If you are a savvy shopper, then you already know that you can find some of the best cars for between $35k and $45k, since this is where many automakers find the right balance between style, practicality, performance, and liveability. Cars in this price bracket cover many segments, and buyers will find anything from minivans to pickup trucks alongside SUVs and sedans – some lower-rung premium vehicles can be had in this price range, too. This is a list of the best cars available in the USA for 2024 under $45k.
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1 Honda Civic Type R
Priced just within this pricing category, the $44,795 Civic Type R is possibly the most fun you can have for this price. All the legendary Type R qualities are intact, from a slick manual gearbox to brilliant front-wheel-drive handling dynamics. The 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, so it’s anything but slow, and any gearhead will enjoy operating the six-speed manual. Styling is a bit less extreme than on the previous Type R, but the hot Honda benefits from all the improvements found throughout the latest Civic lineup. That includes a spacious interior and user-friendly ergonomics.
Expert Opinion
“It’s entering and handling in the corner where the Type R impresses the most. Instead of understeer and push, the rear axle feels mobile, and lifting off the throttle brings the back around in a smooth arc. The chassis is too well-balanced to bring on snap oversteer without severe driver error.”
2 Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is one of those EVs that’ll make you wonder why you need to spend more on a luxury brand. Starting at $42,600 for 2024, even the base model feels like a premium product, with excellent build quality and a refined drive. Unfortunately, the only EV6 in this price category is stuck with a 167-hp motor, so it doesn’t have the performance that most people associate with modern EVs. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s a great car, though. The range is just 232 miles, but it can charge quickly, and you still get appealing features like 19-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat.
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3 Kia Carnival
The next vehicle on our list in the $35k to $45k price category is another Kia. Most Carnival trims fit into this price category, including the generously specified SX at a cost of $42,300. This variant enjoys features like LED fog lamps, a 12.3-inch LCD panoramic center display, power-adjustable front seats, and ventilated front seats. It’s a pleasant minivan to drive, thanks to a smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 hp and 262 lb-ft. This V6 is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The spacious cabin, smooth ride, and cooler styling than your average minivan equal a desirable package in this class.
4 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
All Hyundai Tucson Hybrid trims are priced below $45k. This versatile crossover features a 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid powertrain with 226 hp, and the most efficient model can hit 38 mpg combined. The fully loaded Limited goes for $39,715, and this gets you leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a Bose premium sound system. Like many Korean SUVs, the Tucson Hybrid is quite adventurously styled compared to Japanese rivals, but it’s not all flash and no substance. The Hyundai is also comfortable and enjoys a class-leading warranty.
5 Lexus NX
There aren’t too many luxury models in this price category, and those that exist tend to be smaller and less practical. The Lexus NX is a case in point. It has just 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and rear-seat legroom isn’t spectacular. Thankfully, the NX inherits many Lexus traits, from its smart styling to its well insulated interior. The base NX 250 with 203 hp isn’t that quick, but you can upgrade to the turbocharged 275-hp NX 350 and still come in at below $45k. If you don’t need an abundance of space, this is an upmarket and satisfying luxury crossover to own.
6 Toyota Prius
From frumpy hybrid to quite a glamorous hatchback, Toyota has pulled off something special with the latest Prius. It’s still remarkably efficient, but it now has a lot more power and a far more alluring design. The most efficient model returns 57 mpg combined with FWD, dropping to 54 mpg with AWD. Most Prius trims cost below $35k, but the only one in our price bracket is the Limited AWD at $36,365. This version comes with features like a power driver’s seat with memory, a fixed glass roof, an eight-speaker JBL sound system, and heated/ventilated front seats. There’s much to like about the latest Prius.
7 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 is one of the nicest SUVs to drive at this price, and you can drive off in a turbocharged model for $38,000. This has outputs of 256 hp and 320 lb-ft, so it has enough grunt to match the CX-50’s entertaining and balanced handling. The top Premium Plus trim is also under $45k and gets amenities like heated front/rear seats and a surround-view camera system. If you want to tackle some dirt roads, the CX-50 is better at doing this than the less rugged CX-5. Despite these abilities, the CX-50 is a showcase for Mazda’s impressive interior design, from the user-friendly layout to the high standard of materials used.
8 Mazda CX-5
The older and even more road-biased alternative to the CX-50, the CX-5 has aged gracefully. This compact crossover is also available with a potent turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 256 hp. If you’re in less of a hurry, you can go for the base 187-hp powertrain. The top Turbo Signature trim starts at under $41k for the 2024 model year and boasts equipment like Nappa leather upholstery, traffic sign recognition, and front/rear parking sensors. An acceptable 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row makes this a practical vehicle, although rivals like the Honda CR-V ultimately offer more space.
9 Honda Accord Hybrid
The Accord is one of the few long-running sedan nameplates to remain relevant in 2024. Regardless of the model you choose, you’re getting a refined sedan with a large interior, many features, and the promise of Honda dependability. In hybrid guise, every Accord still costs under $40k, and all feature an efficient 204-hp powertrain. The Touring Hybrid is the most advanced trim at $38,890, highlighted by features such as a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. It may not have the trunk space of a CR-V, but the Accord is a nicer vehicle to drive.
10 Mazda CX-90
A third Mazda on this list is no accident. In this price category, the Japanese marque produces some of the nicest vehicles around, and that list includes the three-row CX-90. It’s one of the cheapest six-cylinder SUVs on the market, with a starting price of below $38k. Sure, that base trim loses some desirable features, but the smooth engine and sporty rear-wheel-drive chassis combine to create an SUV that even enthusiasts will enjoy piloting. At under $45k, you’ll have to settle for the 280-hp version of Mazda’s engine, rather than the pricier 340-hp version. All CX-90s feature one of the nicest Mazda interiors yet, but don’t expect a hugely spacious third row.
Best Of The Rest
The Characteristics Of Cars Under $45k
There are a lot of cars in the US that fall within this particular price segment, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. This makes it hard to pin down specific qualities they share, but if you appreciate value, these are the characteristics you should be looking for:
They offer a decent level of performance They prioritize comfort and practicality They ensure that they are backed by solid safety ratings They include all the essential features, and then some
What To Consider When Buying Cars Under $45,000
This isn’t chump change we’re talking about, and you’ll want to make sure you’re spending your hard-earned dollars on something that’s worth it. Competition is fierce when this kind of money is involved, so make sure you can’t find something similar, or even better, for less:
Pros
Some powerful engines on offer Most are relatively fuel efficient Good amounts of passenger and cargo space Three-row SUV options are available Numerous hybrids and even EVs to choose from Popular pickup trucks start around this price
Cons
Only entry-level performance vehicles are found here Few luxury models in this price range Price gets out of hand if you tick too many options
What are the best cars for between $35,000 and $45,000?
You don’t need to spend the maximum amount of money to get the best cars. The Honda Civic Type R is one of the best performance cars in this category, while more rational purchases include multiple crossovers from Kia, Hyundai, and Mazda.
Are new cars under $45,000 reliable?
This is a bit hit-and-miss since there are so many cars from many brands to choose from. The luxury models and those that put an emphasis on performance can be considered reliable, depending on the brand. Mainstream models from Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda have good reputations for being dependable.
Can you buy good luxury cars for $45k?
The Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3, and BMW 2 Series all start at around $35,000, while the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Volvo S60 are a bit higher up the food chain. The Genesis G70 is also a really good deal and is quite premium for around $40k.