The Best 2019 Car Models That Are Priced Under $30,000
In the United States, people are spending more money on purchasing vehicles than ever before, even though the transaction price continues to rise. Currently, the average cost of a car in the U.S. is hovering in the range of $35,000, which is quite a large amount. However, there are several cheaper and better vehicles out there that can be purchased for less than $30,000. These cars are not only affordable but also offer power, style, and comfort. Slide through to check out the 40 quality vehicles you can purchase without breaking the bank for well under $30,000.
The 2019 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a well-rounded compact SUV that can be purchased at a great value, starting at $25,000. Unlike many rivals, this car rides smoothly and comes standard with an all-wheel-drive option. You will find premium and high-quality materials inside the vehicle, including an easy-to-use infotainment system, ample cargo space, comfortable seating, and standard driver assistance features.
Additionally, the Forester’s steering wheel delivers quick and responsive handling. The EPA of Forester is estimated to achieve 33 mpg on the highway, 26 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg combined. That puts it ahead of every other all-wheel-drive rival.
The 2019 Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a great bargain, which starts at around $23,000. The EX is the right choice for most buyers as it comes in at the best value, offering premium audio and an 8.0-inch touchscreen for less than $25,000, which is a great deal. Overall, this car delivers decent handling, acceleration, and sufficient power for most driving situations.
The Insight also offers the best gas mileage ratings as compared to its rivals. Inside the car, you will find spacious seating and plenty of tech features, including a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, key-less ignition, and advanced safety features known as HondaSensing.
The 2019 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car that is both fun and practical. Among most of its rivals, the Accord offers excellent value. Its base model is priced at $23,720, which is decent enough. This car provides a spacious cabin, handsome exterior, generous list of standard safety technology, and robust engines. Additionally, the great fuel economy and high-end cabin design enhance the overall appeal of Accord.
Unlike most of its contemporaries, the Accord provides a six-speed manual transmission as a free swap on some trims with turbo 4 and 1.5 to 2.0-liter engines. However, it’s crucial to remember that a 10-speed automatic transmission on top models makes the Accord more efficient. All in all, the Honda Accord is one of the best combinations of value and quality among its class.
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N
The Hyundai Veloster is an impressive hatchback. It offers an upscale cabin, ample interior space, and an easy-to-use-infotainment system. Considering the base price it sells at, which is just $26,900, the Veloster delivers great performance, a punchy turbocharged engine, rad looks, adaptive dampers, and big brakes.
The standard trim of the vehicle comes with a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces up to 260 pound-feet of torque and 250 horsepower. Overall, the Veloster is decently powerful and smooth on the roads, and it also has much better handling than most compact cars.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The redesigned Volkswagen Jetta is better than the previous versions, thanks to the most magnificent and latest tech introduction by Volkswagen. The performance-oriented Jetta GLI model starts at $25,990 and features a powerful engine that produces up to 228 horsepower. Also, it is available in seven-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmission.
The standard features of Jetta GLI include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, a USB port, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic emergency braking, cloth upholstery, and a forward collision warning. Taking into account all these features, this car offers so much for so little and without any compromises.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best compact cars. It offers better handling than most of its rivals and boasts powerful engines that get a decent fuel economy. Additionally, the CX-5’s cabin is one of the best in class, though its cargo space is less than most of its competitors.
Mazda also provides ample safety tech features and a user-friendly infotainment system that is capable of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Overall, the Mazda CX-5 delivers the best performance and plenty of functions for a fair price. It is the right choice, especially for those looking for a sporty ride.
The 2019 Jeep Wrangler
If you want to go out into the wild, nothing is better than driving a Jeep. The Wrangler is an excellent off-roading vehicle that offers the best value. The base model of the Wrangler is priced at $28,000, which is great for the performance and features it provides. This car boasts an improved interior, impeccable off-road chops in any configuration, optional and easy-to-use off-road system, and iconic style.
Also, it is powered by a powerful Pentastar V6 3.6-liter engine that produces up 260 pound-feet of torque and 285 horsepower. Besides, with the Jeep Wrangler, you can also take open-air road trips by taking off its doors and the top.
