Buyers looking for a new whip will have many options available to them if they have enough money to spend. Those shopping for cars under $55,000 are in a fortunate position because there is a wide variety to choose from: Plush sedans, sporty SUVs, hardy pickup trucks, and even a handful of new-fangled electric cars cost under $55k - and it’s not just lower-rung models. Top-spec Volvo SUVs and sedans are some of the best cars under $50,000, and the fantastic Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch can be had for way under this price. For family-focused buyers, there are minivans and big SUVs that are rated as some of the best cars under $50,000. This is a list of the best cars available in the USA for 2024 priced under $55k.

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Base MSRP
$53,425
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
260 hp
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
Base MSRP
$39,400
Fuel Economy
19/28 MPG
Horsepower
287 hp
2024 Kia EV6
Base MSRP
$42,600
Fuel Economy
136/100 MPG
Horsepower
167 hp
2023 Kia Stinger
Base MSRP
$37,135
Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG
Horsepower
300 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 Sorento Hybrid
Base MSRP
$36,990
Fuel Economy
39/35 MPG
Horsepower
227 hp
2024 Ram 1500
Base MSRP
$39,420
Fuel Economy
20/25 MPG
Horsepower
305 hp
2024 Volvo XC40
Base MSRP
$40,500
Fuel Economy
24/30 MPG
Horsepower
247 hp
2024 Genesis G80
Base MSRP
$54,400
Fuel Economy
22/30 MPG
Horsepower
300 hp
2024 Kia Telluride
Base MSRP
$36,190
Fuel Economy
20/26 MPG
Horsepower
291 hp
2024 Hyundai Palisade
Base MSRP
$36,650
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
291 hp
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Base MSRP
$42,995
Fuel Economy
110/96 MPG
Horsepower
266 hp
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Base MSRP
$44,670
Fuel Economy
37/34 MPG
Horsepower
245 hp
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country
Base MSRP
$48,800
Fuel Economy
23/30 MPG
Horsepower
247 hp
2024 Lexus RX Hybrid
Base MSRP
$50,750
Fuel Economy
37/34 MPG
Horsepower
246 hp
2024 Genesis GV60
Base MSRP
$52,000
Fuel Economy
125/99 MPG
Horsepower
225 hp
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Base MSRP
$0
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
278 hp
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Base MSRP
$35,900
Fuel Economy
28/37 MPG
Horsepower
300 hp
2024 Toyota Sienna
Base MSRP
$37,685
Fuel Economy
36/36 MPG
Horsepower
245 hp
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Base MSRP
$38,035
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
293 hp
2024 Toyota Tundra
Base MSRP
$39,965
Fuel Economy
18/24 MPG
Horsepower
358 hp
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Base MSRP
$40,035
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
293 hp
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Base MSRP
$43,070
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
265 hp
2024 Lexus NX Hybrid
Base MSRP
$43,465
Fuel Economy
41/37 MPG
Horsepower
240 hp
2023 Volkswagen Golf R
Base MSRP
$44,740
Fuel Economy
20/28 MPG
Horsepower
315 hp
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Base MSRP
$51,800
Fuel Economy
21/28 MPG
Horsepower
320 hp
2023 BMW i4 Gran Coupe
Base MSRP
$52,000
Fuel Economy
109/108 MPG
Horsepower
335 hp
2024 Lexus TX
Base MSRP
$53,700
Fuel Economy
21/27 MPG
Horsepower
275 hp
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Base MSRP
$36,210
Fuel Economy
36/31 MPG
Horsepower
226 hp
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Base MSRP
$37,500
Fuel Economy
151/120 MPG
Horsepower
168 hp
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
Base MSRP
$38,995
Fuel Economy
115/99 MPG
Horsepower
145 hp
2024 Lexus NX
Base MSRP
$39,455
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
203 hp
2024 Ford Bronco
Base MSRP
$39,130
Fuel Economy
20/21 MPG
Horsepower
275 hp
2024 Genesis G70
Base MSRP
$41,500
Fuel Economy
21/29 MPG
Horsepower
300 hp
2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale
Base MSRP
$43,845
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
285 hp
2024 Genesis GV70
Base MSRP
$45,150
Fuel Economy
22/28 MPG
Horsepower
300 hp
2024 Volvo XC60
Base MSRP
$46,900
Fuel Economy
22/28 MPG
Horsepower
247 hp
2024 Lexus RX
Base MSRP
$48,600
Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG
Horsepower
275 hp
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Base MSRP
$49,945
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
323 hp
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning
Base MSRP
$49,995
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
426 hp
2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Base MSRP
$53,550
Fuel Economy
92/79 MPG
Horsepower
402 hp
2024 Chevrolet Blazer
Base MSRP
$35,400
Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG
Horsepower
228 hp
2024 Mazda CX-90
Base MSRP
$37,845
Fuel Economy
24/28 MPG
Horsepower
280 hp
2023 BMW 2 Series Coupe
Base MSRP
$38,200
Fuel Economy
26/35 MPG
Horsepower
255 hp
2024 Toyota Crown
Base MSRP
$40,350
Fuel Economy
42/41 MPG
Horsepower
236 hp
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Base MSRP
$40,970
Fuel Economy
36/35 MPG
Horsepower
243 hp
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Base MSRP
$41,800
Fuel Economy
127/94 MPG
Horsepower
168 hp

Characteristics of The Best Cars Under $55k

What makes a vehicle worthy of a place on the list of the best cars under $55k? Value-focused buyers in the US want a good return on investment, and cars in this price bracket tend to offer the most. Here’s what you can expect from vehicles with a sticker price between $45k and $55k:

What to Consider When Buying Cars Under $55,000

Before splurging, you might want to weigh up the pros and cons of spending your hard-earned dollars - is it worth saving a few bucks and shopping in a cheaper segment, or does a higher price mean a higher value product?

Pros

Cons

FAQs

Can you buy sports cars for $55k?

In this price range, there are a few performance-focused vehicles to consider. The iconic Toyota GR Supra offers two trims under $55k, while Volkswagen sells the spicy Golf R at a starting cost of around $45k. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupe is a hoot to drive and has an MSRP of just over $50k.

What are the best cars for $55k that can go off-road?

The legendary Jeep Wrangler starts and around $32k these days, and while the top-end Rubicon 392 costs way over $80k, you can get a top-spec model with some special equipment for between $40k and $55k. Similarly, the Ford Bronco ranges in price from $35k to $50k, with the capable Badlands trim under $50k.

Do you get electric cars under $55k?

There are many great EV options under $55k, with the award-winning Hyundai Ioniq 6 costing between $45 and $55k, depending on trim. The VW ID.4 goes for under $40k, and even in top-spec trim, is just a little over the $55k ceiling. A base-model BMW i4 has a price of $52k, while the Kia EV6 has a starting MSRP of under $50k.

What family cars can you buy for less than $55,000?

Without even considering sedans, there are minivans and SUVs in this price bracket that make excellent family haulers. These include the Chrysler Pacifica (starting around $40k), the Kia Carnival (maxing out at under $50k), the Hyundai Palisade (under $55k in top specification), and the hybrid Toyota Sienna (the range-topper costs around $53k).