18 Most Powerful Performance Cars For Under $50,000

Most people tend to think that true performance cars are out of reach of average buyers, but they are wrong. Even if you are not a millionaire, you can still experience high horsepower sports cars, cool muscle cars, brutal hot hatches or performance sedans. There are plenty of really exciting and high-powered cars on the market for the price of a well-equipped family sedan or mid-sized SUV. For $50,000 or less, there are numerous interesting choices with not only considerable power but with very advanced technology, drivetrain options, great looks and superb performance. As you will see, some of those cars are as fast, or even faster than couple-year-old supercars which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, it is obvious that we are living in the golden age of affordable performance since there are so many cars with these qualities available at the moment. That is why we have compiled the list of 20 best and most powerful cars you can buy for $50,000 and we have listed not only the most powerful vehicles but also the best performance cars for that kind of money. The idea was to introduce you not only to the vehicles with high horsepower rating, but also to the vehicles which can provide the most driving excitement and fun at an affordable price. So, let`s get straight to it.

Dodge Challenger R/T

The legendary Dodge Challenger is a prime example of a true American muscle car. Available only as a coupe, Challenger comes with a wide arrange of powerful engines, from V6 to 707 hp supercharged V8. For $50,000 you won’t be able to buy the Hellcat version but the R/T Scat Pack is more than enough. For less than $40,000 MSRP you will get 485 hp and 6.4-liter Hemi engine, 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, great looks and loads of style and street cred. You can choose between manual and automatic transmission.

Ford Focus RS

The third generation Ford Focus is a pretty good compact car with good sales results all over the world. But RS version is an evil twin, with a fire-breathing turbocharged engine, 350 hp, intelligent all-wheel drive and brutal street racing looks. For just $36,000 you can drive one of the best hot hatches of all times, an unbelievably capable machine with real life usability and performance of a pure racing car. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and AWD traction, Focus RS is capable of embarrassing some high-priced exotics.

Chevrolet Camaro SS

This is another great American muscle car with retro styling and enormous firepower under the hood. The Camaro features great chassis, performance tuned suspension, modern looking interior and famous Small Block V8 with 6.2-liters of displacement and 455 hp. The hardware is traditional but with a twist in form of modern electronics, driving models, and traction control. Available as a coupe or a stylish convertible, this Bowtie muscle car starts at only $37,000 which is very cheap considering that SS version can top 165 mph and sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

With an interesting design, upscale interior and advanced technology, the Q50 Red Sport is a very capable and fast performance sedan. Under the hood is a highly tuned 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 which delivers 400 hp. The base version has rear-wheel drive, but for some extra money, you can get all-wheel drive version with improved traction and acceleration figures. Speaking of which, the Red Sport needs only 4.6 seconds to launch itself to 60 mph. The base price is just below our limit at $47,000 and for that money, you can get a very appealing combination of luxury, prestige, and power.

Ford Mustang GT

One of the best deals around for an affordable performance car, is the Ford Mustang GT. In its sixth generation, the Mustang is praised for its elegant design, new chassis, great handling and that sweet 5.0-liter V8. The Coyote V8 cranks 435 hp and helps send the new GT to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Besides the performance, Mustang is quite well equipped, comfortable and good looking. But the best thing is the price and the brand new 5.0 V8 Mustang is just $33,000 MSRP which makes it the best bang for your buck. For the price of an ordinary family sedan, you can get a potent, fast and good looking muscle car with 435 hp and a fantastic soundtrack from that V8 engine.

Volkswagen Golf R

The Golf GTI was always the quintessential hot hatch and it still is one of the best around, but it’s just not powerful enough. For $36,000 you can get a pretty exclusive and brutally quick Golf R. The power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four which delivers 290 hp and send it to all four wheels through intelligent AWD system. Yes, we know that the price is pretty steep for a compact but this is not an ordinary Golf. This is the best of what Volkswagen has to offer in terms of technology, equipment, and performance. Also, compared to the other hot hatches on the market, the Golf R is a very elegant and stylish car.