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Mx-5 Miata is reasonably priced (starting at $25,730) and ranks on top amongst other sports cars. It boasts incredible handling, attractive interior, easy-to-use infotainment system, folding hardtop, and brisk acceleration. The Miata also offers an engine with more power that produces up to 181 horsepower.
This car is light-weight, making it quicker when you hit the throttle. The Miata also looks great on the inside, featuring relatively spacious and comfortable seats, and easy-to-use tech features. The only weakness of this car is that it has the smallest trunk among other vehicles in the market.
The 2019 Mazda3 AWD
The Mazda3 is an extraordinary compact car that is available in both hatchback and sedan body styles. It delivers a smooth ride, lively engine, terrific handling, and excellent fuel economy. There are only a few rivals out there that can match its overall performance. You will find ample high-quality material inside the car that looks great. Not only that, but this car also boasts many user-friendly features.
The loaded Mazda3 AWD hatchback is priced at $29,820, making it a little more expensive than its competitors. However, the extra money spent is worth it as the car punches well above its weight.
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
As the newest model in the Toyota lineup, the Corolla hatchback is even better than the Corolla sedan. It features the brand’s best and latest technologies, including Apple CarPlay, advanced safety features, up-to-date infotainment interface, and a more powerful engine that produces up to 168 horsepower.
The hatchback also draws a lot of praise for its clean layout and high-quality materials. Additionally, it even delivers an impressive fuel economy of 42 mpg on the highway, 32 mpg in the city, and 36 mpg combined. All in all, the Toyota Corolla hatchback is a better choice than the sedan, starting at just $20,000.
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is a well-rounded subcompact car that delivers excellent performance. It provides comfortable seating, plenty of cargo room, and passenger space. Also, it has many standard tech features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and an easy-to-use touch screen. Additionally, this car is relatively agile and can tackle every twisty road situation. Some of the weaknesses of the Chevrolet Sonic include hard plastic interior surfaces and below-average fuel economy.
The sedan version of Chevrolet Sonic is priced at $15,420. Whereas, the Sonic hatchback starts at $18,020, which is decent enough. Both body styles provide the option of automatic transmission and higher trim levels.
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is a cheerful and cheap vehicle. This subcompact has a lot to offer, including a good infotainment system, advanced safety tech features, and a roomier interior. Despite being a hatchback, this car doesn’t have much cargo space. However, the smooth steering and small size of the car makes it convenient to drive in tight places and on crowded streets.
The price of Chevrolet Spark is one of the most appealing aspects. The base price of the car is around $13,000, making it one of the best deals in its class.
The 2019 Dodge Challenger
If you are looking for a car with stylish retro looks, then you should go for the Dodge Challenger. It has an outstanding lineup of powerful engines, including the Hemi V8 engine that produces up to 797 horsepower. As compared to most of its competitors, the Dodge Challenger offers a more comfortable ride. Inside the car, you will find spacious seating and a classy-looking interior. In addition, the Challenger boasts the highest predicted reliability rating in the sports car category.
The starting price of the 2019 Dodge Challenger is set at $28,095, which is a couple of thousand more than the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.
The 2019 Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic is an excellent vehicle that boasts a comfortable, upscale interior, and delivers better performance than most of its rivals. It also has one of the best combinations of value and quality in the segment. Additionally, the Civic Si delivers ample cargo space and excellent fuel economy of up to 38 mpg on the highway, 28 mpg in the city, and 32 mpg combined. The only drawback of this car is that it has a below-average predicted reliability rating than most of its rivals.
The starting price of the Honda Civic Si is set at $24,300, which is great considering the number of features it offers.
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line
The Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line is a hatchback that has a starting price of around $23,300. This car delivers good performance and has a powerful engine that produces up to 201 horsepower. The GT N-Line also provides a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Inside the vehicle, you will find an ample amount of cargo room and passenger space. Besides, this compact car offers many easy-to-use tech features. Not only that, but it also has an above-average predicted reliability rating. All in all, the Hyundai Elantra GT N Line offers the best value and rates as compared to its rivals.
