Prices are soaring for new cars. The New York Times recently reported that the average price for a car is about $34K. Part of that has to do with the features of these new cars. The cars are loaded with helpful, but expensive safety features, like collision-avoidance system, lane-keep assist, etc. As much as I don’t have any of these systems in my car, nor do I think I need them, I think they’d be helpful. Sure, I’m a safe driver, so I look around before making any moves. I also keep an eye on the surrounding cars, as you never know what kind of day they are having. One thought leads to the next in the mind of the adjacent driver, and then you see a driver who has forgotten to give the turn signal and is changing lanes without fully seeing the traffic upon entering the lane. I don’t want to be missed by that driver, which is why these features are present in modern cars—to help protect you from dangerous activities of other drivers.

But it’s not that the tech features are the only things that have helped increase the cost. It’s the improved quality of the car, the build material and the comforts provided by the cars that make them more expensive.

So on that note, let’s look at some comfortable cars that are valued below $25K and some that you can’t have for that kind of money.

All cars are from model year 2018 unless stated otherwise.

25 TOYOTA CAMRY ($24K)

It’s time to ditch the notion of the Camry as being the equivalent of a household appliance. Once upon a time, it might have been true. You needed something to drive from point A to point B, and there this was, ready for you. That software isn’t compatible with the latest changes to the hardware. Now it’s a completely redesigned Camry from the inside and out, which means that the interior has become a more likable place. While it’s the top trims of the lineup that actually get the best go of it, those prices don’t stay within our range. However, the base model still does a good job of boasting a comfortable interior for well under $25K.

24 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ($16K)

Gone are the days of Hyundais being labeled as cheap cars. Now they are called affordable and well-equipped cars. And this one in particular isn’t penalized for not being accurate in its fuel economy too.

It was a hard lesson for Hyundai and Kia when both got hit with $100M penalties for lying about the average miles per gallon.

It was off by two miles, but the number isn’t what counted as much as the fact that Hyundai lied. Well, this one does deliver the expected 40 mpg, in addition to a redesigned interior that looks all fulfilling and comfy.

23 HONDA CIVIC ($18K)

The car looks daunting from the outside. It’s like the designers of this car got a lesson from Lamborghini; it’s awash in curves and cuts that make you wonder how Honda got its team to be able to do that. While some may find it a bit too exotic and rad, I think it looks quite chic. Moving on to the interior, you’ll find high-quality materials throughout the cabin. It was only a couple of years ago that leather was even an option in the Civic lineup, but now the car looks like it’s a boss. The center console’s design is smooth too. All that comes for a lowly $18K.

22 MAZDA 6 ($22K)

Mazda is making some dope cars nowadays. Indeed, the brand is nearing the premium level. I mean, just check out the styling of the exterior. The curves go from one place to another in the most lavish manner. The grille looks fashionable and the entire front fascia looks tantalizing. And the exterior is just a reflection of the interior.

Hop in, and you’ll find yourself awash in comfortable seats and a sophisticated cabin.

The interior is not cluttered at all, which people like a lot. Yet it offers a litany of standard features. The brand-new price for this beauty? $22K.

21 HONDA ACCORD ($23K)

If the Civic has polarized consumers, then the Accord has gotten them to join forces and love this car. C/D once stated it would have listed nine variants of the Porsche 911 and reserved a spot for the Accord in its 10 Best Cars. And who could blame them? The car is so good. Despite not having a hefty grille, the front fascia looks respectable. But it’s the side view of this car that looks so tantalizing. The interior has some awesome things as standards and magical things as extras. In either case, the seats look comfortable and the infotainment system user-friendly. Price? $23K.

20 KIA SOUL ($17K)

Say what you want to say about the exterior styling—it’s boxy, it’s a bit cartoonish, or even that it’s just “out of the world”—but the fact of the matter is that the car is well-received by the critics.

Car and Driver gave it a 4.5/5, and it even made it on their 10 Best List.

It’s a playful car, or at least that’s the image it portrays both from the inside and out. The interior is quite snazzy, but more importantly it’s roomy. It has cloth seats, which make it a bit more distinct. It has great headroom and legroom. Plus, the car costs only $17K.

19 MINI COOPER ($22K)

While the similar Fiat 500 may have fallen flat, the Mini Cooper has maintained its composure from the get-go. The Cooper carries style with a touch of authority in the exterior styling, which I think is appreciated by those who want something smaller and cozier but not necessarily Fiat-like.

The interior is a bit different from your other normal cars, though; the infotainment system has a circular design. And that looks quite good. The rest of the design layouts are more or less the same. The seats are comfortable and cushiony, and the wallet takes only a soft-blow with an MSRP of $22K.

18 MAZDA CX-5 ($24K)

This one is kind of unfair. In fact, any Mazda listed here is unfair. That’s because the recent Mazdas have not only a comfy interior, but they boast of so many other things that it’s hard to not call them an all-rounder. Take a look at the exterior styling of the CX-5, and you will note it has beauty and athleticism in one car. Hop inside, and you’ll meet sharp steering. The cabin has buttons that look tantalizing, and the overall cabin imparts a luxury vibe. The touchscreen is user-friendly, which means your experience in the car is much smoother. All that for just $24K.

17 VW GOLF ($20K)

This is one of the most beloved cars of the enthusiasts. And guess what? It costs only $20K. That’s like peanuts in the car world.

The car comes equipped with the 170-HP turbo I4 and a six-speed manual. That should be enough to make the aficionados eager for this car.

Plus, the car is predictable and authentic in its driving prowess. While the exhaust outlets are fake, the car still looks awesome from the outside. The seats are comfortable, the center console snazzy and the entire interior friendly. Overall, it’s a car for anyone looking to get a taste of VW.

