The number of different cars on sale today can seem mind-numbingly high. Not helping matters: companies like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which are trying to fill up even the smallest gaps in the market with their pricey wares.
That said, the average consumer isn’t shopping for an SUV from Bentley or a family hatchback from Ferrari, either. After all, the average MSRP for a car hovers around $37,577 these days—and there are plenty of good cars out there for that money.
For the purposes of this article, we at Gear Patrol raised our price ceiling to add a little flexibility (and, of course, to add in some of the wonderful cars just above that median price), and pulled together the best cars on sale today for less than $50,000. Believe us: No matter what style you’re shopping for, you can’t go wrong with any choice on this list.
Compact Cars
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Best Hot Hatch: We may suffer from slim pickings in the US when it comes to hatchbacks, but at least one of the few options we do have ranks highly. This legend from Volkswagen has been the benchmark for hot hatches since it first rolled off the assembly line in 1976, and the current VW GTI has been ranked highly the world over. A taut suspension and bountiful low-end torque from the lively 2.0-liter turbo engine translate to performance figures that punch well above the GTI’s weight.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 228
Torque: 258 pound-feet
Drive: Front-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds
Toyota Corolla
The new Corolla Hatchback marks a pivotal moment in Toyota’s push to ditch its reputation as a builder of bland econo-cars. The new Corolla hatchback is one of the best handling front-wheel-drive compacts on the market; it’s wildly fun to pitch around any corner. But, instead of marketing the hatch as an enthusiast’s car and scaring off average Joes, Toyota simply promoted the refreshed hatch as it’s done in the past and let the masses who would’ve bought the car anyway discover what a well-tuned chassis feels like. The Corolla’s approachability, affordability, and mid-corner poise will likely have it remembered much the way we look back on the BMW 2002 or Datsun 510.
Engine: 2.0-Liter Inline-Four
Horsepower: 168
Torque: 151 lb-ft
Drive: Front-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds
Audi S3
Since the S4 has put on some weight over the years, the S3 now takes up the mantle of the compact sports sedan in Audi’s lineup. With 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, the S3 provides just enough performance to deliver an incredible amount of fun, while staying out of trouble on the open road.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 288
Torque: 280 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Midsized Sedans
Lexus IS 350 F Sport
Lexus, believe it or not, does indeed offer a sporty sedan worthy of being mentioned in the same conversation as the Germans. The radical styling works well for it, separating it from the other cookie-cutter luxury four-doors. But it takes more than styling to compete in one of the most contested segments in the market; luckily, the interior’s interesting design makes the cockpit a pleasant place to be, and the entertaining, naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 makes it a great place to stay.
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 311
Torque: 280 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Audi A4
The Audi A4 went untouched for several years, but it came back in a big way in 2016 when the new model arrived. Though the new model received only subtle aesthetic tweaks, Audi made huge changes underneath the skin, adding crash avoidance and driver assistance systems also seen on the likes of the top-of-the-line Q7 SUV. After years of living as a glorified Volkswagen Passat, the current generation of the A4 has moved delightfully up-market.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower: 250
Torque: 310 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Mazda6 Signature
In the past few years, Mazda has really come into its own in the design department. It’s no coincidence that there are several Mazdas on our list: For the price, they’re some of the best-handling cars on the road. The Mazda6 offers sharp, flowing design draped over an entertaining chassis, all for a base price below $25,000. However, if you want to really experience the brand’s recent move upmarket, the range-topping Signature trim spoils you with turbocharged power and a luxurious interior you’d never see coming from Mazda for just over $35,000.
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 184
Torque: 185 lb-ft
Drive: Front-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
Station Wagons
Subaru Outback
The Outback built its reputation on utility, value, and versatility—and the current Outback follows through with that in spades. In a world where SUVs and crossovers run rampant, the Outback has stood strong as a reliable family vehicle with a healthy dose of off-road performance. There’s a new Outback due out for 2020, but until that hits dealership floors, the 2019 Outback is one of the best bang-for-your-buck wagons on the market.
Engine: 2.5-liter flat-four/3.6-liter flat-six
Horsepower: 175/256
Torque: 174/247 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 9.4/6.8 seconds
Audi A4 Allroad
Audi made a name for itself tackling dirt roads thanks to its quattro AWD system, and the A4 Allroad brings that legendary ability to the average family in need of a little extra ground clearance. The A4 Allroad’s impressive cargo space and off-road ability lends itself beautifully to those who would rather gather around a campfire under the stars than a flat-screen TV in the living room.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 248
Torque: 273 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
Coupes
Lexus RC 300 F Sport RWD
The RC’s design offers a sportier take on the same looks as the IS, while still catering to customers who want that Lexus luxury. The exterior is by far the best expression of Lexus’s edgy design language, and the interior is awash with rich materials like Playa upholstery, aluminum pedals, and deep bucket seats. The RC 300 F Sport drives incredibly well thanks to its adaptive suspension and available Variable Gear Ratio Steering, which, despite being on the heavier side, gives the driver impressive feedback.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four
Horsepower: 241
Torque: 258 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds
BMW M240i
Since the BMW M2 casts a very large shadow, you could be forgiven for forgetting about the M240i, but it would be a mistake to dismiss it altogether. The M2’s price point puts it out of reach for this list, but the M240i isn’t exactly a letdown; it offers more approachable performance, thanks to a beefier torque curve, as well as a more forgiving suspension for everyday driving on roads that aren’t racetrack-smooth.
