Car prices continue to rise along with inflation. It doesn’t help that many automakers switched their focus to more expensive, higher-profit vehicles instead of selling affordable cars in volume. Don’t worry, though. Some brands still offer many attainable models, with several that you can get fully loaded for $35,000 or less, even with hybrid variants. Most importantly, they come in a variety of body styles, including hatchback, sedan, and of course, SUV. Let’s check them out!
Our criteria for this list: A vehicle must top out at or under $35,000 across all of its variants. The only exceptions are high-performance models like the Elantra N, Jetta GLI, and GR Corolla, which automakers tend to treat as distinct models.
Affordable Cars: Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V remains an attainable option for those in search of a practical small SUV. Think of it as a lifted Civic Hatchback with a more traditional two-box shape and available AWD that tops out at around $33,000, even with an extra-cost exterior color.
Chevrolet Trax
Among affordable cars, the Chevrolet Trax brings distinct looks and the practicality of an SUV body style for an attainable price of around $30,000 for the most expensive version. It drives well, too, and comes with plenty of tech features, including an 11-inch touchscreen on some trims.
Buick Envista
Looking for the least expensive way to get into the coupe-like SUV craze? The Buick Envista has your name on it. This front-drive-only crossover is all about strong value. It has plenty of standard equipment and an elegant style that looks more expensive than its $31,000 top-of-the-line price may suggest.
Affordable Cars: Kia Seltos
A redesigned Kia Seltos is coming, but the current one still holds its own. As with every Kia model, this small SUV doubles down on the value, offering many desirable features like ventilated front seats and a hands-free power liftgate for under $35,000.
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai’s pint-sized Venue is one of the smallest SUVs on the market. It’s also one of the most attainable cars, with a price spread ranging from $20,000 to roughly $25,000. That gets you plenty of driver assistance features, an eight-inch touchscreen, and smartphone integration.
Affordable Cars: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
In the market since 2010, the Outlander Sport is one of the oldest cars available and one of the original subcompact SUV entrants. Despite its age, it remains surprisingly viable. No, it doesn’t have fancy tech, and the MPGs are pretty middling, but for around $32,000 fully loaded, it’s a good deal.
Nissan Kicks
Nissan’s smallest SUV brings strong value with its long list of standard features. Plus, it offers neat tech like available ProPilot Assist and dual 12.3-inch displays. This generation also has AWD as an option, yet still manages to keep it well under $35,000 even with a two-tone exterior on the range-topping SR trim.
Affordable Cars: Volkswagen Jetta
Although the Volkswagen Jetta has been on the market for some time, it’s aged gracefully. For around $31,000, you get a comfortable compact sedan with a spacious interior, plenty of creature comforts, and a punchy turbocharged engine.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla continues to offer affordable transportation, and it’s also one of the cheapest ways to get a hybrid. For around $30,000, the Corolla comes in sedan or hatchback flavors, as well as available AWD.
Affordable Cars: Hyundai Elantra
Among compact cars, the Hyundai Elantra is a class leader thanks to its strong value proposition. Our pick? The Limited trim with the hybrid powertrain. For around $31,000, you get a generously equipped compact sedan with features like heated and ventilated front seats, advanced driver assistance technology, and 64-color ambient lighting.
Kia K4
Kia’s K4 punches way above its weight. It offers incredible value, with tech like Highway Driving Assist 2, surround-view camera, dual 12.3-inch displays, and more. Our money would go to a loaded GT-Line Turbo hatchback for around $33,000.
Nissan Sentra
The redesigned Nissan Sentra is all about value. It also punches above its weight with class-above tech, eye-catching style, and a smooth ride. Want your Sentra to look a million bucks? Go for the SL trim, which also includes cool details like quilted two-tone seats for a truly upscale feel.
Affordable Cars: Subaru Impreza
Need AWD but don’t want an SUV? Check out the Subaru Impreza. This compact hatchback continues to blend all-weather traction with impressive versatility, making it a great choice. Our suggestion: Grab the RS trim, which tops out under $33,000 with an option package that adds a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a moonroof, and a 10-way power driver’s seat.
