Best Cars Under 50k
Not everyone has a quarter of a million dollars to blow on their next vehicle. Check out some of the best cars under 50k today.
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you’ve got a moderate budget for
your next vehicle
, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a commuter car, family SUV or luxury sedan, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Best cars under 50k: Sedans for the everyday driver
If you’ve got your sights set on a hot hatch, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers spirited acceleration and responsive handling. While it doesn’t offer rear-wheel drive, the five-seater does come in three trim levels.
According to
TrueCar
, “The most popular style is the 2.0T Autobahn DSG, which starts at $40,225 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive.” Buyers can expect an EPA of 25 mpg in town and 34 mpg on the highway. The 2022 Subaru WRX gives us a lot to be excited about. We’re talking a new chassis, more standard horsepower, and a much larger, tech-savvy touchscreen. With new powertrains, a new platform, and a revised interior, we’re all about this $30,600 four-door sedan.
Four trim levels are offered, the most popular being the GT SVT. It boasts a 2.4L H4 Turbo engine with all-wheel drive and starts at $43,390. The WRX averages 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The 2022 Acura TLX delivers a premium driving experience and is just plain fun to drive. With a great mix of luxury and performance, a refined interior offers standout styling. While the backseat may be smaller than expected, overall drivers will get excellent value.
The midsize sedan comes in five trim levels and can seat up to five people. “The most popular style is the Technology Package FWD, which starts at $43,995 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive,” TrueCar notes.
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SUVs your family can afford
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at just $27,700. The SUV features a quiet interior, innovative tech, and offers a hybrid and plug-in model as well.
With a choice of all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, drivers will receive an eight-speed automatic 2.5-liter I-4 engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The exterior might be a bit busy for some, but if you like a cabin with lots of buttons to play with, you’re in luck.
The 2022 Subaru Outback is number one when it comes to midsize SUVs. The adventure mobile has an MSRP of $27,645. The smooth ride is capable of handling rugged terrain and offers standard all-wheel drive. The interior incorporated waterproof upholstery, though the infotainment system could be a bit more responsive.
According to
MotorTrend
, “Base, Premium, and Limited models work with a 2.5-liter flat-four developing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque that returns 26/33 mpg city/highway.” Base engines can reach 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, while turbocharged models can get there in 5.9 seconds.The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is available for under $27,000 and is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The CX-50 will be offered with either a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.5-liter option. Drivers will also benefit from a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
If you’re one for drive modes, the CX-50 offers four: Normal, Sport, Towing, and Off-Road.
“Each mode customizes throttle response, transmission logic, braking, and other parameters to the particular driving situation,” MotorTrend tells us. Hybrid and electric options are predicted to be added to the line in the future.
Oh, you fancy, huh?
The 2022 Audi A3 is one of the best cars under 50k because it features impressive driving manners and a sophisticated design. While the five-seater is also offered in three trims, drivers love the Premium Plus quattro with its 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It also starts at $41,195 which is a pretty good price for the luxurious ride.
If you want a smooth, quiet ride, the 2022 Lexus ES midsize luxury sedan is worth a look-see. Though you may not get exciting performance, your daily commute will be chill. The relaxed Lexus has five seats and offers 12 different trims. The ES 350 FWD sports a 3.5L V6 engine for $42,025. You’ll also get an EPA of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
To end our list of the best cars under 50k, we’ve got the 2021 Genesis G80—a true knockout. The head-turning five-seater offers two trims and a full complement of tech features. Coming in just under budget is the 2.5T RWD starting at $48,745. The serene sedan features a 2.5L I4 Turbo engine and an EPA of 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
4.7
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