Audi S4

Performance sedan classic, the S4 is still one of the most interesting Audis you can buy. First, its compact dimensions make it very easy to drive. Second, the 3.0-litre supercharged engine delivers 352 hp and third, all that power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s signature Quattro AWD system. And the last but not least, the base S4 comes with a 6-speed manual which will bring a smile to faces of all driving purists. In fact, if you want to keep the price under our limit, you will have to choose the manual because the base price is $49,500.

Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

The smallest Mercedes available is also one of the most fun to drive thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, amazing 375 hp and four-wheel drive for improved traction and road holding. In fact, this is currently the most powerful four-cylinder engine in production which is an amazing achievement for Mercedes. The $49,500 compact sedan may not be the most comfortable car Mercedes produces, but it is among the quickest with 4.1 seconds 0 to 60 mph time which is brutally fast. The intelligent AWD system, great power, and precise steering make the CLA 45 AMG one of the best and most powerful cars in the class.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

One of the most popular performance bargains is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Those letters have great recognition in the automotive world since they symbolize the highly tuned flat six engine, one of the best AWD systems on the market and brutal performance in the everyday package. For 2017, WRX STI has 305 hp from 2.5-liter engine and brutal acceleration figures. Thanks to all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, the WRX STI can achieve 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The best part is the price and you can have all that for just over $35.000

Mazda Miata

The Miata’s power level is nothing special and 2017 model has 155 hp from its 2.0-liter four cylinder. But that is not the point. The point is that the Mazda Miata is one of the best sports cars around and equipped with all performance goodies it will cost you just above $30,000. So, what is the secret? The secret is Miata’s perfect construction, weight balance, and totally analog driving feel. This is something that enthusiasts have been craving for years and they finally got it in form of this small roadster. The popularity of this model just shows that you don’t need big horsepower numbers to have big fun.

Nissan 370 Z Nismo

Despite the fact that 350 Z is not the newest model in compact sports car class, it is still among the best and fastest due to high-revving and naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 350 hp and sharp handling by Nissan’s performance division Nismo. For $41,000 you will get a two-seater coupe with perfect handling, interesting design, and respectable performance. The 0 to 60 mph time is low 4 seconds range and its top speed is around 165 mph.

Ford Taurus SHO

The Taurus SHO is a pretty unlikely performance sedan from Ford. The Focus RS and Mustang GT are stealing the headlines but those are not only fast and powerful cars in the current lineup. One of the more interesting is the SHO. Under a pretty ordinary body hides 3.5 liter EcoBoost turbo engine with 365 hp, all-wheel drive system, and quite significant performance potential. All that for $41,000 MSRP makes Taurus SHO a pretty good deal.

BMW M240i xDrive

The attention of the automotive world is focused on the brutal BMW M2 but not a lot people know that you can have almost the same performance in the same car for far less money in form of the M240i equipped with state of the art AWD system. Under the hood, there is a turbocharged 3.0 liter straight six with 335 hp which propels the compact 2-Series to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The base price is just above $46,000 which is not cheap but cheaper than M2 and still almost equally as fast.

Chevrolet SS

The Chevrolet SS is kind of a unicorn in the modern automobile industry. It is a classic sedan with great V8 power, rear wheel drive, and manual transmission. It is the purest form of performance sedan and the last of its kind. Despite the praises from the motoring press, the market was not so amused by its charms resulting in very modest sales numbers. However, you can still buy this car at $46,000 for which you will get 6.2-liter V8 with 415 hp, brutal acceleration, and perfect V8 soundtrack.

Dodge Charger R/T

Just like the Challenger, Dodge Charger is inspired by the glorious muscle car era of the 60s. But in its latest incarnation, the Charger is a four door sedan, not a coupe. However, that doesn’t stop it from being a muscle car at heart and it has many performance versions, including the famous and terrifyingly powerful Hellcat. For less than $46,000 you can get the Charger R/T with 485 hp from 6.4-liter Hemi, nice equipment, great performance and muscle heritage.

