IRVINE, Calif. -

Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com has rolled out its list of Top 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000, and topping the list is  the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, with a starting price of $20,765.

Mazda’s 2012 MAZDA3 model placed second in the rankings, and the 2012 Honda Civic took third.

Kbb.com officials noted that the sedan segment for new cars seems more populated each year, often making it difficult for shoppers to discern the best model for their needs. On the plus side, as auto manufacturers offer up more feature-laden new sedans than ever before, consumers are choosing from a plethora of affordable new models.

With models on the list starting at base prices of $13,995 and topping out at $23,470, the range of these recommended sedans includes longtime segment leaders as well as all-new nameplates and lesser-known models, the company said.

Features available on these sedans also run the gamut, from all-wheel drive to 40 mpg, and tech-savvy and infotainment options.

According to KBB.com’s list of the Top 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000, the rankings are:

1. 2012 Volkswagen Passat, starting price $20,765
2. 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, starting price $15,995
3. 2012 Honda Civic, starting price $16,575
4. 2012 Hyundai Sonata, starting price $20,570
5. 2012 Buick Verano, starting price $23,470
6. 2012 Honda Accord, starting price $22,150
7. 2012 Ford Fiesta, starting price $13,995
8. 2012 Toyota Camry, starting price $22,715
9. 2012 Hyundai Elantra, starting price $16,120
10. 2012 Subaru Legacy, starting price $20,745.