2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Leads the Way in the Cars.com Affordability Report

Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville Highlights Hyundai’s Top-Ranked Models

At Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville, we know that today’s buyers are shopping smarter than ever. With rising prices, global economic shifts, and uncertainty around tariffs that could influence vehicle pricing, knowing which models deliver the most value for your money is crucial. That’s where the 2025 Cars.com Affordability Report comes in. This annual report highlights new vehicles that balance affordability with quality, ensuring customers can make smart, informed decisions—without sacrificing the features they want.

This year, Hyundai made a strong showing across several categories, with models recognized for combining technology, safety, comfort, and long-term value. The importance of our service department in ensuring customer satisfaction and vehicle reliability cannot be overstated. Certified service technicians provide expert care for vehicles, ensuring routine maintenance and overall functionality. Whether you’re considering an electric vehicle, a compact SUV, or a versatile pickup, there’s a Hyundai model that delivers standout value—and they’re available right here at Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville.

What is the Cars.com Affordability Report?

Each year, Cars.com evaluates hundreds of vehicles to identify those offering the most overall value. Unlike many rankings that focus solely on sticker price, this report considers several factors beyond just the sticker price. Other factors such as maintenance, insurance, and financing also impact the overall cost of ownership. This includes the total cost to own and operate a vehicle, encompassing fuel or charging costs, essential features, and class-average pricing.

To make the cut, vehicles had to come equipped with a standard package of safety and tech essentials, including:

• Automatic transmission
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Blind spot monitoring
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Brake assist and lane departure warning

Electric vehicles were held to an additional standard of at least 280 miles of EPA-estimated range. From there, fuel costs were factored in, and cars were ranked by their combined cost and value. The result? A list that reflects what buyers truly care about—performance, safety, savings, and smart design.

2025 Best Value Winners by Category

These were the top-performing vehicles in each major segment, with the report evaluating the impact of tariffs on the pricing of each particular model:

• Subcompact Car: 2025 Nissan Versa
• Compact Car: 2025 Nissan Sentra
• Subcompact SUV: 2025 Chevrolet Trax
• Compact SUV: 2025 Ford Escape
• Mid-Size SUV: 2025 Kia Sorento
• Compact Pickup Truck: 2025 Ford Maverick
• Mid-Size Pickup Truck: 2025 Nissan Frontier
• Full-Size Pickup Truck: 2025 Ford F-150
• Electric Vehicle: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 

It is essential to compare different models based on their features, costs, and ranges to assist consumers in choosing the best options available.

While other brands earned individual spots, Hyundai made multiple appearances across several categories. The Ioniq 6 earned top honors for electric vehicles, and four other Hyundai models, including the Venue, Tucson, Santa Cruz, and Santa Fe, were recognized as top contenders in their classes.

Hyundai Models that Made the List

Hyundai has built its reputation on combining advanced features with unbeatable value, supported by genuine Hyundai parts available in the service department. Regular maintenance is crucial in ensuring vehicle longevity and satisfaction. The 2025 report confirms this again, proving that Hyundai models are not only budget-friendly at the time of purchase but also offer long-term affordability, reliability, and satisfaction.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6—Best Value Electric Vehicle

The Ioniq 6 SE Long Range RWD stood out as the most cost-effective EV on the market in 2025. It offers class-leading range, next-generation technology, and ultra-low operating costs—all at a lower starting price than many of its EV competitors. The Ioniq 6’s class-leading EV range makes it a top choice for those seeking long-distance travel capabilities. Additionally, it can travel significant distances on a single charge, enhancing its appeal for eco-friendly transportation.

Key Highlights:

• Starting Price: $43,995
• Average Trim Price: $40,723
• EPA Range: 342 miles
• Annual Fuel Costs: $550
• Warranty: 5 yrs/60K miles basic; 10 yrs/100K miles powertrain & battery

With dual 12.3-inch screens, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, fast-charging capability (10–80% in 18 minutes), and an aerodynamic design, the Ioniq 6 beautifully combines form and function. Different weather conditions, particularly cold weather, can impact the battery range of the Ioniq 6. For Fayetteville-area drivers looking to go electric without compromising comfort or features, this is the EV to beat.