Ford Raptor

This one is a little bit controversial entry on our list but we have good reasons to include it. First, despite being a truck, this is a performance vehicle. Second, with a 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine delivering 450 hp this Ford is capable of pretty respectable acceleration figures (5.3 seconds to 60 mph). Third, with the base price of $50,000 it fits our limit, just barely. Fourth, Raptor is capable of achieving crazy speeds on rough terrain faster than any other stock car.

Cadillac ATS Coupe

The ATS Coupe has started as a competitor to the BMW 4-Series coupe and it managed to achieve more due to great looks, luxury appointments, and best chassis in its class. There is a full performance edition called ATS-V but it is above our limit. For budget-minded enthusiasts there is ATS Coupe with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 335 hp and great performance for just $47,000 which is significantly less than similar German cars from the same segment.

Honda Civic R

The enthusiasts have waited for so long for this car and finally, here it is. The best performance Civic ever in form of the mighty R. The 2.0-liter four cylinder delivers 306 hp to the front axle over special and electronically controlled front differential. The rest of the car is equally high-tech with boy racer looks appropriate for a hot hatch. For the base price of around $35,000, this is the perfect hot hatch for all Japanese cars lovers out there.

18 Most Powerful Performance Cars For Under $50,000

Most people tend to think that true performance cars are out of reach of average buyers, but they are wrong. Even if you are not a millionaire, you can still experience high horsepower sports cars, cool muscle cars, brutal hot hatches or performance sedans. There are plenty of really exciting and high-powered cars on the market for the price of a well-equipped family sedan or mid-sized SUV. For $50,000 or less, there are numerous interesting choices with not only considerable power but with very advanced technology, drivetrain options, great looks and superb performance. As you will see, some of those cars are as fast, or even faster than couple-year-old supercars which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, it is obvious that we are living in the golden age of affordable performance since there are so many cars with these qualities available at the moment. That is why we have compiled the list of 20 best and most powerful cars you can buy for $50,000 and we have listed not only the most powerful vehicles but also the best performance cars for that kind of money. The idea was to introduce you not only to the vehicles with high horsepower rating, but also to the vehicles which can provide the most driving excitement and fun at an affordable price. So, let`s get straight to it.

1. Dodge Challenger R/T

The legendary Dodge Challenger is a prime example of a true American muscle car. Available only as a coupe, Challenger comes with a wide arrange of powerful engines, from V6 to 707 hp supercharged V8. For $50,000 you won’t be able to buy the Hellcat version but the R/T Scat Pack is more than enough. For less than $40,000 MSRP you will get 485 hp and 6.4-liter Hemi engine, 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, great looks and loads of style and street cred. You can choose between manual and automatic transmission.

20 Best SUVs For City Driving

Despite the fact that SUVs have evolved from rugged off-roaders which never left the wilderness, mud and desert terrains, their successors are basically city vehicles. Most modern SUVs are made only to go on paved roads, highways and never to leave the comfort of the town. It is the same really since the SUV layout can offer so much more in terms of usability and driving than to be just a comfortable ride for soccer moms and big shopping trips. However, that is the market reality and the buyers are always right. That is why we have compiled a list of 20 best SUVs for city driving. There are few important aspects to consider when you are looking for an SUV which will be used in urban areas. First, the important thing is the size and a city SUV must have compact dimensions to be easy to park and maneuver in heavy traffic. Second, a city SUV must have enough room for passengers and luggage which consists of groceries or shopping bags. Third, since you are never going to leave the tarmac, you don`t need intelligent all-wheel drive systems and you are good with base front-wheel drive layout. Fourth, you don’t need a very powerful engine since you are not going to cruise or plow through the muddy rivers and jungles. All of that means that you concentrate on appearance packages and spend money on exterior options, creature comforts and infotainment systems to make your sitting in traffic more pleasant. Having all that in mind, here are 20 best city-oriented SUVs for you.

