Best Cars Of 2025 From $45k To $55k

Buyers looking for a new whip will have many options available to them if they have enough money to spend. Those shopping for cars under $55,000 are in a fortunate position because there is a wide variety to choose from: Plush sedans, sporty SUVs, hardy pickup trucks, and even a handful of new-fangled electric cars cost between $45k and $55k – and it’s not just lower-rung models. Top-spec Volvo SUVs and sedans are some of the best cars under $50,000, and the fantastic Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch can be had for way under this price. For family-focused buyers, there are minivans and big SUVs that are rated as some of the best cars under $55,000. This is a list of the best cars available in the USA for 2025, priced between $45k and $55k.

1

Acura MDX

Boasting a starting price of $51,200 for the base trim, or $53,400 for the all-wheel-drive SH-AWD version, the 2025 Acura MDX is only just sneaks underneath the maximum $55,000 price point allowed here. For this reason, better-equipped and flagship models such as the A-Spec and Type S are omitted, and it’s just the entry-level trim, dubbed ‘Base’, which we are rating.

Despite the trim name doing little to inspire excitement, the MDX Base is quite a capable model, especially when specified with the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive drivetrain. It kicks out 290 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is more than enough to provide the MDX with a sporting feel, especially when darting away from a standstill. Inside, leatherette-trimmed sports seats are equipped as standard, as is a bright 12.3-inch central display, with Alexa, Google Built-In, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto supported in all trims.

Related

Driven: 2025 Acura MDX Type S Is The Complete Package

Small changes to the sporty SUV have brought it to a whole new level.

2

Audi A4 allroad

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad is an increasingly rare breed these days – a wagon that boasts some light off-roading ability, plenty of space for the whole family and a month’s worth of groceries, plus an efficient drivetrain and reasonable starting price. Kicking off with an MSRP of $47,600, the A4 allroad provides a strong argument as to why it could be classed as the best car under $50,000. Being an allroad, the all-wheel-drive Quattro system is equipped as standard, and mated to a capable 2.0-liter boosted inline-four, which returns a healthy 261 horsepower, in addition to a combined 26 mpg.

3

BMW 4 Series Coupe

2025 BMW 4 Series Coupe

Base MSRP

$51,150

Engine

2.0L I4 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo

Horsepower

255 hp (2.0L) | 386 hp (3.0L)

The 2025 BMW 4 Series Coupe sports slight cosmetic tweaks and performance upgrades to the flagship 440i trim, which now produces 386 horsepower with mild-hybrid boost, while the entry-level 430i models remain the same as before. It’s those latter 2.0-liter inline-four-powered models which creep in under the $55,000 upper limit, and therefore are our focus here. As standard, the 430i Coupe is driven by the rear wheels only, but spending an extra $2,000 will net you the all-wheel-drive xDrive model.

It’s sleek, relatively sporting with 255 horsepower on tap, and the interior is crammed full of all the usual premium materials and creature comforts which are associated with the BMW brand, which is why it should come as no surprise that we rate this as one of the best cars under $55k.

4

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is one of the more affordable cars under $55,000, thanks to a starting price of just $45,800. This means more upgrades are available than some of the pricier models on ther list, so there’s no need to make do with basic specs here. Instead, packages such as the Exclusive and Pinnacle Trim packages can be included. The former costs $1,550 and sports features such as navigation and illuminated door sills.

The Pinnacle Trim is more costly at $5,300, and therefore more comprehensive, including everything the Exclusive Trim package does, in addition to a panorama roof, active LED headlamps, a head-up display, surround view system, and more. In budget, buyers can choose between the GLB 250 or GLB 250 4Matic – these, bar the AMG variant which is priced much higher, are the only available trims for 2025.

The GLB is one of the smallest new vehicles on sale with three available seating rows.

5

Cadillac CT5

Limitless budgets would surely see all of us piloting high-performance V and Blackwing variants of the 2025 Cadillac CT5, but as it happens, we’ve had our imaginary budget capped at $55,000. This still provides plenty of room for improvement and personalization, as the base model CT5 is available from only $47,595. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive models are available on budget, and while the V6 is out of reach, the twin-scroll turbocharged inline-four supplied as standard seems powerful enough for daily duties and relaxed cruising, especially when linked to a slick 10-speed automatic transmission.

Furthermore, it’s a Cadillac, so a premium cabin is guaranteed, although materials aren’t quite as nice as in fellow German rivals. Inside, a 33-inch diagonal LED screen dominates the cabin, while heated front seats and a premium 15-speaker sound system are also supplied as standard.

