The Best Cars Under $35,000

14 2023 Nissan Altima

From $27,790

Nissan’s lineup is weird because on one side, you have the legendary Nissan GT-R and retro-futuristic Nissan Z, and on the other, mostly boring commuter cars with sketchy reliability. Even so, Nissan’s Altima is more than meets the eye. The new styling is much more memorable from the previous model’s bland aesthetics, which made it as memorable as… I can’t think of anything, actually. Despite the brand’s mishaps, the Altima is a great all-rounder with generous standard equipment and a spacious cabin. The base engine is gutless so, you will want to upgrade for the variable-compression turbocharged unit.

Specifications

The best part is, that even the range-topping Altima, equipped with the VC Turbo engine costs less than $35,000 so, the Altima is something of a bargain. The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) happens in 6.4 seconds, which is about the same as a Mazda 3 Turbo. The Altima’s most off-putting aspect is the CVT transmission, which sadly, is the only option, as no manual or conventional automatic is being offered.

13 2023 Honda Accord

From $28,390

The eleventh-generation Honda Accord cleaned up the, somewhat busy aesthetics of the previous model, but it will be a bit of a disappointment for those wanting a sporty sedan. The Civic Type-R’s K20 turbo-four was dropped for the 2023 model year, leaving the 1.5-liter turbo-four as the only non-hybrid variant. The Sport model is available from $32,990, but instead of the 252-horsepower turbo-four, you now get a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated unit as part of a PHEV drivetrain.

Specifications

The only available transmission for the 2023 Accord is a CVT – a clear indication Honda wants the Accord to be the brand’s green model, leaving the Civic as the only Honda model to carry the performance torch. On the plus side, the Accord’s interior is one of the more spacious in the segment and you get Honda’s reliability rating, coupled with Honda’s five-year or 60,000-mile drivetrain warranty (not including the lithium-ion battery).

12 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

From $28,050

Featuring the Mazda MX-5 Miata here almost feels like a cheat, but there’s no denying it’s one of the most fun, driver’s cars you can buy for under $35,000. Currently, in its fourth generation, the Miata is one of the very few sports cars still built with an engaging driving experience in mind. Mazda’s roadster adheres to the old-school philosophy of lightness and simplicity, which is why the SKYACTIV four-banger only has to lug 2,260 pounds (1025 kg) around.

Specifications

Still naturally aspirated and offered with a manual, the ND Miata is the epitome of “being one with the car”. The Miata has always been a soft-top convertible, but the fourth generation introduced a Targa body style, dubbed the RF. That one brings an electrically-operated, retractable hard top, but you’ll have to go over the $35,000 budget to buy one new.

Related: 10 Most Reliable SUVs According To Consumer Reports

11 2023 Toyota GR86

From $28,400

For the thrills offered at the price, the rear-wheel-drive Toyota GR86 sports coupe is practically without competition (except its Subaru BRZ sibling, of course). Powered by a naturally aspirated, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the GR86 dishes out 228 horsepower, and it can still be had with a six-speed manual transmission. Toyota’s sports car will scoot from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. The GR86 provides extremely sharp handling with accurate steering, and the genuine driving “feel” enthusiasts crave.

Specifications

And if the mood takes you (and it will in this sprightly performer), its rear is happy to swing out for some hooliganism. Better still, the GR86 is equipped with two (admittedly tiny) rear seats, and though it has a serious sports pedigree, it’s not too stiff to be used on the daily drive. The GR86 already stands out as a rear-wheel-drive sports car under $35,000, and getting behind the wheel to experience its thrills only improves its standing.

10 2023 Mini Countryman

From $29,950

Even though we’re an enthusiastic community, we understand that not everything is about what’s under the hood. Keeping that strictly in mind, we’ve added this novelty to the list – the Mini Countryman. Gone are the days when Mini produced namesake cars. Models like the Countryman are far from compact. In fact, it is the largest Mini model on sale and the automaker calls it an SUV. The quirky car grabs a lot of attention on the road even today. Step inside, and you’ll be welcomed to a very practical cabin, something you couldn’t say about Minis of the Yore.