16 KIA OPTIMA ($22.6K)

While the front grille may look a bit off the mark, the rest of the car looks good. However, C/D thought that the car looked pretty and combined that with the pretty performance of the car to give it a 4/5. Not bad at all, not bad. It’s not like C/D gives good ratings like free candies.

The Optima comes equipped with various different powerplants, ranging from mild to “whoa.”

The interior is packed with soft-touch dash and Nappa leather seats, which will definitely keep you comfortable and under $25K. Plus, there are multiple trim levels offered, meaning options can be used to your advantage.

15 2017 DODGE CHALLENGER ($20K-25K)

The price for the current one is a little over our budget of $25K. So that’s why we put in a lightly used one. You can imagine we are not talking about the 808-HP Challenger SRT Demon, as that’s not exactly comfortable. But if we stick to the basic stuff, the Challenger gets the job done very well.

While the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang are from the same neighborhood, the Challenger is by far the most comfortable of the three.

Present are Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats and a roomy cabin. Plus, the ride itself is comfortable and smooth, unlike that of the others.

14 2017 CHRYSLER 300 ($24K)

This is one of the few old-school cars that remains alive in a world that has a vogue of hybrids and crossovers. That might explain why the sales of the lineup were through the roof during its release in 2004, but since has then become stable. Either way, the soft-leather touches, leather seats and awesome lighting make the car a pleasure to be in. Plus, the car has some of the best tech features too. The current model year costs around $28K, so that goes over the budget, but hey, that’s why you try to find a year-old 300, and should be good to go.

13 2017 FORD FUSION TITANIUM ($23K)

While the base model looks good from the outside, the interior doesn’t necessarily boast of some luxury features. But Ford saved the Titanium model for that occasion.

The 2018 model year goes about $2K-3K over the budget, but you can easily get a 2017 Ford Fusion Titanium for under $25K.

And when you get that, you’ll realize the car has leather seats, which are sport-stitched. Seats are heated, and the driver seat has a memory of its own to store the positionings. Even the front passenger-seat is power-adjustable. And then there are some awesome infotainment features too. Overall, it’s a solid car to be in.

12 2015 LEXUS ES 350 ($24K)

The MSRP for the current model year is $38K. Thanks to depreciation, you can have a 2015 model year for $24K, according to car.usnews.com. Well, that’s good news, because despite looking like the Toyota Camry, the Lexus ES boasts a boatload of features, including ample legroom and headroom. The ride is just smooth and silky. At no point do you have to worry about the roughest of the bumps or the potholes on the meanest road; it’s all quiet and smooth. The interior cabin is luxurious and well-built. Plus, if you got the one with options, you would have leather.

11 HONDA CR-V ($24K)

This is one of the best SUVs on the market. Drivers and journalists love it equally. As you might know, the CR-V has not only made it to the top, but has carved a king-size chair of its own. To do that, the creators have to bring new things to keep loyal customers engaged, but nothing so substantial as to cause alienation, which did actually happen with the 2012 Honda Civic. Anyway, the interior is handsome, and it provides an awesome amount of space; it’s roomy for all passengers. The powerplant is also fulfilling. The best part is the under $25K price tag.

10 NISSAN MAXIMA ($24K)

With a price tag of $24K, the car offers some good items. It’s no Altima, that much is clear. And because the 2018 model year didn’t get refreshed or redesigned, it’s lagging behind the rivals. Plus, the interior didn’t exactly have the most up-to-date tech features, which was a disappointment for some. However, the car does have a pretty comfortable interior. In fact, this thing called “zero gravity” is part of the front seats, which the automaker boasts, and states was inspired by NASA’s research findings. The form-fitting seats accommodate various types of sizes and postures. Be aware though, the back seats don’t get the “zero gravity” treatment.

9 VW PASSAT ($23K)

I was curious to see if this car looks as good as the Honda Accord that C/D and I are so crazy about. And while the two cars seem to have similar designs, they aren’t the same. Looked at from the side, the Passat doesn’t seem to have that curvature of the Accord.

Nonetheless, the car in its own skin and styling looks good. It carries the classic VW front fascia, which you could tell from a glance. But what you couldn’t perhaps tell was its best-in-class legroom. Adding to that would be the supportive seats and cushioned cabin. It costs only $23K.

8 2016 VOLVO S60 ($22K)

The exterior of the car is not bad at all. It has that classic Volvo badge, although the grille does kind of remind me of a Mazda grille, but just cut in half. The overall styling of the car is snazzy. According to MotorTrend, this car has one of the softest front seats in the industry. The leather is supple, the seats are capable of being heated, and the rest of the cabin items are extraordinary.

Whether it’s for long-distance trips or commuting purposes, the car is a great choice. A 2018 S60 costs $33K, but the steep depreciation of the 2016 model is appreciated by the buyers.

7 HYUNDAI SONATA ($22K)

The Sonata is a pretty daunting car. The exterior styling is bold—flat out. It looks intimidating from the front and authoritative from the sides. But that’s not where the forte of the Sonata lies. Nah, that would be the interior. It looks dazzling, honestly speaking. It seems very roomy and despite all the things that the center console has, the car doesn’t look cluttered at all. That’s called exceptional layout. The touchscreen looks good and is very responsive, judging by the reviews online. The interior is made of high-quality materials. The seats are supportive and cushiony, but firm. Overall, it’s a very strong car.

6 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA 2LTZ ($22K)

The Impala imbues that sense of authority with a hint of good design in its exterior styling. While the base models are not known for the goodies, the 2LTZ is for sure. It has leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, eight-way power front seats and a myriad of safety features, all of which make the interior well-liked.

There are also various tech features in the 2LTZ model, which help you with the phone aspect. Now, all that comes for around $36K currently, which is out of the budget. So what do we do? We go ahead and look for a new old car.