For most buyers, $25,000 is the sweet spot when it comes to used cars. It’s enough money to unlock plenty of options without burning a massive hole in the wallet. But it can also be a tricky price bracket. $25,000 also opens up cars that look good on paper but turn into money pits, along with others that simply aren’t worth what sellers are asking for. That’s where Toyota stands out.
In the used car market, Toyota cars make a lot of sense and are usually the smarter purchase. They may not always be the flashiest or fastest in their segment, but they are designed to last, hold their value, and are easier to live with. And the best part is that they come in a variety, from a reliable commuter to a sports car. Here are ten used Toyotas under $25,000 that will exceed your expectations even today.
Models are listed in ascending order based on price, from the lowest used price to the highest.
2017 Toyota Corolla Sedan
Average Used Price: $11,162
The 2017 Toyota Corolla is the perfect sedan for new drivers who want something that’s reliable, spacious, and safe. It’s an absolutely bulletproof car to begin with, with J.D. Power giving it a “Great” 87 out of 100 reliability score, so you can bet this car will last you for years with minimal maintenance. In terms of safety, the car features Toyota’s Safety Sense as standard and earned the 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ title, making it one of the safest cars in the segment.
On the interior, you get class-leading cabin space, along with an infotainment system with a 6.1- or seven-inch touchscreen and Premium Audio package on higher trims. Where you might find the Corolla sedan lacking would be its engine; its four-cylinder engine, mated to a standard CVT, only produces 132 horsepower and is often criticized for being a snooze to drive. So, it’s best to think of the Corolla as mere transportation, not a driver’s car.
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2014 Toyota Tundra
Average Used Price: $14,592
The 2014 Toyota Tundra is the full-size pickup truck equivalent of the Corolla. Like the latter, this second-generation Tundra is nowhere close to its contemporary rivals in terms of performance, but what sets it apart is its bold styling and, more importantly, its reliability. While J.D. Power does not rate the 2014 model, the 2015 model gets a “Great” 81 out of 100 for reliability, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a reliable workhorse under $15,000.
It is powered by three engine options: a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, and a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, with a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It’s available in five trims and three cab styles: regular, double, and CrewMax. On the interior, the Tundra features a standard 3.5-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera.
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2019 Toyota Prius
Average Used Price: $15,309
The Toyota Prius is the most recognized hybrid nameplate in the country, and that’s why it’s so easy to recommend. It’s always been at the forefront of hybrid tech, and it has proven itself to be quite reliable. In its 2019 iteration, it offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 58 miles per gallon in the city and 53 miles per gallon on the highway in its Prius Eco trim. Other trims return slightly less fuel economy.
Apart from its excellent fuel economy, the 2019 Prius brings an eccentric exterior and interior design that’s unmistakably futuristic and slightly polarizing. Still, it offers decent cabin and cargo spaces, along with a standard infotainment system with an optional Qi wireless charging pad and an 11.6-inch touchscreen on upper trims. This is the car to get if you want a no-nonsense, highly fuel-efficient car on a budget.
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2017 Toyota Prius Prime
Average Used Price: $15,820
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime takes the fuel economy quotient up a notch as it is the plug-in hybrid version of the standard Prius. The hybrid powertrain boasts an incredible fuel economy of 54 miles per gallon in combined conditions. It also features a larger battery pack that can be charged in two hours with a 240-volt outlet, giving the car an all-electric range of up to 25 miles. Charge it regularly, and it can cut down your fuel expenses to only $700, according to FuelEconomy.gov.
Like the standard Prius, this PHEV Toyota also offers a quirky cabin and dull acceleration without sacrificing passenger space, despite its larger battery. The 2017 model features an unconventional dashboard with the digital gauge cluster in the center, as well as cloth seats, heated front seats, and a large seven- or 11.6-inch touchscreen. Costing around $16,000, the Prius Prime is yet another sensible candidate for a fuel-efficient, reliable daily driver that can save you lots of money on daily commutes.
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2017 Toyota Highlander
Average Used Price: $16,372
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers a durable, high-quality package, with three rows of seats, and, in its third-gen avatar, it looks pretty good, too. Compared to its rivals, the Highlander isn’t the most exciting SUV out there, but it will win you over with its efficient powertrains and space. It features multiple powertrains, including a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid, and J.D. Power has given it a “Great” 84 out of 100 reliability rating.