Specifications

The circular elements still take prominence inside the cabin, like the infotainment system in the round housing, the circular door hands, round dials, etc. What will impress you the most is the space. The 2023 Countryman can seat five adults rather comfortably, but, it directly affects the cargo space, which is just about adequate. However, that’s not the worst thing about the car. The Countryman’s Achilles’ heel is its powertrain; especially the puny three-pot engine that struggles to lug the 3,400-pound car. If you opt for the 2023 Mini Countryman, we’d strongly suggest you choose the four-cylinder option that can be had for less than $35,000.

9 2023 Dodge Challenger

From $30,545

Like the Chevy Camaro, the Dodge Challenger as we know it, is another name that’s about to be retired. The Charger nameplate lives on, but as an EV and the Challenger could follow suit. There are still plenty of 2023 model-year Challengers around, but if you are looking to spend under $35,000 on one, you will have to settle for the Pentastar V-6 engine. Interestingly enough, the V-6 Challenger could also be had in GT trim, which added all-wheel drive – something, typically reserved for the Charger Police interceptors.

Specifications

The V-6 Challengers don’t shine in the performance department, but 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) still happens in little over 6.0 seconds for both the rear-wheel-drive SXT and all-wheel-drive GT model. Despite not being the most athletic car on the list, the Challenger is still a lot of car for the money, even with the Pentastar V-6.

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8 2023 Mazda 3 Turbo

From $32,450

Nowadays, it’s fairly rare for a manufacturer to sell you a range-topping model for under $35,000, but Mazda manages that nicely with the 3 Turbo. Offered in, both, hatchback and sedan form, the stylish hot-ish hatchback is a more sophisticated take on the segment that packs the biggest engine put in a modern-day hatchback, making it the most underrated Mazda of 2023. While most offerings in the segment offer a 2.0-liter (or smaller) engine, the Mazda 3 Turbo comes with a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine.

Specifications

In order to get the most out of the engine, however, you will need to use premium fuel, otherwise, you will have to settle for 227 horsepower instead of 250. The Mazda 3 is more luxurious than sporty and unfortunately, the only available transmission is a six-speed, torque-converter automatic. Some testers have claimed 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) times of as little as 5.8 seconds, but typically, the Mazda 3 Turbo does it in 6.2, which is still impressive. At the same time, you get Mazda’s stylish “Kodo” design, generous standard equipment, and great reliability,

7 2024 Ford Mustang

From $32,515

Ford recently debuted the seventh-generation Mustang, and it will, likely, be the last, non-hybrid pony car we get from the brand. The S650 Mustang rides on the previous model’s platform and even carries over the engine options. For under $35,000, you will have to suffice with the base engine, which is a de-tuned version of the one found in the last-generation Ford Focus RS. With the Camaro and Challenger, as we know them, retired for good, the Mustang stands as the last of the old-school pony cars.

Specifications

Even in base form, the S650 is a great all-rounder and one of the most usable two-door coupes you can buy. The 2024 Mustang has become a lot more digitalized, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, which also operates climate control. Interestingly enough, the base engine can no longer be had with a manual.

6 2024 Acura Integra

From $32,695

The Acura Integra was one of the biggest disappointments in recent times, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. The Integra nameplate carries a lot of weight with it and while it has always been a more pampered Civic with a more exciting engine, the new model was not what we expected. Still, if you want the Civic’s reliability and practicality in a more sophisticated package, the Integra is as good as it can get for under $35,000. Unfortunately, the interior is a bit too similar to the much-cheaper Civic, even though it’s well-put-together and features slightly more upscale materials.

Specifications

You would be wise to upgrade from the standard, 7.0-inch display to the 9.0-inch. They are both responsive and do away with the annoying touchpad controller, found in other Acura models. Engine-wise, unless you go for the much more expensive Type-S, you get the Civic Si’s 1.5-liter turbo-four, which provides adequate power and great fuel efficiency. Performance kits are available if you want to get closer to the K20C’s power levels.

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5 2022 Cadillac CT4

From $33,695

The Cadillac CT4 has just about made the cut since it starts at a little over $33,000. The CT4 is an entry-level Cadillac and gives you a taste of the premium segment at a not-so-high cost. Cadillac’s styling has always been pretty good, and the CT4 is no exception. This sedan looks smart and has a good road presence. Considering the price point and the fact that it sits at the bottom of the hierarchy, the 2022 CT4 doesn’t offer the utmost bang for the buck.