Kia Soul

The small, practical and affordable Kia Soul is a starter city SUV model. It features two economical four-cylinder engines, with 131 or 160 hp powering front wheels through an automatic transmission. With its compact dimensions, the Soul is easy to drive and has enough space for all daily tasks. The trim levels are good and the best thing is the price. For $16,900 you can get 131 hp Soul with an infotainment system and 7-speed automatic.

Honda HR-V

The newest Honda’s compact SUV is a quite appealing, reasonably spacious and great handling HR-V. Under the hood is a 141 hp, 1.8-liter engine with CVT transmission, good performance, and fuel economy. At $20,000 base price, HR-V is affordable and in standard equipment, you will get 17-inch wheels, a backup camera, and Bluetooth system.

Mazda CX-3

With great design, good handling and a 146 hp engine, Mazda CX-3 is one of the best compact SUVs. It even has respectable performance and decent space inside. For $20,900 base price you will not only get a potent 2.0-liter engine but also a cool looking interior, sports suspension, and a 6-speed automatic.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass was always a pretty competent urban SUV but when it finally received Grand Cherokee styling, the package was complete. Under the hood is an 180 hp four cylinder which powers front wheels (AWD is optional) and you can get a 6-speed manual or automatic. The base equipment is pretty good and the base price of $20,950 is acceptable considering the available space, design, and quality.

Toyota C-HR

Toyota’s compact SUV in form of the new C-HR with somewhat strange design and limited space due to low roof line is pretty hard to put in regular SUV class. It is a driver-oriented model with a 144 hp engine and automatic transmission. The trunk has decent space and its selling points are great equipment and modern interior. For $23,500 base price you will get a sporty looking SUV but without traditional qualities like lots of space or conventional design.

GMC Terrain

The new Terrain has dimensions in compact SUV class which could be a problem as well as its advantage. The biggest dimension means it takes most parking space, but also means it is the most comfortable and spacious. It is also among the best equipped with a very high level of creature comforts as standard. The power comes from 2.4-liter 182 hp engine but you can upgrade to 301 hp V6 power plant. Base price for this upscale compact SUV is $25,000.

Nissan Juke Nismo

If you are looking for performance in a compact SUV segment then Nissan Juke Nismo is the car for you. It has a 188 hp or 215 hp engine, good performance and aggressive look which make it look faster than it really is. The Juke is great for driving around town, small and responsive but you might find the space in the interior limited. For $25,700 MSRP there aren’t many SUVs that look this good and perform as well.

Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Tiguan is a great compact SUV since it offers a decent amount of space, great styling, quality interior and materials, as well as respectable power. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 200 hp and significant performance for the class. The interior equipment is pretty good as well, and the price is totally acceptable. The $25,800 MSRP will buy you a Volkswagen Tiguan in base trim level.

Mini Cooper Countryman

It may be hard to comprehend that Mini is an SUV but in Countryman version it is. And it’s a quite good SUV at that. All the Mini’s sharp driving characteristics are preserved, along with more space and comfort for passengers. It may not be the most spacious compact SUV on the market but it is one of the coolest. The power comes from 121 hp engine but you can option for performance Cooper S and John Cooper Works version with more than 240 hp and all-wheel drive. The base price is slightly less than $27,000.

Infiniti QX30

The new QX30 introduces stylish and premium design in the compact SUV market with elegant design and upscale materials. The QX30 is available with all-wheel drive and the power comes from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which delivers 208 hp and makes the QX30 a pretty agile car. The suspension set up makes this Infiniti drive like a regular hatchback and just by driving it you would never tell it is an SUV. The prices start at $30,000 for this luxury compact model.

Mercedes GLA-Class

Basically, the Mercedes GLA is CLA sedan with lifted body, fifth door and SUV looks. That is not a bad thing since that platform is pretty good but the cars made on it are not the most spacious and comfortable ones around. It is also the case with the GLA. It is a cool looking compact SUV but there isn’t much space for the passengers and it could be considered a hatchback with an SUV body. Under the hood is a 208 hp engine and all-wheel drive is optional. The base price is somewhat high at $34,000.