6

BMW Z4 Roadster

2025 BMW Z4 Roadster

Base MSRP

$54,500

Engine

2.0L Turbo I4 | 3.0L Turbo I6

Horsepower

255 hp (2.0L) | 382 hp (3.0L)

When looking at cars for $55k or less, the 2025 BMW Z4 Roadster simply has to be considered, as it’s one of the most complete and authentic sports car experiences at this price point. Go ahead and forget the manual and inline-six-powered model, as that’s way out of budget. Instead, you’d be looking at the 2.0-liter B48-powered model, which supplies 255 horses instead of 382. That’s still more than enough for some weekend fun, especially when sent straight to the rear wheels with the roof down and sun beaming down.

Unlike other models featured within the price range, the BMW Z4’s primary job is to provide driver enjoyment, which is why we rate it so highly, as evidenced by the 8.1 out of 10 BuzzScore.

7

Mazda CX-70 PHEV

Many believe that plug-in hybrid models are the future, and are a more reliable long-term solution than either gas or electric-only transport. For those with such a viewpoint, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV could be the perfect daily driver.

Starting with the more obvious appeal of the CX-70, it’s plenty spacious enough, boasting two rows of seating, of which both can comfortably accommodate adults. Plus, there is plenty of space in the trunk too, which sports a capacity of 39.6 cubic feet with all seats in place. What might surprise buyers, though, is the CX-70 PHEV’s potency, as the plug-in drivetrain produces an impressive 323 horsepower combined, which is enough to propel the capable midsize from 0 to 60 mph in just around six seconds.

8

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

If a performance-orientated crossover appeals, then this 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman should certainly be of interest. It packs no less than 312 horsepower from its boosted 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain, which is sent to all four wheels to ensure brisk acceleration and sure-footedness. Unlike other models in the list which appear just under budget in base trims, this JCW Mini Countryman is the flagship model, and it’s priced at the lower end of our budget, at just $46,900.

Inside, Mini has injected a welcome dose of new technology, with a 9.4-inch circular OLED screen taking center stage, and a customizable voice command system installed as a hands-free way of navigating through the impressive array of infotainment options.

9

Audi Q4 e-tron

The 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron is the only fully electric model to rank high enough on our BuzzScore system at this price point to feature on this list, which demonstrates how impressive we find the e-tron range. This, the Q4 model, is among the more affordable models, starting off at $49,800. The Sportback commands a hefty premium, so it’s just the traditional SUV which we’ll be focusing on here.

The all-important EPA-estimated range is 288 miles for the base 45 powertrain, and can charge from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes at a public DC fast charger, according to Audi. There are two rows of spacious, adult-friendly seats, and up to 53.1 cubes of cargo space too, so it’s certainly a family-friendly option.

10

Audi A5 Sportback

Europe benefits from an all-new third-gen Audi A5 this year, while elsewhere the 2025 Audi A5 Sportback is essentially the same as it was last year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the A5 Sportback is one of the sleekest sedans out there right now, and capable too, with available all-wheel drive and a powerful inline-four engine sitting up-front. The base 201-horsepower engine has been dropped, leaving only the 261 higher-output lump, which is powerful enough to see the A5 Sportback hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

It’s all business inside, with a smattering of premium materials and high-end creature comforts to be found all around. Premium Plus models, which do come in at just under $55,000, are supplied with a wireless phone charging pad, Audi virtual cockpit plus, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, plus wireless Apple CarPlay.

Related

Best Cars Of 2025 From $55k To $75k

From luxury models to electric trucks and sports cars, buyers in this price range are spoiled for choice.

Characteristics Of The Best Cars Under $55k

What makes a vehicle worthy of a place on the list of the best cars under $55k? Value-focused buyers in the US want a good return on investment, and cars in this price bracket tend to offer the most. Here’s what you can expect from vehicles with a sticker price between $45k and $55k:

• Capable performance, if not excellent levels of power
• High levels of comfort and practicality
• An impressive safety rating
• Comprehensive feature count

2:41

Related

What’s The Most Horsepower You Can Get For $50,000 Brand New?

We found 10 superb cars for less than $50,000 that come with buckets of horsepower.

What To Consider When Buying Cars Under $55,000

Before splurging, you might want to weigh up the pros and cons of spending your hard-earned dollars – is it worth saving a few bucks and shopping in a cheaper segment, or does a higher price mean a higher value product?

Pros

• Top-end models in some lineups can be had in this bracket
• Good performance is readily available
• Loads of hybrid and EV options on offer
• Broad variety of body styles and configurations
• Good safety and reliability expectations

Cons

• Trucks and some SUV models exceed this price range in top specifications
• Higher initial outlay, naturally
• Available options see the price skyrocket over the limit