10 Best Cars for $35K That Are Totally Worth Buying

Purchasing a new car is a big investment. That's why drivers looking to make smart money moves should carefully consider what type of vehicle their lifestyle demands.

Are you looking for something that's sporty and fun to drive? Do you have a family and are concerned about road safety? Or do you want to purchase a vehicle with a fantastic warranty?

The good news is that you have plenty of affordable options. From sporty coupes and sedans to trucks and SUVs, these 10 vehicles each have something to offer and make them well worth your hard-earned money.

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MSRP: $20,490

The 2025 Kia Soul is currently one of the most affordable new vehicles in the United States.

It's also a stylish compact SUV that comes with an outstanding 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and solid tech, which includes remote keyless entry and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Reviewers have praised the Kia Soul for having ample passenger and cargo space, given the SUV's size, as well as being fun to drive. Overall, they consider it to be one of the best SUVs in its class.

MSRP: $24,250

The 2025 Honda Civic comes with a sporty exterior and an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 36. It also comes with a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Reviewers lauded this iconic Japanese sedan for offering consumers exceptional value for its MSRP. They also praised its sporty handling and fuel-efficient powertrain options.

MSRP: $28,140

With an electric driving range of up to 212 miles, the 2025 Nissan Leaf could be an affordable option for consumers looking to get into an entry-level electric vehicle.

Reviewers have praised this small electric car for its pleasant, comfortable driving experience and affordable price. It could be a great deal for drivers who don't have long daily commutes or primarily drive in a city.

MSRP: $28,295

The 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid has a stellar fuel economy, with a 51 city/44 highway MPG rating. It also features creature comforts such as an extra-wide 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay technology.

Some reviewers heaped praise on this midsize sedan for its roomy seating, its spacious trunk, and its no-nonsense driving experience, making the Honda Accord Hybrid a top-notch daily driver.

MSRP: $28,705

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV that offers consumers big value. It features a fantastic complementary maintenance package and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Reviewers praised the plethora of standard features that this small SUV comes with, making it a budget-friendly daily driver that offers ample bang for its buck.

MSRP: $28,770

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is one of the standouts of the small SUV class thanks to its elegant design and finely crafted interior.

From its stylish front grille and headlights to its layered wood and leather trim interior, this stylish, refined vehicle offers plenty of luxury without breaking the bank.

Reviewers for Edmunds ranked this small SUV the third-best overall vehicle in the small SUV class, while praising its affordability, excellent handling, and high-quality interior.

MSRP: $30,400

The 2025 Toyota GR86 is what happens when affordability and ultra-stylish sportiness intertwine.

Featuring a naturally aspirated 2.4-L four-cylinder boxer engine capable of unleashing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, this sleek coupe is the everyman's track toy.

Unsurprisingly, reviewers lauded the GR86 for authoring a fun driving experience that few cars can match.

MSRP: $31,900

Drivers looking for a top-of-the-line midsize pickup truck should consider the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado.

Its maximum available towing is up to 7,700 pounds, and it also features exemplary bed and tailgate functionality and 4.5 inches of lift, which ranks among the best in the midsize pickup class.

Reviewers for Edmunds have ranked the Chevy Colorado the second-best overall pickup truck in its class. In particular, they praised its muscular towing capacity and the way it mixes "classic truck attributes" with modern technology.

MSRP: $33,375

As consumers have come to expect, the 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid represents the apex of fuel efficiency.

This sleekly designed hybrid gets a remarkable 53 city/51 highway MPG rating, and can drive a remarkable 44 miles using only its electric battery.

Reviewers have praised the Toyota Prius Plug-In hybrid for its outstanding fuel economy, attractive design, and easy-to-use infotainment system.

MSRP: $34,800

Reviewers consider the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe a savvy pick for families. This midsize SUV comes with three rows, so it has plenty of room for both people and cargo.

They also noted that this stylish SUV comes packed with many of the latest driver assist features, which could make it an ideal choice for drivers who prioritize safety while getting their families from point A to B.

With the average new vehicle price hitting $48,699 in June, some consumers might be discouraged that they cannot find a quality vehicle for a reasonable price. However, as these vehicles show, there are quality sports cars, hybrids, trucks, and plenty of SUVs available for $35,000 or less.

Just like drivers who want to save money on car insurance will research different policies to find the one that is right for them, consumers can consider which vehicle best suits their needs in order to land one that offers them fantastic value.