Audi Q3

Audi is getting famous not only for its lineup of premium sedans but for its lineup of quality SUVs starting with compact but highly equipped Q3. It is powered by 200 hp turbocharged engine with optional Quattro system. The base price is $33,000 and for that, you will get infotainment system, leather interior, LED headlights, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

Lincoln MKC

Based on the Ford Escape platform, Lincoln MKC is an upscale compact sedan with good comfort and space paired with elegant design and decent performance. The 240 hp base engine is powerful enough to fulfill every task and still return good fuel economy. The base price is $34,000 which is appropriate for this luxury compact SUV.

GMC Acadia

Another interesting GMC product comes in form of the Acadia. This vehicle is bigger than Terrain and it offers more usability and space for 7 passengers with third-row seats. For just $30,000 you will have plenty of space, very good standard equipment, and a 200 hp engine. More power is available as an option as well as an all-wheel drive system.

Nissan Murano

Interesting and sporty design coupled with powerful 260 hp engine and lots of space makes the Murano a cool urban SUV that’s able to complete any task. With a luxurious interior, leather seats and a host of electronic gadgets it is hard to comprehend that the base price just $31,000.

BMW X1

Despite the fact that the BMW X1 is the smallest BMW`s SUV, it has the best driving characteristics due to its compact size and a powerful engine. The 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers 225 hp and great performance. The more powerful engines are available as well as all-wheel drive. The interior is reasonably comfortable and the base price is $35,000.

Range Rover Evoque

Luxury compact SUVs don’t get much better than the Evoque. With two body styles, two and four doors, convertible option and 240 hp base engine coupled with 9-speed automatic, Evoque is not only fast, but also very stable on the road. The interior is luxurious with quality materials but the lack of space compared to the competitors could be a problem. Of course, luxury is never cheap and Evoque prices start at $42,000.

BMW X4

The cool looking BMW X4 combines several interesting things: compact SUV body, sporty design with powerful engines, everyday usability, and reasonable comfort. You might think of it as an SUV coupe with four doors. The base engine has 240 hp but the 300 hp turbocharged six cylinder is optional. The base equipment is pretty good with leather interior and heated seats but the base price is pretty high at $47,000.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

In order to compete with the big boys on the SUV market, the newcomer Alfa Romeo introduced the Stelvio and equipped it with a 2.0-liter, 280 hp engine and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. The 505 hp QV version is also available but the base model is more than enough with great comfort, design, and space. The base price is $42,000 which is acceptable considering the performance and equipment.

Porsche Macan

The city SUV hot rod, in short, that is the description of the new Porsche Macan. With compact body, solid comfort and space, Macan excels in driving with all-wheel drive as standard, 252 hp engine, and 7-speed automatic. The 340 and 360 hp engines are available as well as a long list of additional extras and in the most powerful GTS version, Macan can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. That is pretty fast for an SUV and with this car, you will be the king of stop light races. The base price is $48,000 which is pretty high but still understandable.

20 Best SUVs For City Driving

Despite the fact that SUVs have evolved from rugged off-roaders which never left the wilderness, mud and desert terrains, their successors are basically city vehicles. Most modern SUVs are made only to go on paved roads, highways and never to leave the comfort of the town. It is the same really since the SUV layout can offer so much more in terms of usability and driving than to be just a comfortable ride for soccer moms and big shopping trips. However, that is the market reality and the buyers are always right. That is why we have compiled a list of 20 best SUVs for city driving. There are few important aspects to consider when you are looking for an SUV which will be used in urban areas. First, the important thing is the size and a city SUV must have compact dimensions to be easy to park and maneuver in heavy traffic. Second, a city SUV must have enough room for passengers and luggage which consists of groceries or shopping bags. Third, since you are never going to leave the tarmac, you don`t need intelligent all-wheel drive systems and you are good with base front-wheel drive layout. Fourth, you don’t need a very powerful engine since you are not going to cruise or plow through the muddy rivers and jungles. All of that means that you concentrate on appearance packages and spend money on exterior options, creature comforts and infotainment systems to make your sitting in traffic more pleasant. Having all that in mind, here are 20 best city-oriented SUVs for you.