Specifications

It comes with things like an 8.0-inch touchscreen system, a dual-zone climate control, etc. that aren’t necessarily luxurious features these days. It isn’t the most spacious car in the segment either. The Cadillac CT4 comes with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-pot mill as standard, but a 2.7-liter engine is also available as optional. The car is known for its sharp handling dynamics and will keep you entertained when you push it hard. The higher trims are, of course, more desirable, but for the badge and the luxurious appeal, the CT4’s starting price of $33,695 is justified.

4 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

From $33,950

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the entry point into the German marque, and this is where you get to know what luxurious cars feel like. Mind you, it isn’t extraordinarily plush, but it isn’t your average run-of-the-mill car either. It has the signature Mercedes styling on the outside and the inside, and it is loaded pretty well, too. While it has a small footprint, the car is pretty spacious on the inside for a small car. But, all the space offered inside the cabin negatively impacts the cargo space.

Specifications

The 40/20/40 split seat, however, could provide some relief. A seven-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system round off the tech features. If we had to compare it to the entry-level cars from the other premium brands, we’d say that the 2022 A-Class sedan is a better package overall. That said, as is with any luxury brand, most of the creature comforts are available through packages, that will push the envelope a lot higher than $35,000. It must also be noted that the A-Class will soon exit the U.S. market.

3 2023 Hyundai Elantra N

From $34,015

Hyundai’s “N” performance division doesn’t hold the same prestige as an “M” on a BMW or a “V” on a Cadillac, but that’s no reason to dismiss the ultra-sporty compact. The Elantra N has the performance and pedigree that beguiles it’s sub-$35,000 asking price. It’s powered by a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making an impressive 275 horsepower and with an over-boost featured aptly named “N Grin Shift,” the Elantra N can up its power to 286 ponies for short bursts.

Specifications

The Elantra N is also fitted with a bevy of performance upgrades like an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, a rally-inspired integrated drive axle, torque-feedback rack-mounted power steering, and 14.2-inch brake rotors with high-friction pads that can make drivers question its front-wheel-drive status with its ample road-holding. It is available with either a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch or a six-speed manual as standard. Better still, the Elantra N wears sporty exterior and interior upgrades while retaining the practicality of the standard model. For the thrills offered, the Elantra N is easily a top pick for enthusiasts on a budget.

Related: The Best Luxury Cars Under $70,000

2 2022 Audi A3

From $34,800

If you’re a fan of Audi and have a $35,000 budget, you should look into the A3. Audi brought in the third-gen A3 for the 2022 model year, and it is an upgrade in pretty much every sense while retaining the driving dynamics that it is known for. It now comes with things like a 10.1-inch touchscreen system, a tri-zone automatic climate control, more tech features, and a plusher interior. In the U.S., the 2022 A3 is available only in the sedan form, whereas the other markets receive the Sportback version as well.

Specifications

The 2022 A3 is offered in three trims and all of them receive the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. You can also opt for the famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system if you’re willing to shell out some more moolah. But, if all you want to do is get onto the German premium bandwagon with this near-perfect sedan, you’ll have to pony up a shade under $35,000.

1 2022 Volvo XC40

From $35,100

We’re breaking the ‘under $35,000’ rule here because the 2022 Volvo XC40 starts at $35,100, but it would be a sin to not include it just because it’s over the line by a hundred bucks. The 2022 XC40 might be our pick of this list for what it offers as a whole. The baby SUV from the Swedish company comes with the trademark understated Scandinavian aesthetics that probably has no haters.

Specifications

Although a compact SUV, Volvo has done a fantastic job of providing a spacious cabin and a well-designed layout. There is ample tech and doesn’t miss out on anything much at this price point, but the infotainment system is not as slick as what the rival premium brands offer. We would suggest you look at the higher trims as well, but if you’re on a strict budget and aren’t comfortable stretching beyond $35,000, the Volvo XC40 crossover might be your best bet at getting a jack of all trades.