Are you in the market for a new car but working with a tight budget? You’re not alone. More car shoppers are now focusing their search on vehicles priced under $50,000.
With the average new car price in the U.S. hovering around $48,000 in 2023,1 finding a quality vehicle at an affordable price point is becoming increasingly challenging.
However, there are still plenty of options out there if you know where to look. Here are 15 of the best cars you can buy for under $50,000.
1. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been an icon in the sports car world for over three decades, and the 2024 model continues to deliver pure driving joy at an affordable price. Starting at just $30,170, the Miata offers a perfect balance of nimble handling, responsive steering, and a rev-happy engine that will put a smile on your face every time you hit the road.
With its lightweight design and rear-wheel drive layout, the Miata is a true driver’s car that rewards skill and precision. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces a respectable 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to make this little roadster feel quick and agile.
Whether you opt for the crisp-shifting six-speed manual or the smooth automatic transmission, the Miata is a blast to drive on winding roads or your daily commute.
2. 2024 Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
If you’re looking for an affordable sports car with a bit more practicality than the Miata, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ twins are hard to beat. Starting at around $30,000, these lightweight coupes offer a perfect blend of sharp handling, responsive steering, and a punchy 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
The GR86 and BRZ share the same platform and drivetrain, but each has its own unique styling and interior features. Both cars come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an automatic is available for those who prefer a more relaxed driving experience.
With their 50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravity, these coupes are incredibly fun to toss around on twisty roads or the track.
3. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
If you want a practical hatchback that’s also a blast to drive, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the car for you. Starting at $33,190, the GTI packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful hot hatches on the market.
The GTI has expertly tuned suspension and sharp steering for driving on any road, while its spacious and well-appointed interior makes it a comfortable daily driver. The GTI also comes loaded with tech features like a digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available adaptive dampers that let you fine-tune the ride to your liking.
4. 2024 Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a top choice for those who want a fun-to-drive sedan that won’t break the bank. Starting at just $29,000, the Si packs a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission.
The Si also gets a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and sticky summer tires. Inside, the Si features supportive sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
5. 2024 Hyundai Elantra N
If you want a practical sedan with serious performance chops, the Hyundai Elantra N is hard to beat.
Starting at $34,850, the Elantra N packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a whopping 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Elantra N gets a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and sticky summer tires. The Elantra N features supportive sport seats, a digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With its combination of performance, practicality, and value, the Elantra N is a great choice for enthusiasts who need a bit more space than a Civic Si.
6. 2024 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang has been an icon of American muscle for over half a century, and the 2024 model continues that legacy with a range of powerful engines and sharp handling. Starting at just $33,515, the base Mustang comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to get your heart racing.
But if you want even more power, the Mustang GT comes with a 5.0-liter V8 that churns out 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, and all Mustangs come standard with rear-wheel drive for that classic muscle car feel.
The Mustang features a modern and well-appointed cabin with available features like a digital instrument cluster, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and heated and cooled front seats.
7. 2024 Kia Stinger
If you want a stylish and sporty sedan with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, the Kia Stinger is a great choice. Starting at $39,590, the Stinger comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
But if you want even more power, the Stinger GT comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 that churns out 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Inside, the Stinger features a spacious and well-appointed cabin with available features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and ventilated front seats.
8. 2024 Subaru WRX
For those who want a practical sedan with serious performance chops and all-wheel drive, the Subaru WRX is a top choice. Starting at $33,855, the WRX comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The WRX also gets a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and sticky summer tires, making it great for driving on any road in any weather. It features supportive sport seats, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available features like a Harman Kardon premium audio system and a power moonroof.
With its combination of performance, practicality, and all-weather capability, the WRX is a great choice for those who live in areas with challenging driving conditions.
9. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
If you want a hot hatch with serious performance chops and all-wheel drive, the Toyota GR Corolla is hard to beat. Starting at $37,635, the GR Corolla packs a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that produces a whopping 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Inside, the GR Corolla features supportive sport seats, a digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With its combination of performance, practicality, and all-weather capability, the GR Corolla is a great choice for those who want a hot hatch that can do it all.
10. 2024 Acura Integra
The Acura Integra is back for 2024, and it’s better than ever. Starting at $32,995, the new Integra is based on the Honda Civic Si, but it adds a layer of luxury and refinement that sets it apart from its more affordable sibling.
Under the hood, the Integra packs a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission.
But the Integra is more than just a rebadged Civic Si. It also gets a more upscale interior with features like heated front seats, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Outside, the Integra features sleek and sporty styling that sets it apart from other compact luxury cars.
11. 2024 BMW 2 Series
If you want a compact luxury car with serious performance chops, the BMW 2 Series is hard to beat. Starting at $40,375, the base 230i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The M240i comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that churns out 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Inside, the 2 Series features a well-appointed cabin with available features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and heated front seats.
12. 2024 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z is back for 2024, and it’s better than ever. Starting at $44,110, the new Z packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Z also gets a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and sticky summer tires. Inside, the Z features a modern and well-appointed cabin with available features like a digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated and cooled front seats.
13. 2024 Lexus IS
If you want a compact luxury sedan with sharp handling and a refined interior, the Lexus IS is a great choice. Starting at $42,975, the base IS 300 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The IS 350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that churns out 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines provide plenty of punch for merging onto the highway or carving up twisty roads, and the IS’ well-tuned suspension and sharp steering make it a joy to drive.
Inside, the IS features a luxurious and well-appointed cabin with available features like a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, and heated and ventilated front seats.
14. 2024 Audi A3
If you want a compact luxury sedan with cutting-edge tech and a premium interior, the Audi A3 is a great choice. Starting at $36,295, the base A3 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
If you want even more power and all-wheel drive, the A3 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The interior of A3 features a modern and well-appointed cabin with available features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.
15. 2024 Genesis G70
If you want a compact luxury sedan with a premium interior and a long list of standard features, the Genesis G70 is a great choice. Starting at $40,945, the base G70 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The G70 3.3T comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 that churns out 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. The G70 features a luxurious and well-appointed cabin with standard features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The automotive market offers a wide range of impressive vehicles under $50,000. Whether you prioritize performance, comfort, practicality, or cutting-edge technology, there’s a car on this list that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