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is a highly rated compact vehicle. It is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The interior of the car looks great and is stocked with easy-to-use technology. Also, it has a roomy trunk, comfortable seating, and a high predicted reliability rating. If you do a lot of highway driving, Chevy Cruze is an excellent choice as it offers exceptional fuel economy ratings, especially with the diesel-powered engine. Overall, the Cruze delivers a quiet and comfortable ride.
With a starting price of about $18,000, the Chevrolet Cruze is quite affordable. With this amount, you can buy a six-speed automatic transmission, the sedan body style, and a turbocharged gasoline engine.
The 2019 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is one of the best large cars that boasts agile handling and robust engine options. This sedan has plenty of room in all seats and provides an easy-to-use infotainment system. However, the Dodge Charger is not as practical as most of its competitors that have a better look and gas mileage.
The engine options in the Charger include a V6 base engine that produces up to 292 horsepower and the V8 SRT Hellcat that gives out 707 power. The pricing for the Dodge charger starts at $29,470, which is pretty low for a large car.
The 2019 Mazda6
The Mazda6 is one of the most athletic cars in its class. It drives well on twisty roads, thanks to its great road grip and responsive steering. The best part of Mazda6 is its turbocharged engine that produces 227 to 250 horsepower. Besides, this car also features sharp handling, beautiful exterior, premium cabin materials, and is overall fun to drive. If you are looking for a sporty look and a comfortable interior, the Mazda6 is a great pick.
The base model of Mazda6 is priced at $23,800. It has every feature, including dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch display, alloy wheels, a USB port, and several other safety features as well.
The 2019 Honda Fit
The Honda Fit ranks amongst the best in the subcompact car class. It delivers high predictable handling, spacious and upscale interior, roomy cargo space, impressive safety and tech features, and an excellent fuel economy of up to 40 mpg on the highway and 33 mpg in the city. Also, it’s six-speed manual transmission has better control over the engine’s power.
The Honda Fit’s base model is priced at $16,190, and even if you go crazy with the options, you can get the top model within the range of $20,000. The reasonable price of the Honda Fit makes it the best among other small hatchbacks.
The 2019 Mini Cooper
If you are someone who’s looking for brisk acceleration and athletic handling in a subcompact car, then you should consider the Mini Cooper. The responsive steering, excellent road grip, sturdy brakes, and firm suspension allow this car to move swiftly. Cooper also boasts a stylish interior with premium materials and a high predicted reliability rating.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this car is that it has below-average cargo space for the class. Base Cooper models are relatively inexpensive and can cost you $21,900, which is pretty affordable for the number of features it offers.
The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a great looking sports car. It is thrilling to drive and comes with a four-cylinder base engine that delivers ample power and gets a robust fuel economy. It also rides smoothly, handles well, and features an intuitive infotainment system, and comfortable and supportive front seats.
The base price of the Camaro is set at $25,000, which is decent enough for a sports car. The starting price of other vehicles in the class is set between the range of $25,000 to $27,000. In short, the Chevrolet Camaro can surpass rivals that cost much more.
The 2019 Ford Fiesta ST
If you are looking for a fun-to-drive and agile vehicle, then the Ford Fiesta is an excellent pick. It delivers agile handling and lively performance altogether. Also, it comes with robust engines that produce up to 197 horsepower, high-performance brakes, six-speed manual transmission, and a sport-tuned suspension system.
Other remarkable features of the Ford Fiesta include a proximity key, automatic climate control, manual adjustments for the passenger as well as driver seats, and a push-button start. The starting price of the Ford-Fiesta is set at $21,340, which is great for the exceptional performance it delivers.
The 2019 Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 is one of the most driver-focused sports cars available on the market. It boasts quality and functional interior, nimble handling, easy-to-use touch screen, and classic styling. The controls and the cabin ergonomics work in favor of the driver. In a nutshell, it is a fun to drive vehicle.
Additionally, the Toyota 86 has a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that produces 205 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual transmission. The Toyota 86 is priced at $26,655, which is pretty decent for the performance and high quality it provides.
