Anyone who is looking for a new SUV, truck, or car might be aware that market conditions have been quite upset in the past couple of years. A semi-conductor shortage means that fewer new SUVs and trucks are being produced, while global supply chains re-set from conditions that curtailed their production capacity. But there are still a ton of great new cars priced at $30,000 and less. Read on to see what they are.
Nissan Kicks ($20,290) and Rogue Sport ($24,960)
Nissan has a handful of options under thirty thousand dollars. First, there is the all new 2023 Rogue, which starts just under $28k, and has brand new block-based styling that somewhat resembles the 1980s Pathfinder. For the savvy buyer looking for a deal, Nissan has a sleight of hand in store. Nissan is continuing to sell the previous iteration of the Rogue, calling it “Rogue Sport“, and giving a discounted price tag. Starting under $25k, the Rogue Sport is still a brand new SUV, with Nissan Intelligent Mobility GPS system, 141 horsepower, a flexible cargo area, and has optional all wheel drive. The CVT automatic transmission means you won’t have to row-your-own gears. If you want an even cheaper car and don’t need quite so much space, the Nissan Kicks gives the Hyundai Vue a run for its money, starting around $20k with up to 36 mpg on the highway and a 122hp motor.
Buick Encore GX: $24,200
Buick’s Encore GX SUV starts at just $24,200, and packs a ton of punch for the price. It has a turbocharged motor and a 9 speed automatic transmission so that you can hum down the highway but also zip around town. It’s also leasing from some dealers right now for $149 a month for 24 months with $3,149 due at signing for qualifying leasees. The Encore GX comes standard with 18 inch aluminum wheels, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch infotainment system, and Buick’s Driver Confidence back up system. If you need more space, the slightly larger Envision starts at not much more.
Hyundai Venue: $19,000
If you want something a little smaller than a HUMMER, look no further than Hyundai’s compact Venue, starting at just $19,000. Times have changed since the days of the late 1980’s Hyundai Excel; Hyundai now frequently tops quality ratings by J.D. Power. All Venue models include a touch screen with Android Auto or Apple Carplay. It gets 31 MPG combined, and is much more at home driving around town than trying to go off-roading (indeed, there is no four-wheel-drive). Need more space? Hyundai’s Kona starts at just $21,300, while the midsize Tucson SUV starts at $25,800. If you’ve got a little more money to spend, be sure to check out the knockout Palisade, which seats eight people starting at just $35,000.
Chevrolet Equinox: $25,800
Starting at $25,800, Chevy’s Equinox is an impressive small SUV which couples eye-catching style with a versatile interior to maximize use of space. The optional RS package is a looker, with 19 inch dark wheels, black emblem package, LED headlamps, and red interior stitching. All Equinox models come standard with Chevy’s Infotainment System, which brings Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability right to your dashboard. And with a turbo 1.5L engine, the Equinox will scoot you along to wherever you need to go.
Kia Sportage: $25,990
In the mid-1990s, Kia broke onto the scene in the USA with the highly affordable Sephia and the compact Sportage SUV. Like Hyundai, the days of Kias inducing embarrassment in schoolchildren are now long gone. The new Sportage, built right here in West Point, Georgia, pays design homage to Kia’s stunning all-electric EV6, a beautiful vehicle that looks like it just rolled off the concept-car auto show circuit. With all-LED lighting and a cornucopia of advanced interior technologies, the Sportage brings all the bells and whistles of upscale luxury vehicles to an affordable price point for Americans of all classes. Kia’s 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty and #1 JD Power vehicle dependability rating means you can buy with confidence as well.
Jeep Renegade: $24,965
Long a “renegade” in a World of body-on-frame SUV’s, Jeep is no stranger to unibodies, and the Renegade is just that. Like its XJ Cherokee forefather, the Renegade has legitimate off-road chops, especially when outfitted in Trailhawk trim. Options include hands-free entry, an infotainment system for Apple or Android with seven inch touch screen, and even a panoramic sunroof. The Renegade starts at $24,965, or $30,270 in Trailhawk Trim.
Hyundai Santa Cruz $24,440
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s Hyundai’s four door Santa Cruz, their first ever sport activity vehicle. Picking up where Subaru’s Brat left off in the 1980s, this East Asian pickup is actually built in Alabama, USA, and offers an attractive starting price under $25k. With an optional 281hp motor and available all wheel drive, it will take you and your gear anywhere you want to go. The standard 191 hp gas-direct injection engine is more than sufficient, and all models come in one of six colors. The Limited trim also offers a touchscreen navigation, while the Premium trim and Limited offer HTRAC all wheel drive. Hyundai is currently offering financing under four percent, or lease from $282 a month with cash down. You won’t confuse the Santa Cruz with a full size truck, but if you aren’t towing a boat, it can be a good option.
In Conclusion
If you know where to look, you can get a great deal on a new car. With the latest features, such as start-stop engine technology, new cars are getting better gas mileage than ever, keeping you from emptying your wallet into the gas tank. So look around, you might be surprised just how affordable the latest new cars are, from this side of the Pacific and Asia.