This year’s crop of the 10 coolest cars under $30,000 is notably different from last year’s because about half of the previous entrants now cost more than $30,000 thanks to the rising cost of just about everything. Among the vehicles no longer on this list: The Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, Toyota Tacoma, and, as noted below, the Toyota GR86. That said, there are still plenty of cool cars under the $30,000 mark.
No matter how you define cool, there’s probably something to suit your tastes and your needs on this list, whether it’s a sleek hybrid, a right-sized pickup, a sport sedan, or a proper sports car.
Here are 10 of the coolest cars you’ll find for less than $30,000. Prices are according to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charges, and Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Prices, which are updated weekly. Both are accurate as of this story’s publish date.
1. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
In addition to being one of the last affordable sports cars on the road, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is also one of the most iconic. The fourth generation of the light, extremely fun-to-drive roadster that distills driving joy to its essence just barely limbos under our $30,000 bar thanks to its $29,002 Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. See 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata models for sale near you
2. 2024 Subaru BRZ
The 2024 Subaru BRZ is your only true sports car alternative to the Miata below the $30,000 mark (and just barely with a $29,896 Fair Purchase Price). Even its near-twin, the Toyota GR86, now sits above that line on both MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Fortunately, the BRZ is a great alternative, with 2+2 seating, a coupe body style, and terrific handling. See 2024 Subaru BRZ models for sale near you
3. 2024 Honda Civic Si
The 2025 Honda Civic brings back the hybrid and shakes up the trim line, but if you’re looking for maximum fun, your best bet is among the 2024 model range in the form of the Civic Si with a Fair Purchase Price of $29,464. In addition to upgraded handling and looks, the Si also gets a 200-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and a manual transmission. See 2024 Honda Civic models for sale near you
4. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has been completely redesigned, with new looks and features. Starting at $26,540, standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and plenty of ground clearance is still part of the package, and there’s even a Wilderness model for even more off-piste fun, but it does climb above the $30,000 mark in Wilderness trim. Fortunately, both the Crosstrek base and Premium trims fall well within our budget, and even the Sport can be found for less than $30,000 according to KBB’s Fair Purchase Price. See 2024 Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you
5. 2024 Ford Maverick
If your idea of fun sometimes includes what others would call work, a pickup truck might be a fun vehicle for you, and the 2024 Ford Maverick is one of the best choices below the $30,000 mark. Prices start at $25,515. Available with a turbocharged engine or a hybrid powertrain, and with AWD on non-hybrid models, you won’t have to scrimp to meet your budget, as even the well-equipped midrange XLT with FWD is comfortably below $30,000 at its $27,181 Fair Purchase Price. See 2024 Ford Maverick models for sale near you
6. 2024 Mazda3
The 2024 Mazda3 is known for its mix of tossable handling and peppy engines, including a 191-horsepower base engine. Although the potent turbocharged models are the most fun, they’re also just out of our budget. Prices for the Mazda3 sedan start at $25,335. If you’re looking to maximize value, the 2.5 S Preferred or Carbon Edition trims are the best fit with Fair Purchase Prices of $26,359 and $28,810, respectively. See 2024 Mazda3 models for sale near you
7. 2024 Toyota Prius
If your idea of cool includes futuristic looks, massive fuel economy, and available all-wheel drive (AWD) even on a modest budget, the 2024 Toyota Prius is about as cool as it gets. The base LE trim has an MSRP of $29,045 with a $28,249 Fair Purchase Price. The Prius is capable of 57 mpg combined with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 54 mpg combined with AWD. See 2024 Toyota Prius models for sale near you
8. 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport comes with standard AWD, rugged off-road styling, and a taste of the Bronco lifestyle. While the Bronco Sport’s base price is above our $30,000 cutoff, its Fair Purchase Price is just $29,870 for the Big Bend, the new “base” model for 2024. The previous base trim has been eliminated. See 2024 Ford Bronco Sport models for sale near you
9. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Not quite a compact pickup, not quite an SUV, but with characteristics of both, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a cool vehicle in part because it’s unique on the market at the moment — and in part because it reminds us of 1980s oddballs like the Subaru Brat. If you need a mix of open-bed utility and compact crossover comfort, check out the Santa Cruz, which fits our budget in both SE and SEL trims — the latter with a Fair Purchase Price of $29,672. See 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz models for sale near you
10. 2024 Hyundai Kona
Sporting super-funky style that definitely turns heads, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is a design piece in a way few sub-$30,000 cars can manage. It’s also a tremendous value, with a best-in-class warranty, lots of interior space for the segment, and up-to-the-minute in-cabin tech. Prices start at $25,645, and you can get into the SE and SEL well under the $30,000 price ceiling. See 2024 Hyundai Kona models for sale near you
10 Coolest Cars Under $30,000
- 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2024 Subaru BRZ
- 2024 Honda Civic Si
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2024 Ford Maverick
- 2024 Mazda3
- 2024 Toyota Prius
- 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 2024 Hyundai Kona
