If you are a savvy shopper, then you already know that you can find some of the best cars for under $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.

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:

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
• Luxury models in this price range are lower rung
• Price gets out of hand if you tick too many options

FAQs

What are the best cars for under $45,000?

You don’t need to spend the maximum amount of money to get the best cars. The Honda Civic Hatchback is a well-balanced vehicle and comes in at around $30,000 for the top trim. For around $5k more, you can get the exceptional Hyundai Kona N. For larger families, the Chrysler Voyager is a $35,000 minivan. And for those who want a pickup, the Ford F-150 starts at $35k, but it goes well above $45k on upper trims.

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.

How much do the cheapest new cars under $45,000 cost?

Some cars start below $35,000, but in their top trim levels, they enter the $35-$45k range, like the Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Camaro, and Subaru Legacy. The Ford F-150 and Escape Hybrid start at $35,000, with many premium SUVs like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3 a few grand higher.