The 2019 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a great sports car that proves that a car does not need high horsepower in order to offer a fun driving experience. This nimble and light car focuses more on handling than performance specs. The key features of the BRZ include automatic headlights, a 6.2-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, and power features.
The BRZ gets a fuel economy of 29 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. When it comes to price, the Subaru BRZ is affordable. It starts at $26,000, making it one of the least expensive sports cars.
The 2019 Fiat 500 Abarth
Along with its peppy performance, the Abarth model adds increased drama and fender flares to the Fiat 500. This performance-oriented vehicle has an ample amount of power for driving at higher speeds. It boasts a robust four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and it also comes with upgraded brakes and a leather-wrapped shift knob.
Besides, its EPA is estimated to be 33 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city, which is quite good for a performance-focused vehicle. Buyers looking for a car that provides high-performance should consider the Fiat 500 Abarth. It starts at $20,745 and overall delivers an engaging ride.
The 2019 Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is the most fun-to-drive vehicle in the class, thanks to its excellent handling and punchy engine. This compact car boasts a stunning interior with plenty of space for cargo and passengers. It also has many driver assistance features and a user-friendly infotainment system. In addition, the GTI even features athletic handling and brisk acceleration.
The four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine of the GTI produces up to 228 horsepower. Also, it earns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city, which is average for the class. You can get the Volkswagen GTI for a price starting at $27,600, which is slightly above average than the rest of its rivals.
The 2019 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a compact car that is known for its athleticism. It features robust engines, standard all-wheel drive, adept handling, and spacious seats. The WRX also boasts easy-to-use infotainment technology and earns a good safety score. However, this car also has a few drawbacks, such as a low possible predicted reliability rating and less fuel efficiency than most of its rivals.
It comes with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbo-four base engine that produces 268 horsepower. The base price, starting at $27,195, puts the Subaru WRX right under the $30,000 cutoff.
The 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
The Ford Mustang is one of the best sports cars. It boasts a throaty and potent optional V8 engine and comfortable and athletic handling. Not only that, but this car also features a blend of retro and modern interior, along with user-friendly and sharp handling. Furthermore, the EcoBoost earns better and higher crash test ratings as compared to its competitors.
Standard features of the Mustang include a rearview camera, cloth upholstery, two USB ports, a 4.2-inch infotainment display, manually adjustable front seats, proximity key, six speakers, SYNC infotainment interface, and push-button start. If you are craving for more, you should definitely go for the 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost that starts at $26,395.
The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider is a decent sports car, which is mainly known for its responsive steering and agile handling that makes driving fun. This car is light and nimble, and it also delivers a comfortable ride and outstanding fuel economy estimates of up to 35 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city.
Also, it comes with an easy-to-fold convertible top. The Abarth model of Fiat 124 Spider gives out 164 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The best part about this car is that it starts at a base price of $25,440, which is better than most of its rivals.
The 2019 Nissan Altima
The Altima is an impressive midsize car that delivers pleasant driving experience, robust engine options, a composed ride, and excellent fuel economy estimates of up to 39 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. Additionally, it offers a long list of standard technology features, composed handling, and roomy and comfortable cabin. However, when it comes to handling agility and interior quality, the Altima lags behind its competitors.
The base price of the 2019 Nissan Altima is set at $23,750, which is average for the class. All in all, the Nissan Altima is a good value car that delivers ultimate performance.
The 2019 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a highly-ranked midsize car that delivers loads of technology, pleasing driving dynamics, and excellent fuel efficiency. It also features a good predicted reliability rating and impressive safety scores. The Camry's cabin has plenty of passenger room, intuitive infotainment system, and is loaded with quality materials. This car comes with several engine options that deliver up to 301 horsepower.
Being one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles, the Toyota Camry earns an EPA of up to 41 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city, which is the best among other non-hybrid midsize cars. The starting price of the Toyota Camry is set at $24,600, which is great for the high-quality features it provides.
The 2019 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is an outstanding wagon that meets all the needs of the driver. It comes in a standard all-wheel drive and delivers an impressive set of safety and standard tech features. It also provides a class-leading amount of cargo space, high visibility, and roomy seats.