Coming to space, the Highlander features three rows of seats, with the first two having enough legroom for adults. It also features front and rear climate controls, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and more on most trims. The 2017 facelift also brought some key enhancements to its safety, earning it the 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ title, making this SUV a perfect, cheap, reliable three-row SUV for families.
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2019 Toyota RAV4
Average Used Price: $18,381
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is the first year of the now outgoing RAV4, which is chunkier than ever and looks a bit like a scaled-down 4Runner. While it mostly lacks the off-road chops of its bigger sibling, it’s a terrific all-rounder SUV. Even when compared to its rivals, the RAV4 isn’t the best at anything, but it’s still a well-rounded compact SUV that fits almost all lifestyles with its versatility. It can be your weekend adventurer, family hauler, road trip SUV, daily driver, grocery getter, and in its TRD trims, it can even handle a bit of off-roading.
The non-hybrid RAV4 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 203 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid variant gets 16 more ponies and better fuel economy. On the inside, it offers decent cargo space and a high-tech cabin for up to five. Standard features include a seven-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, and more. The RAV4 is one of the highest-selling SUVs in the US, and it can be yours for well under $20,000.
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2021 Toyota Camry
Average Used Price: $18,421
The eighth-generation 2021 Toyota Camry brought the sedan back to its former glory, and you can snatch one for under $20,000 in the used market today. It’s the perfect pick if you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable family sedan with all the essential features and driver assist. Thanks to its long wheelbase, it offers plenty of legroom and cargo space, and features include a tablet-like touchscreen with Entune 3.0, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
On the performance front, the Camry is powered by multiple powertrain options, including a 176-horsepower four-cylinder and a 301-horsepower V6. There’s also the TRD variant, which features sport-tuned suspension that promises a more controlled ride and responsive handling. If you’re looking for a used Camry today, we’d recommend picking one of the higher trims since there’s a massive gap in features and materials between the lower and higher trim levels.
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2018 Toyota Sienna
Average Used Price: $19,927
If your budget is under $20,000, family hauling doesn’t get better than the 2018 Toyota Sienna. In its third generation, the Sienna has all the essentials of a modern minivan: a spacious interior, a powerful and efficient engine, and advanced active safety features. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6, producing 296 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. The minivan is also tuned for a soft, comfortable ride.
Where the Sienna shines is on the inside, thanks to its functional and comfort-rich offerings. Standard options include three-zone climate control, class-leading cargo space, Toyota Safety Sense P, and five USB ports. Optional extras include a Wi-Fi hotspot, rear-seat entertainment, and power-activated second row seats. Combine everything, and the Sienna becomes a minivan with a lot of substance, making it a smart choice for families.
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2015 Toyota 4Runner
Average Used Price: $20,133
The 2015 Toyota 4Runner looks like an outdated dinosaur SUV today, but it still has some serious off-road chops for those seeking adventure. Remember, it shares its platform with the J150 series Land Cruiser Prado and Lexus GX. Add to that its body-on-frame construction, a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine, and available four-wheel drive, and you have a rugged, boxy SUV that can go anywhere for the right driver.
If you’re lucky, you can even land yourself a TRD Pro trim, which was introduced this year, featuring an off-road package with TRD Bilstein shocks, TRD-tuned front springs, and a TRD front skid plate. Those who appreciate old-school simplicity will also enjoy the 4Runner’s interior, but we’d still recommend the post-2015 model as it featured some essentials, like the Entune infotainment system, rear backup camera, and optional GPS.
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2022 Toyota GR86
Average Used Price: $23,575
If you’re in the market for a cheap sports car, a used Toyota 86 is a good option, but it’s best to skip it for the slightly more expensive GR86. This second-generation Toyota sports car, new for 2022, fixes many of the issues with the older 86, especially the performance. The new GR86 features a 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 228 horsepower, 23 ponies more than its predecessor, giving it a respectable zero to 60 miles per hour time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 140 miles per hour.
This is a purebred sports car, the kind that’s driven when there’s time to drive for fun. It’s a bit loud, definitely firm in its ride, and by no means lavish.
– Steven Hammes for TopSpeed
The 2022 GR86 builds on that with a low center of gravity, limited-slip differential, lightweight body, and a responsive chassis, promising a phenomenal driving experience with agile handling. It should still be forgiving enough for new drivers. Finally, the GR86 also gets an eight-inch infotainment system, drive modes, and a standard six-speaker audio system. The 2022 Toyota GR86 is a cheap used sports car that honestly doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
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Source: Toyota, Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Edmunds