20. Kia Soul

The small, practical and affordable Kia Soul is a starter city SUV model. It features two economical four-cylinder engines, with 131 or 160 hp powering front wheels through an automatic transmission. With its compact dimensions, the Soul is easy to drive and has enough space for all daily tasks. The trim levels are good and the best thing is the price. For $16,900 you can get 131 hp Soul with an infotainment system and 7-speed automatic.

Best Family Cars For Under $30,000

The concept of a family car has changed over the years. First, the family car stood for a regular sedan with four doors and a big trunk. Then, the family car became a roomy station wagon with a big boot and loads of space. After that, the minivan was the most desired form and today, the perfect family vehicle is a crossover or SUV with bulky looks, maximum safety, and third-row seating. The times have obviously changed but also did the needs of the average family. Back in the day, everything could be packed in a normal sized trunk but today`s parents need a full-size SUV to pack all the necessary things for a short road trip over the weekend. Anyway, we have compiled a list of 15 best family cars for 2017. Here you can find SUVs, crossovers, minivans and sedans. Basically all types of vehicles that have plenty of space, that are family friendly and with a base price of under $30,000 which is the average amount of money a regular family can afford. We are sure that you will find a perfect car for your family on this list so let`s get straight to it.

Dodge Durango

With the base price of just under $30,000, this big SUV is one of the biggest and most powerful cars you can buy for that amount. It has a 3.6-liter V6 with 295 hp and a very spacious interior, including third-row seating. This means that the Durango can seat up to 7 people and still carry some amount of luggage. It is a perfect car for a big family with lots of kids. Of course, if you want to fully option your Durango you will have to spend more than our limit.
Ford Fusion

This mid-size sedan is not only one of the best vehicles in the class but a pretty good family car with a reasonable amount of space, great equipment, and safety. For the base model, the price of just $22,120 MSRP you will get a 2.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox, good interior room and big boot. The affordable base price means you can spend on options and make your Fusion even more enjoyable. The hybrid version is also available and it is considered to be amongst the best hybrids in its class.
Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Corp. was one of the first companies in the world to introduce the minivan back in the early ’80s and it revolutionized family transport as we know it. Today, more than 30 years later, we have the Pacifica, brand new Chrysler’s minivan with seating for up to 8 people, very sleek looks, luxury trim and 287 hp. The base price is $28,950 which is almost at the limit but for that kind of money, you will be driving a very nice and elegant minivan.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Koreans are known to make good SUVs and Santa Fe Sport is one of those. Loads of space, great design, sporty appeal and 185 hp for $25,250 MSRP is a great deal for a great family car. The Sport version has a little more trunk space than the regular Tucson but it is smaller than the full-size Santa Fe. However, we are sure that you will be satisfied with the comfort and quality of this model.
Subaru Forester

One of the most interesting compact family SUVs on the market is the Subaru Forester due to the fact it has a permanent all-wheel drive, great comfort and lots of space. For 2017, Forester has been redesigned and with a lot more features but the base price remained the same. For just $22,595 this is one of the most affordable family cars and a great buy, too.
Toyota Prius V

The Prius has been among the most loved family vehicles since its introduction. But, despite great fuel economy, ordinary Prius has limited interior and trunk space. However, Toyota presented the Prius V, kind of a crossover version of the standard model. It has significantly more space but it is still very slow and lethargic due to the fact it uses regular model`s engine and drivetrain. The prices start at $26,650 MSRP and if fuel economy is more valuable to you than driving characteristics, then the Prius V is a car for you.
Nissan Rouge

The Rouge is a compact SUV but with one interesting feature – third-row seating. Most vehicles with this option are over our $30,000 limit but the Rouge starts at just $23,820 MSRP which makes it a very affordable and practical family transport. The hybrid version is available and this model has decent power and performance.
Ford Edge

