Best Ranked Cars under 50k
Valerie Raskovic
Oct 20, 2023
When searching for the best cars under $50,000, you'll discover a diverse range of options from compact cars to midsize SUVs, sports cars to luxury sedans. Here are some notable vehicles across different categories:
Compact Car:
With a budget of $50,000 you'll find a good selection of premium, sporty and even luxury compact vehicles to choose from. For our pick for the best compact car under $50,000 we have selected the all-new 2023 Audi S3. The S3 is much more practical than a traditional sports car while offering a very engaging driving experience. We also liked its nicely equipped and elegant interior.
Our second pick in this category is the BMW 330I. It features a roomier cabin with a lot of high-quality materials and premium design elements. Considering that the vehicle can reach 60mph in under 5.5 seconds the 30mpg fuel economy took us a bit by surprise. What was not surprising is the excellent vehicle balance and predictable handling making the car a perfect pick for almost any automotive enthusiast. However, it is no match for the Audis A3 power delivery, propelling the car to 60mph in just 4.5 second, the Audi feels more like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Midsize Sedan:
Our top picks for the midsize sedan category is the Alfa Romeo Giulia. This premium Italian sedan is the epitome of sheik European design and sophistication. With its precise and responsive steering, the Giulia offers very responsive handling making it a perfect driver’s car.
We were particularly drawn to the Giulia for its exceptional uniqueness. Italian cars priced below $50,000 are a rare find and the Giulia embodies this distinctiveness. Stepping inside the car feels akin to wearing a finely tailored Italian suit, marked by evident attention to detail. However, long reliability reports are mixed so if you are looking for a more tried and true option you may like the Lexus ES 350 which offers all of the luxury accommodations you come to expect from a premium midsize sedan without any of the maintenance hurtles.
Compact SUV:
For this category our winners are the BMW X1 and the Lexus RX. Both vehicles can be had for under $50,000 and both vehicles offer very similar type of values however, we preferred the BMW for its superior handling characteristics and peppy acceleration. The BMW seemed to offer a more generous interior space. Surprisingly, the vehicle comes equipped with all-wheel drive as a standard feature while still delivering an impressive combined fuel economy of 28 mpg.
The Lexus presents some distinctive advantages. While the occasional lack of steering feedback was a drawback, we appreciated its luxurious and velvety ride along with its outstanding fuel efficiency. Additionally, being a product of Toyota, it promises exceptional reliability and cost-effective ownership.
Full-Size SUV:
When discussing full-size SUVs our focus naturally shifts to family needs including a roomy interior, seating for seven, decent fuel efficiency, strong crash test ratings and reliable performance. By evaluating these criteria we've selected the new Acura MDX and the Kia Telluride EX.
Both vehicles are priced just below $50,000 however, with a starting price of $49,850 the Acura stands as the pricier option. After extensive time spent with this vehicle, we lean towards the Acura due to its spacious and high-end interior. A notable feature is the easily removable rear back seat, enhancing accessibility for third-row passengers. The Acura also surprises with its responsive handling and reasonable fuel economy.
Nevertheless, the Acura does have its drawbacks. Driving it, you distinctly feel its larger SUV dimensions with its broadness and long hood making side visibility a challenge. The non-turbocharged 3.5 V6 can feel somewhat unresponsive during hard accelerationand the infotainment screen lacks user-friendliness.
The Kia Telluride EX is a very appealing vehicle with a very roomy interior, user friendly controls and is gaining popularity amongst family SUV buyers across the USA. However, after factoring in things such as brand reputation, long-term reliability and resale value we believe the Acura is a smarter choice.
Sports Car:
Our top pick for the best sports car under $50,000 is the Toyota Supra and the Nissan Z. This was not an easy decision, we debated for hours which vehicle we liked best and in the end we agreed to disagree and made both of these cars our top picks.
The issue is a bit complicated because if your budget is limited at $50,000 then you will only be able to afford the 2.0L 4-cylinder version of the new Toyota Supra however, for the same amount you can get the Nissan with a 400HP 3.8L V6 so, it is not a very fair comparison.
These cars exhibit distinct differences, not only in terms of how they handle and perform but also in their overall design. The Supra, with its side-sloping roof, presents visibility challenges, especially for taller drivers trying to see the car's sides. On the other hand, the Nissan offers a more spacious interior although it lacks the premium aesthetics of the Supra.
If you're considering purchasing either of these vehicles, we highly recommend conducting test drives for both before finalizing your decision.
Electric/Hybrid:
For the best electric vehicle under $50 we have chosen the 2023 Nissan Ariya. We were enamored with the vehicles design language and exceptional value. The vehicle features a very accommodating interior with a lot of premium touches sprinkled throughout the cabin. The Nissan also gets a respectable 300-mile driving range. If you are in the market for a hybrid vehicle you cannot go wrong with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It offers best in class fuel economy, roomy interior and a good reputation for overall reliability.
Pickup Truck:
Our picks for top pickup trucks are the Ford F250 Super Duty and the Toyota Tundra Hybrid.
As both vehicles cater to distinct lifestyles and requirements, we refrained from favoring one over the other. The ford excels in extreme hauling and towing capability and is available in a wide range of configurations. It is the perfect work truck. The Toyota hybrid engine offers a great combination of power and efficiency making it a good truck as well as a daily commuter. The Toyota also benefits from a well laid out and functional interior.
The vehicles we've chosen as our top picks in the under $50,000 category present a diverse array of features, performance levels and options. These selections are designed to accommodate a wide spectrum of preferences and needs. When determining the ideal car for your specific requirements, it's vital to take into account your priorities, whether it's size, style, fuel efficiency or features that matter most to you.
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