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 Subaru BRZ, the Honda Civic Si, and the Ford Bronco Sport. 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 sports 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. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
In addition to being one of the last truly affordable sports cars on the road, the 2025 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 $29,142 Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. See 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata models for sale near you
2. 2025 Honda Civic
The 2025 Honda Civic brings back the hybrid and shakes up the trim line, but the Civic Si and its upgraded looks and performance are just out of our reach, with a Fair Purchase Price of $30,353. Fortunately, however, the Civic Sport’s Fair Purchase Price is just $26,339, making it an affordable and fun choice, with 150 horsepower on tap from a turbocharged engine and snappy handling. See 2024 Honda Civic models for sale near you
3. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek was completely redesigned last year and carries forward into 2025 with fresh looks and features. Starting at $27,980 MSRP (including destination) or $26,530 by Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price, the Crosstrek features standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and plenty of ground clearance in stock form, and there’s even a Wilderness model for even more off-road 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 2025 Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you
4. 2025 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 2025 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 all-wheel drive, including on hybrid models now, you won’t have to scrimp to meet your budget, but you will need to choose the base XL trim; all the others are well above a $30,000 Fair Purchase Price now. See 2025 Ford Maverick models for sale near you
5. 2025 Mazda Mazda3
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 is known for its mix of tossable handling and peppy engines, including a 191-hp base engine. Think of it as a more practical Miata alternative. 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, with a base Fair Purchase Price of $24,676. 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 $26,948 and $29,932, respectively. See 2024 Mazda3 models for sale near you
6. 2025 Toyota Prius
If your idea of cool includes futuristic looks, massive fuel economy, and available all-wheel drive even on a modest budget, the 2025 Toyota Prius is about as cool as it gets. The base LE trim has an MSRP of $29,485 with a $28,181 Fair Purchase Price. The Prius is capable of 57 mpg combined with front-wheel drive or 54 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. See 2025 Toyota Prius models for sale near you
7. 2025 Hyundai Kona
Sporting super-funky style that definitely turns heads, the 2025 Hyundai Kona is a design piece in a way few sub-$30,000 cars can manage, although do have a look at the Nissan Kicks below, too. The Kona’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 $26,045 ($24,896 Fair Purchase Price), and you can get into the SE, SEL, and even the N Line S under the $30,000 price ceiling. See 2025 Hyundai Kona models for sale near you
8. 2025 Nissan Kicks
All-new for 2025, the Nissan Kicks is design-forward in a way few other small vehicles are, offering a sense of occasion without the Ivy League-tuition-level expenses. In fact, starting at $23,220 MSRP or $22,130 Fair Purchase Price, the Kicks is the most affordable cool car on this list. It’s also surprisingly spacious for its size, with comfortable seats and strong standard driver-assist tech. All-wheel drive is available, too. See 2025 Nissan Kicks models for sale near you
9. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Not quite a compact pickup, not quite an SUV, but with characteristics of both, the 2025 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 SUV comfort, check out the Santa Cruz, which fits our budget in the SE trim with a Fair Purchase Price of $29,791. See 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz models for sale near you
10. 2025 Subaru Impreza
Like a slightly smaller, more civilized Crosstrek, the 2025 Subaru Impreza is an affordable, fun-to-drive all-wheel-drive hatchback (yes, all-wheel drive is standard equipment) with lots of standard safety features and a heritage that includes some of the best rally cars of the 1990s and 2000s. It has the bragging right of being America’s most affordable new vehicle with all-wheel drive. For our money, the whole Impreza line is available, starting with the $25,530 base model on up to the $30,420 MSRP Impreza RS, with a Fair Purchase Price of $28,634. See 2025 Subaru Impreza models for sale near you
10 Coolest Cars Under $30,000
- 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2025 Honda Civic
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2025 Ford Maverick
- 2025 Mazda3
- 2025 Toyota Prius
- 2025 Hyundai Kona
- 2025 Nissan Kicks
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 2025 Subaru Impreza