Best Cars Priced from $25k to $35k | 2023 Ratings

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:

Efficient powertrains - some may even be exciting
Good comfort levels
Practical and versatile configurations
A good safety review and impressive reliability rating
Must-have safety and comfort features are in place

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

Reasonable cost of purchase
Dependable powertrains with good gas mileage figures
Some hybrids and EVs on offer
Numerous body styles and configurations are on offer
Most models in this range are from high-quality mainstream brands

Cons

More mid-range models in this price range
Fewer features and tech on cheaper models
Base prices increase quickly with options

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.

Best 2023 Cars Priced from $25k to $35k