The best inexpensive cars of 2025: who were chosen by experts. Photo

The experts of the European Car of the Year 2025 competition have named the best cars of the year as part of the competition's winner. Interestingly, the list includes mostly inexpensive cars.

The details are available on the official Car Of The Year website. The list, which consists of seven finalists, includes many crossovers – buyers love such cars because the format is very popular. There are also several electric vehicles.

In addition, hybrid modifications are offered for the finalists. The Renault 5 affordable electric car was named the best car of the year 2025, along with the more powerful Alpine A290 variant. The second place went to the Kia EV3 electric crossover, and the third to the Citroen C3 budget car.

The best cars of 2025 - Car of the Year finalists:

• Alfa Romeo Junior;
• Citroen C3/Citroen e-C3;

• Cupra Terramar;
• Dacia Duster;
• Hyundai Inster;
• Kia EV3;
• Renault 5/Alpine A290.

It is noticeable that this time the jury is particularly insistent on favoring electrified models, which dominate the list. Over time, such cars have become more affordable, which is reflected by the finalists.