-wheel drive make fun of the four seasons of Quebec, while its safety ratings, its level of comfort, its voluminous interior and its loyal clientele explain its high resale value. While the Crosstrek and Forester suffered a big inflationary shock by changing generations, the Outback gives you more bang for your buck.

Tesla Model 3 – MSRP starting at $54,990

At the start of 2024, Tesla extensively revised the Model 3 and corrected several of its shortcomings, including assembly quality. And this fall, the rear-wheel drive variant (now manufactured in the United States instead of China) was enriched with a larger battery which promises a range of 584 km. Right now, this is a great value.

In the register, consider the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Its technical sheet does not shy away from comparison and its Ultimate option package almost makes it pass for a luxury car.

Toyota Corolla – MSRP starting at $23,670

If you are looking for a car out of necessity, reliability is one of your concerns and luxury is not on your radar, the Toyota Corolla is a safe purchase. Unlike several competitors, it retains basic versions that offer most of the amenities expected in a modern car. And for just over $30,000, you get a Corolla hybrid available with all-wheel drive. Whatever version you choose, the depreciation is low and the monthly payments are lower than the Honda Civic, which is certainly more refined.

Volkswagen Jetta – MSRP starting at $25,795

Several Quebecers deplored the departure of the regular Volkswagen Golf, in favor of more lucrative utility vehicles. Fortunately, the German brand has not yet abandoned the Jetta, its latest economical car, and is giving it a light dusting in 2025. Its driving pleasure continues to surprise, its equipment is complete and its habitability is sufficient. Enthusiasts also benefit from discovering the Jetta GLI, a user-friendly sports car that delivers a lot of convenience for its price and pleasant performance.