Bigger than the compact Escape, Edge is a newer and more capable SUV. With the base price of $28,890 MSRP it is close to the limit but the amount of space, equipment, and power is just amazing. In fact, Edge is equipped like some much more expensive vehicles and the base engine is a 240 hp 2.0-liter unit. Nice, big and powerful SUV is perfect for an active family.
Chevrolet Malibu

The mid-size Malibu is one of the best Chevrolet models at the moment, great looking, spacious, well equipped and nice to drive. There are plenty of interior space as well as a nice-sized trunk. And the best thing is the base price of 2017 Malibu, which is $21,680 for the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. More powerful engines and hybrid power are available as an option and even fully equipped model will not go over our $30,000 limit.
Honda CR-V

Despite the fact that Honda has bigger and roomier SUVs in their model lineup, the CR-V is the best choice for family buyers for a couple of reasons. First, it is spacious enough, has great technology and features, good power and drivetrain and affordable price. For $24,000 MSRP you will get one of the complete family compact SUVs on the market with a fresh design and good standard equipment.
Kia Sedona

If you are looking for a big minivan with third-row seating, nice design and decent power the Kia Sedona is a car for you. Starting at $26,900, it is much cheaper than other full-size minivans on the market and comes with a 3.3-litre V6 with 276 hp which will provide effortless cruising for this big family hauler.
Volkswagen Tiguan

Despite the fact that Tiguan has a little less trunk space than its competitors, we included it on our list due to the fact that it is affordable, quality made and nice to drive. The base price is $24,840 MSRP, and you will get a 200 hp engine, automatic transmission, nice interior and ride quality.
Mazda 6

Mazda 6 is a popular mid-size sedan with very nice, curved design, great features and very affordable price. Despite its low silhouette and sporty appeal, the interior has enough space for occupants and there is sufficient trunk space. The base version starts at just $22,995 MSRP and it comes equipped with an 184 hp engine. Even if you throw a couple of options on your Mazda 6 you won’t go over the $30,000 limit.
Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is one of the most popular and spacious minivans on the market. We thought whether we should include it on our list because its base price is just below $30K at exactly $29,750 MSRP, but if you want it properly equipped you must spend more than the limit. But even if you choose the base model you will still get a big boot, third-row seating, three-zone climate control, and integrated rear camera.
Jeep Cherokee

On the first glance, the Jeep Cherokee is a typical compact family SUV. It has plenty of space, decent power, equipment and is user-friendly. But there is another side to this model and those are its off-road capabilities. You can get the optional all-wheel drive, take your family to interesting off-road road trip and explore much more than you could with a regular FWD SUV or minivan. The base price is $23,695 and for just $2,000 more you can get Jeep`s intelligent AWD system.

Best Family Cars For Under $30,000

The concept of a family car has changed over the years. First, the family car stood for a regular sedan with four doors and a big trunk. Then, the family car became a roomy station wagon with a big boot and loads of space. After that, the minivan was the most desired form and today, the perfect family vehicle is a crossover or SUV with bulky looks, maximum safety, and third-row seating. The times have obviously changed but also did the needs of the average family. Back in the day, everything could be packed in a normal sized trunk but today`s parents need a full-size SUV to pack all the necessary things for a short road trip over the weekend. Anyway, we have compiled a list of 15 best family cars for 2017. Here you can find SUVs, crossovers, minivans and sedans. Basically all types of vehicles that have plenty of space, that are family friendly and with a base price of under $30,000 which is the average amount of money a regular family can afford. We are sure that you will find a perfect car for your family on this list so let`s get straight to it.

Dodge Durango

With the base price of just under $30,000, this big SUV is one of the biggest and most powerful cars you can buy for that amount. It has a 3.6-liter V6 with 295 hp and a very spacious interior, including third-row seating. This means that the Durango can seat up to 7 people and still carry some amount of luggage. It is a perfect car for a big family with lots of kids. Of course, if you want to fully option your Durango you will have to spend more than our limit.