Buyers Guide: The Best Cars Between $30k-$50k for 2023

A budget of $30,000 to $50,000 is ideal if you’re in the market for a new automobile and want to strike a decent balance between features, fuel economy, comfort, and design.

For this price range, you can purchase a wide range of automobiles, from compact luxury sedans to plug-in hybrids, all-electric vehicles, midsize pickup trucks, and even some performance versions, for this price range.

We have created a comprehensive list of vehicles spanning the price range of $30,000 to $50,000, with models from a wide variety of manufacturers offering different powertrains, body styles, and capabilities.

1. 2023 Audi A3
2. 2023 Honda Ridgeline
3. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E Select RWD
4. 2023 BMW Series 2 Gran Coupe
5. 2023 Nissan Maxima
6. 2023 GMC Canyon
7. 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
9. 2023 Subaru WRX
10. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

2023 Audi A3

Via Audi

Specifications

• MSRP: $36,495 USD / $39,700 CAD
• Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged Mild Hybrid I4
• Battery: 48V
• Power / Torque: 201 hp / 221 lb-ft
• Drive-train: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 32 MPG / 4.7L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 Audi A3 offers a wide selection of packages and engines. Its small exterior is ideal for local travel, while its roomy cabin and numerous conveniences make long trips a breeze. 

The steering and handling have been much upgraded from the previous generation, and the overall level of refinement is more than adequate for a car of this size and stature. 

2023 Honda Ridgeline

Via Honda

Specifications

• MSRP: $40,170 USD / $47,100 CAD
• Engine: 3.5L V6
• Power / Torque: 280 hp / 262 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
• 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 21 MPG combined / 11.5L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is equally at home in the city as in the great outdoors. The Ridgeline’s innovative unibody design enables it to provide the conveniences of an SUV while also providing the towing capabilities and payload room of a compact truck. 

It may not be as off-road adept as some rivals, but as a daily driver, it excels, providing a comfortable ride and respectable gas mileage.

2023 Ford Mustang Mach E Select 

Via Ford

Specifications

• MSRP: $45,000 USD / $56,900 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-Magnet Rear AC Motor
• Battery: 70.0-kWh Lithium-Ion
• Power / Torque: 266 hp / 317 lb-ft
• Transmission: Direct Drive
• 0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 103 MPGe combined / 530 kms per charge
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 60,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD fuses the utility and efficiency of an SUV with the performance and good looks of a Mustang. It looks modern and athletic, and it performs just as well.

A 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and driver assistance systems are just some of the high-tech amenities inside the Mustang Mach-E RWD’s roomy and plush cabin, which can comfortably accommodate up to five people.

2023 BMW Series 2 Gran Coupe

Via BMW

Specifications

• MSRP: $38,195 USD / $44,470 CAD
• Engine: 2.0L I4
• Power / Torque: 228 hp / 258 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 27 MPG combined / 7.9L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile

Our Take

An elongated silhouette, frameless doors, and sloping roofline of the 2023 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe give it a dynamic and sophisticated look. However, unlike a conventional coupe, this one has four doors and a roomy backseat.

In addition to the typical turbocharged engine, the interior is finished with high-quality materials. The BMW Series 2 Gran Coupe perfectly blends dynamic looks, valuable amenities, and potent performance.

2023 Nissan Maxima

Via Nissan

Specifications

• MSRP: $38,140 USD / $43,240 CAD
• Engine: 3.5L V6
• Power / Torque: 300 hp / 261 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined / 9.9L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 Nissan Maxima is an excellent automobile in every respect: It has attractive styling, a potent engine, and plenty of standard amenities and safety features.

The well-executed cabin of the Maxima is packed with high-end materials, clear controls, and capacity for five occupants. There is considerable space for your legs up front, and the headroom is about average for the category.

2023 GMC Canyon

Via GMC

Specifications

• MSRP: $36,900 USD / $45,600 CAD
• Engine: 2.7L Turbocharged I4
• Power / Torque: 310 hp / 430 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
• 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 20 MPG / 11L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 GMC Canyon is better, more sophisticated, and off-road-focused than its predecessor. It’s only offered as a crew-cab short-bed model and with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine 

The GMC Canyon is a competent midsize truck for its combination of capability, technology, and refinement. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, a powerful engine, and a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for both work and play. 

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Via VW

Specifications

• MSRP: $30,500 USD / $32,500 CAD
• Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4
• Power / Torque: 241 hp / 273 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 27 MPG combined / 8.8L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 VW Golf GTI delivers thrilling driving experiences without compromising comfort or everyday usability thanks to its strong drivetrain and superb handling.

The 2023 model marks the 40th anniversary of the GTI, and Volkswagen has released a special edition to commemorate the occasion. The 40th Anniversary Edition features unique styling cues, an upgraded suspension, and a limited-production run of just 1,500 units.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Via Ford

Specifications

• MSRP: $31,000 USD / $35,900 CAD
• Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged I3
• Power / Torque: 181 hp / 190 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: 4WD
• 0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 26 MPG combined / 8.6L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The Ford Bronco Sport may not excel in a specific area, but it stands out for its retro-modern design and its capabilities over rough terrain. 

The Bronco Sport is uncompromised on the road thanks to its firm but comfortable ride, dynamic handling, and user-friendly controls. Ford makes up for the cabin’s synthetic feel with various beautiful trims. Though modest, the Bronco Sport has plenty of appeal.

2023 Subaru WRX

Via Subaru

Specifications

• MSRP: $30,600 USD / $32,495 CAD
• Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged Flat-4
• Power / Torque: 271 hp / 258 lb-ft
• Drivetrain AWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 22 MPG combined / 10.8L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 Subaru WRX has a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that gives the car great control and traction in any weather. It has a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine and track-tuned suspension, so it handles well and rides smoothly. 

The WRX has many great features, such as a 6.5-inch tablet infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and excellent safety features.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Via Mitsubishi

Specifications

• MSRP: $40,345 USD / $44,198 CAD
• Engine: 2.4L I4 + 2 AC Motors
• Power / Torque: 248 hp / 332 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 67 MPGe combined / 7.4L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a compelling choice among plug-in hybrid SUVs, offering a blend of efficiency, practicality, and value. Its impressive electric range of 24 miles allows for emissions-free driving for most daily commutes, while its 2.4L gasoline engine provides ample power for longer trips. 

The Outlander PHEV also excels in practicality, boasting a spacious and comfortable interior, ample cargo space, and seating for up to seven passengers.