The best-value new cars

For buyers on a budget, new cars have never offered more equipment and capability. These six categories look at the best cars for key value buyers across a number of segments as, bottom line, don't need to spend a fortune to get a great car in 2025.

The affordable car categories of Drive Car of the Year 2025, which include petrol, hybrid and electric options, prove that you can get a fantastic vehicle, across a number of vehicle segments, regardless of budget.

If value is your priority, these are the best affordable cars in Australia today.

In this category, judges considered buyers who wanted fuss-free compact motoring with a balance of features for the price. As the most affordable category in the Drive Car of the Year 2025 program, value was a crucial factor.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

In this category, judges again prioritised buyers looking for easy urban motoring with a focus on value, but also looked for cars that offered drivers a little more character and style.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

This popular buyer segment saw judges look for cars that provided flexibility and practicality for a value-oriented buyer. Purchase, operation and ownership costs were critical to selecting a winner.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

As the most popular new car sales segment in Australia, judges prioritised young families and active urbanites with a keen eye on value, to select the category winner.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

In this category, judges looked at vehicles that balanced the dual work-and-play roles needed from a double-cab ute, with a focus on value both at purchase and through ownership.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Affordable electric cars have taken a big step forward in recent months, with four cars now priced well-under the all-important $50,000 mark. In this category, judges looked for the best EV that presented as an excellent 'first-time' electric purchase, predominantly for an urban environment.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.