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder
Horsepower: 335
Torque: 369 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Convertibles
Mazda Miata RF
Ignore the Miata’s incredibly low price for a second and focus on its performance: There’s nothing in its weight class that can compare. And you’d have to go pretty far upmarket to find anything that delivers the experience and excitement that the new Miata does. The RF’s retractable, targa-style roof only adds to the newest Miata’s good looks. Now factor in the MSRP, and the argument to buy anything else pretty much dissolves.
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
Horsepower: 155
Torque: 148 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
BMW 230i Convertible
Now that the 3 and 4 Series have moved upmarket, the 2 Series has become BMW’s prime player in the attainable sports car bracket. The convertible version earned a place on this list by being a pretty drop-top than can still handle a curve. The 2 Series convertible eschews a retractable hardtop, going with a soft top in order to save weight and space. The classic convertible looks are a nice bonus.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 248
Torque: 258 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive
0-60: 5.6 seconds
SUVs and Crossovers
Mercedes-Benz GLA250
Mercedes-Benz has an uncanny ability to make every one of its cars luxurious, no matter the price. The GLA-Class is a prime example of that. At $33,950, you’ll find a high-quality interior and design language that possesses the air of a car that costs $15,000 more.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower: 208
Torque: 258 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60: 7.2 seconds
Mazda CX-5 Signature
As much as we praise Mazda for the handling baked into its sedans and sports cars, equal praise must be given for the mid-corner poise the brand imbues into the CX-5. It’s not often an SUV is applauded for its handling, but somehow Mazda has transferred its signature sportiness to its high-riding vehicles. And as part of Mazda’s recent push to move upmarket, the Signature trim elevates the CX-5’s interior to match a class of SUV well above its $36,890 price tag.
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 250
Torque: 310 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60: 7.7 seconds
Trucks
Ford F-150
Ford obviously doesn’t need to change its formula for full-sized trucks—the F-Series is the most successful vehicle in America. Still, the company continuously makes the F-150 better almost each year anyway. Two state-of-the-art turbocharged EcoBoost engines—including a 2.7-liter V-6 and a 3.5-liter V-6—are available as powertrains, maximizing both power and fuel economy. And the move towards using advanced materials like the truck’s aluminum body may pave the way for generations of pickup trucks to come.
Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 / 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 / 5.0-liter V-8 / 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6
Horsepower: 290 / 325 / 395 / 450
Torque: 265 lb-ft /400 lb-ft / 400 lb-ft / 510 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive / Four-Wheel-Drive
0-60: 5.9 seconds (2.7-liter EcoBoost, RWD)
Ford Ranger
Ford did more than re-enter the mid-size truck segment when it brought back the Ford Ranger for 2019; it made a statement of intent. The Ranger is aggressively going after the adventure lifestyle and overlanding crowds. The latest iteration of the mid-sized truck brings a compact silhouette that’s perfect for tight mountain trails on the way to campsites, and a laundry list of camping-focused accessories from Yakima, such as bed racks and rooftop tents.
Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower: 270
Torque: 310 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive / 4-Wheel-Drive
0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds
Sports Cars
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is a little long in the tooth, but it’s hardly showing its age. As one of the few compact sport sedans out there with AWD—the pricier Audi RS 3 and Golf R are the only real competition—its affordability factor makes it a hit with enthusiasts year after year. What the newest WRX STI lacks in power versus newer competitors, it makes up for with refined, incredibly precise handling and direct, communicative steering.
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four
Horsepower: 310
Torque: 290 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60: 4.7 seconds
Audi TT
Audi is synonymous with good handling—and cars like the TT are a shining example why. With its low-slung architecture and all four wheels pushed to the corners of the car, the TT feels like a go-kart through corners. It’s just a shame Audi might be axing it in the near future.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower: 228
Torque: 258 lb-ft
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
0-60: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
Ford Mustang GT
Ford ditched the old muscle car stereotypes years ago, when it started to pour more energy into the Mustang’s cornering abilities—and the company hasn’t looked back since. For 2018, Ford redesigned the Mustang’s looks a little, but rather than settling for a superficial mid-cycle refresh, the Blue Oval bumped the power up as well, giving the GT’s V-8 460 horsepower. The classic American pony car is now a certified modern sports car…and it’s a hell of a bargain at a starting price of $35,355.