The standard engine of the Outback gets 32 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city — this is an average fuel economy rating of a wagon. The prices for the Subaru Outback starts at $26,345, which is higher than a Volkswagen Golf SportWagen.
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq is a vehicle that represents the best value and utility. There are only a few cars in the market that can match up the fuel economy of Ioniq, which is estimated to get 59 mpg on the highway and 57 mpg in the city. To be more eco-friendly, buyers can choose from the electric and plug-in versions available.
In addition, this car offers lots of cargo space and intuitive infotainment features. With its starting price of $22,440, this car should appeal to anyone who's looking for a hybrid.
The 2019 Kia Forte
The 2019 Kia Forte has a lot to offer, including cavernous trunk volume, ample rear legroom, user-friendly technology, terrific interior, high safety score, and good fuel economy that reaches up to 42 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in the city with the CVT. In addition, it features a comfortable and supportive front seat and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
To top things off, the Kia Forte also delivers high predicted reliability ratings. The starting price of the Kia Forte is set at $17,690, which is quite affordable and is one of the lower base prices in the class.
The 2019 Toyota Prius c
The Toyota Prius c is an adequate compact hatchback that comes with excellent fuel efficiency, above-average cargo space, several safety tech features, and an outstanding predicted reliability rating. However, the languid acceleration and low-quality cabin keep it at the bottom of the electric and hybrid car rankings. The Prius c has a hard-to-beat fuel economy that gets 43 mpg on the highway and 48 mpg in the city, which is extraordinary.
If you are looking for a subcompact car and your principal concern is fuel efficiency, then you should go for the Toyota Prius c. When compared to other hybrids, the starting price ($21,530) of the Prius c is reasonable enough.
The 2019 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is right-price, low-compromise, and a sensible compact car. It comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles and has a pretty nice cabin. The hatchback body style comes with a maximum cargo capacity of 55.3 cubic-foot, which is very impressive. This car also features spacious seats, a standard all-wheel drive, and gets excellent fuel economy estimates of 38 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city with its automatic transmission.
The base price of the 2019 Subaru Impreza starts at $18,595, which is not at all a bad value for the high-quality features it provides.
The 2019 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is an adequate vehicle. It boasts a large trunk space, two rows of seats that can accommodate adults, and a user-friendly infotainment system. It also rides efficiently over most road surfaces. When it comes to performance and cabin styling, a lot of its rivals are better.
The Sentra has an average gas mileage — it earns 37 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. The base price of the Sentra starts at $17,790 with a manual transmission and $18,480 with a CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission).
The 2019 MINI Cooper Clubman
The MINI Cooper Clubman is a subcompact car that comes with lively handling and an upscale cabin. This car also delivers an outstanding predicted reliability rating and decent cargo hold. However, it has a poor fuel economy, and its price is slightly higher than most of its competitors. Additionally, the Clubman's turbocharged engines handle better and deliver more power than other rivals. Not only that, its predicted reliability rating is one of the highest in the class.
The base price of the Clubman is set $24,900, which may appeal to people who are looking for a classy interior and adept handling.
The 2018 Ford Focus
If you are looking for a sporty compact car, then Ford Focus is a great choice. It has several strengths; including engaging road manners, excellent handling, above-average predicted reliability rating, strong available engines, and spacious front seats. This car also has a few weaknesses, such as unpolished dual-clutch automatic transmission, limited head and legroom in rear seats, and hard-to-see buttons on the center stack.
The base price of the Ford Focus is $14,500, which is decent enough. The prices may vary between $12,200 to $19,000, depending on the car's mileage, condition, location, and features.
The 2019 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is one of the best midsize pickups that offer ample capability and has less imposing dimensions, making it easier to drive daily. The Ranger also boasts a powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged engine, which produces up to horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Not only that, this car is available in both four or two-wheel drive and provides a 10-speed automatic transmission that rattles off shifts with precision.
Also, the Ranger offers comfortable seating and a user-friendly infotainment system. All in all, the Ford Ranger is a right-sized truck that offers attractive features at a great price, starting at $24,000.