2025 Hyundai Venue SEL—Top 3 Subcompact SUV

Perfect for city driving and tight spaces, the Hyundai Venue delivers surprising value in a small package. It’s a great fit for first-time buyers, students, or anyone who wants dependable transportation with modern tech, including remote access functionality to lock or unlock doors through a smartphone application. Additionally, advanced safety and convenience technologies like Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control provide drivers with enhanced control over their vehicles.

Key Highlights:

• Starting Price: $23,650
• Average Trim Price: $23,805
• Fuel Economy: 31 mpg combined
• Annual Fuel Costs: $1,500
• Warranty: 5 yrs/60K miles basic; 10 yrs/100K miles powertrain

Despite its compact size, the Venue SEL doesn’t cut corners. It comes standard with advanced driver-assist systems, smartphone integration, and Hyundai’s exceptional warranty—all at a price that’s easy on the wallet.

2025 Hyundai Tucson SE—Top 3 Compact SUV

A favorite among Fayetteville families and commuters alike, the Hyundai Tucson combines interior comfort, strong fuel economy, and long-lasting value. It performs well in various driving conditions, making it one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the road today. The Tucson also boasts impressive power output specifications and power-adjustable seating options for enhanced comfort.

Key Highlights:

• Starting Price: $30,155
• Average Trim Price: $29,974
• Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined
• Annual Fuel Costs: $1,700
• Warranty: 5 yrs/60K miles basic; 10 yrs/100K miles powertrain

In addition to its affordability, the Tucson delivers strong reliability, a spacious interior, and a well-appointed dashboard, making it perfect for everything from school drop-offs to road trips through the Ozarks.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE—Top 3 Compact Pickup Truck

Blending the flexibility of a pickup with the comfort of an SUV, the Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s answer to drivers who want it all. It offers standout utility, from hauling weekend gear to commuting in style. To maintain the vehicle’s performance, it is essential to utilize factory-trained and certified service technicians. Additionally, selecting the right home charger for the Santa Cruz can significantly save fuel costs.

Key Highlights:

• Starting Price: $30,200
• Average Trim Price: $30,642
• Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined
• Annual Fuel Costs: $1,900
• Warranty: 5 yrs/60K miles basic; 10 yrs/100K miles powertrain
• Built in: U.S.

With features like a lockable under-bed storage compartment, advanced safety systems, and a comfortable cabin, the Santa Cruz is a smart and stylish alternative to traditional pickups.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE—Honorable Mention in Mid-Size SUVs

The newly redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe earned a top-three finish in the mid-size SUV class, proving that Hyundai delivers serious value across every segment.

Key Highlights:

• Starting Price: $35,775
• Average Trim Price: $34,901
• Fuel Economy: 24 mpg combined
• Annual Fuel Costs: $1,950
• Warranty: 5 yrs/60K miles basic; 10 yrs/100K miles powertrain
• Built in: U.S.

The Santa Fe is ideal for growing families and drivers who need extra room and advanced comfort. With three-row seating, bold styling, excellent warranty coverage, and 24/7 roadside assistance as a standard feature, it’s a mid-size SUV that’s hard to beat. You can find the ideal Hyundai that meets your needs with the Santa Fe.

Hyundai Value, Backed by America’s Best Warranty

All Hyundai vehicles on the list are backed by Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, including the 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, giving Fayetteville drivers added confidence with every mile. Hyundai offers America’s Best Warranty, providing significant peace of mind for customers:

• 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
• 10-Year/100,000-Mile Battery Warranty (on EVs)

This extensive coverage reduces long-term repair costs, improves resale value, and provides unmatched peace of mind.

Discover these Award-Winning Vehicles at Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville

The 2025 Cars.com Affordability Report proves what we’ve always believed at Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville: great vehicles don’t have to be expensive. From electric innovation to practical pickups and versatile SUVs, Hyundai offers smart choices for every type of driver.

Come visit us in Fayetteville to test drive these top-value vehicles, explore financing options, and take advantage of any EV tax credits or current Hyundai incentives available. You can also shop online to browse and buy vehicles or services through our online platform. Our financing specialists are here to provide tailored financing packages to help you secure the best price and interest rates for your needs. We are committed to helping you secure the greatest price and interest rates tailored to your individual budget.

Tags: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, best value electric vehicle, Cars.com Affordability Report 2025, Crain Hyundai Fayetteville, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Tucson price, Hyundai vs Kia vs Ford, Hyundai warranty, new cars under $30K
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