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5 Amazing New Cars That Cost Less Thank $30,000 (And Feel Way More Expensive)


So, you want to buy a new car. You're not swimming in pool of hundred-dollar bills, but you want something nice. Here are some luxury-feel cars for a reasonable price. Get in, buckle up, and let's go.

 Luxury features like heated leather seats, digital dashboards, and responsive touchscreens have long been reserved for Mercedes S-Classes and six-figure Range Rovers. But today, we 20-somethings are seeing these slick additions trickle into cars well within our real-world budgets. So, which new cars offer the best luxury-life experience for less than $30,000?

2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring

The fiercely likable Mazda3 has long delivered both practically and fun in sedan and hatchback forms. With sharp handling, optional manual transmission, and high dependability, it was hard to hate this little Corolla-fighter.

With older Mazda3s suffered in the looks department, the newest iteration comes handsomely wrapped and beautifully appointed inside. Plus, the well-equipped, leather-filled Grand Touring package comes in at just under $25,000. Option that up with an improved navigation system, heated steering wheel, and a suite of high-tech safety features, and you have a fun, practical all-rounder with an MSRP around $29,000.

 Surprise luxury feature: The heads-up display (HUD) included in the $1,100 I-ACTIVSENSE safety package.

2017 Hyundai Elantra


For years, Hyundais have been quiet and sensible, but as thrilling to gaze upon and operate as a toaster. That all changed with the newest generation of the Elantra, which finally marries Hyundai's strong sensibility with confident looks and driving character.

The Elantra's sleek, tech-laden cabin instantly makes you forget you're in a $20,000 car, and the generously-priced Popular Equipment ($800) and Tech Package ($1,300) add a suite of luxe-lite features like blind spot detection, heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay, and LED daytime-running lights. Fully-load your Elantra for well under $30,000 and enjoy the harbinger of Hyundai's bright future.

Surprise luxury feature; The especially crisp, 60 frames-per-second backup camera.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

Yes, there are two Mazdas on the list, but they've earned their place. Perhaps because Mazda lacks a luxury division like Nissan, Honda, and Toyota, they've become masters at sprinkling luxury features across their existing fleet with only modest nudges to their budget-friendly prices.

Pinned against stiff competition from rival crossovers -- the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V -- last year's CX-5 pulled through with better handling, visibility, cargo space, and value. Things only improve with the 2017 refresh, which brings even more cargo space and a beautiful redesign inside and out. Simply put, the CX-5 is another win from Mazda that gracefully rises above the humdrum-ness of the affordable crossover market.

 Surprise luxury feature: The looks. Nothing about Mazda's KODO design language says "cheap."

2017 Toyota Prius Three Touring

For years, the Toyota Prius shouted "conservative" like a rolling beige sweater vest. So, naturally, the extreme visual redesign in 2016 shocked the automotive world, repulsing as many as it enthralled. Polarizing styling aside, the Prius' hybrid engine is a technological masterpiece, daintily sipping one gallon every 54 miles while owners enjoy a smooth ride and spacious interior.

For the current generation, the Prius's previously Spartan cabin can now be filled with luxury features like a premium audio system. Toyota's SofTex synthetic leather, and power adjustable seats. These niceties can be found in the Prius Three Touring trim, which falls just within $30,000. At last, insane MPG doesn't have to come with sacrifices to quality or comfort.

 Surprise luxury feature: An inductive (cord-free) phone charger in the center console.

2017 Kia Soul! (Exclaim)

More than just the workhorse of choice for Lyft drivers, the Kia Soul brilliantly marries fun, practicality, and style. The South Korean automaker has been quietly refining their hamster-mobile over the years, and much to the automotive world's glee, are finally offering a "hot" version with a turbocharger this year.

Dubbed the "Exclaim" (or "!" for short), Kia's peppier Soul starts under $23,000 and includes 18-inch wheels, a smooth-shifting dual-clutch transmission, and a seven inch touchscreen. The tech package is a hard pill to swallow at $3,000, but adds a suite of safety, lighting, and cabin upgrades, including Harmon Kardon premium audio system and a heated steering wheel. The hamsters have good taste.

Surprise luxury feature: A panoramic sunroof with power sunshade.

Enjoy the ride!

 Whether you're looking advanced safety features or a sweet ride, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a premium experience. Fierce competition can push rare luxury features to become commonplace. Do your research, buy wisely, and have some fun!

That concludes our list of the top five luxury-lite cars for under $30,000. Which car would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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