This article is part of a directory: Best Cars of 2024
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New cars are getting more expensive, and while there are still many budget-oriented cars on the US market, shoppers with around $35,000 to spend can still get a fantastic deal. There are new cars under $35,000 that offer well-rounded performance and good efficiency as reliable daily transport - there are even a few fun-to-drive options on the list. And since EV technology is becoming more accessible, you will even find a few entry-level electric cars under $35,000, too. With small cars and sedans a given in the segment, you’ll even be able to find entry-level pickup trucks and performance-focused models among the best cars under $35k. This is a list of the best new cars available in the USA for 2024 priced under $35,000k.

2024 Honda Civic Hatchback
Base MSRP
$24,950
Fuel Economy
30/38 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2023 Hyundai Kona N
Base MSRP
$34,950
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Horsepower
276 hp
2023 Honda Civic Sedan
Base MSRP
$23,750
Fuel Economy
31/40 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2023 Honda Civic Si Sedan
Base MSRP
$28,800
Fuel Economy
27/37 MPG
Horsepower
200 hp
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Base MSRP
$30,530
Fuel Economy
23/32 MPG
Horsepower
241 hp
2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Base MSRP
$32,575
Fuel Economy
38/38 MPG
Horsepower
226 hp
2024 Kia Carnival
Base MSRP
$33,600
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
290 hp
2024 Kia K5
Base MSRP
$25,590
Fuel Economy
27/37 MPG
Horsepower
180 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Base MSRP
$28,220
Fuel Economy
45/38 MPG
Horsepower
196 hp
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
Base MSRP
$28,750
Fuel Economy
25/28 MPG
Horsepower
191 hp
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Base MSRP
$31,725
Fuel Economy
41/38 MPG
Horsepower
219 hp
2023 Hyundai Elantra N
Base MSRP
$32,900
Fuel Economy
22/31 MPG
Horsepower
276 hp
2024 Mazda CX-30
Base MSRP
$24,995
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
191 hp
2024 Hyundai Tucson
Base MSRP
$27,500
Fuel Economy
25/32 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2023 Toyota GR86
Base MSRP
$28,400
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Horsepower
228 hp
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Base MSRP
$0
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
278 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Base MSRP
$23,860
Fuel Economy
31/33 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Base MSRP
$26,500
Fuel Economy
131/109 MPG
Horsepower
200 hp
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Base MSRP
$28,590
Fuel Economy
42/44 MPG
Horsepower
227 hp
2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Base MSRP
$31,585
Fuel Economy
26/37 MPG
Horsepower
228 hp
2024 Kia Forte
Base MSRP
$19,990
Fuel Economy
30/41 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Base MSRP
$23,500
Fuel Economy
53/46 MPG
Horsepower
138 hp
2024 Toyota Prius
Base MSRP
$27,950
Fuel Economy
57/56 MPG
Horsepower
194 hp
2024 Mazda CX-5
Base MSRP
$29,300
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2024 Mazda CX-50
Base MSRP
$30,300
Fuel Economy
24/30 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Base MSRP
$31,230
Fuel Economy
25/28 MPG
Horsepower
181 hp
2024 Honda Accord Hybrid
Base MSRP
$32,895
Fuel Economy
46/41 MPG
Horsepower
204 hp
2024 Subaru Forester
Base MSRP
$27,095
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
182 hp
2024 Kia Sportage
Base MSRP
$27,190
Fuel Economy
25/33 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Base MSRP
$27,800
Fuel Economy
125/104 MPG
Horsepower
200 hp
2024 Nissan Leaf
Base MSRP
$28,140
Fuel Economy
123/99 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Toyota RAV4
Base MSRP
$28,675
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
203 hp
2023 Chevrolet Traverse
Base MSRP
$34,520
Fuel Economy
18/27 MPG
Horsepower
310 hp
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Limited
Base MSRP
$34,520
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
310 hp
2023 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
Base MSRP
$20,295
Fuel Economy
24/31 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan
Base MSRP
$22,050
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Base MSRP
$23,505
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
Base MSRP
$28,395
Fuel Economy
24/31 MPG
Horsepower
181 hp
2023 Ford Mustang Convertible
Base MSRP
$33,270
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Horsepower
310 hp
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Base MSRP
$28,050
Fuel Economy
26/34 MPG
Horsepower
181 hp
2024 Nissan Frontier
Base MSRP
$30,030
Fuel Economy
18/24 MPG
Horsepower
310 hp
2023 Acura Integra Sedan
Base MSRP
$31,300
Fuel Economy
30/37 MPG
Horsepower
200 hp
2023 Dodge Challenger
Base MSRP
$32,800
Fuel Economy
19/30 MPG
Horsepower
303 hp
2024 Hyundai Elantra
Base MSRP
$21,625
Fuel Economy
32/41 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Buick Envista
Base MSRP
$22,400
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
137 hp
2023 Honda HR-V
Base MSRP
$23,800
Fuel Economy
26/32 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Base MSRP
$25,195
Fuel Economy
27/34 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2024 Toyota Camry
Base MSRP
$26,420
Fuel Economy
28/39 MPG
Horsepower
203 hp

Characteristics of The Best Cars Under $35k

If you assume that all cars under $35k are boring, weak, and sparse on features, you’ll be surprised at what’s available. You can expect the following from new cars under the $35k price tag:

What to Consider When Buying New Cars Under $35,000

If it’s in your budget, the upper end of this price range is a good place to shop. Cars for $35k and less aren’t the bottom of the barrel, although you will naturally have to make some sacrifices:

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What are the best family cars for $35k?

Depending on what your needs are, there are various sedan models on offer for under $35k, including the Honda Civic sedan, the Kia K5, and the Hyundai Sonata. But for those who want more practicality, buyers can consider the Kia Sorento, Tucson, and Carnival models, all starting under $35k, as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-5 - the Chrysler Voyager minivan just breaks the mark.

What are the best cars under $35,000 that can go off-road?

Both the Ford Bronco and the Bronco Sport start at under $35k, but the former barely makes it under that price. The Bronco Sport, the Toyota RAV4 and its hybrid counterpart, all start around $30k and will manage most off-road adventures without a fuss.

Do you get electric cars under $35k?

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the cheapest electric cars on the market, with a starting price of around $27k. Its crossover-styled sibling is a little more than $1,000 over and above that. The Nissan Leaf also falls into this ballpark, while the Kona Electric is closer to the $35k cut off. Right in the middle, at around $30k, is the Mini Electric.

What sports cars can you buy for less than $35,000?

For this price range, you can find mostly performance-focused variants of mainstream models, and these are more oriented to being fun to drive than overtly blowing you away with power. The Toyota GR86 and Honda Civic Si sedan are good examples, while the N-designated lineup from Hyundai offers thrills in the Kona N, Elantra N, and Veloster N, although these are near the $35k limit.