Best New Cars Under $35K

Properly budgeting for and doing your research are two of the most essential steps involved in shopping for your next new vehicle. Now that you’ve saved your hard-earned money and have settled on the $35,000 or less segment, all that’s left to do is select the right type of vehicle for your lifestyle.

Complicating matters is the fact that the $35K or below price point is one of the most competitive segments in the industry with more choices than you’ve probably imagined. How can you be sure that you’re making the best choice for your specific needs and lifestyle? The Germain Motor Company is here to lend a helping hand! We’ve created this informative reference guide that lists our top picks for the best new cars priced below $35,000 across a wide range of different vehicle classes and types. Let’s check them out together!

Best Compact SUV Under 35K – Volkswagen Tiguan

From value to versatility, the compelling Volkswagen Tiguan represents an outstanding choice for those in search of the ultimate compact SUV. Instantly recognizable with its bold exterior look that includes available illuminated VW badges and light bars, the Tiguan makes a memorable first impression. It’s also ready for your next road trip thanks to a standard 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower along with the confidence of available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive. Cutting-edge tech, groundbreaking safety, and a diverse range of trim levels makes it easy to find a Volkswagen Tiguan that matches your lifestyle. Best of all? It’s priced below $35,000, so it won’t break the bank.

Key Features

• Starting at $29,495 MSRP
• 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower, available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive
• Standard 12.9-inch or available 15-inch touchscreen multi-function center display with 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro
• IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistive safety technologies
• Available perforated Varenna leather seating surfaces with 10-point full back massage function & heat and ventilation
• Optional Harman Kardon® 12-speaker premium sound system w/ center speaker, subwoofer & amplifier
• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
• Available illuminated front and rear VW badges and light bars

Best PHEV Under $35K – Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

If you’ve been interested in going electric but aren’t sure you’re ready for all of the potential drawbacks, a plug-in hybrid vehicle allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – unrivaled fuel efficiency with gasoline power as a backup option to eliminate any range anxiety concerns. Choosing the proven Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, priced below $35K, is an outstanding way to experience the jaw-dropping fuel economy you need to go the extra mile. In addition to its impressive 220 combined system horsepower, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid boasts an all-electric driving range of up to 44 miles for short trips along with an outstanding 127 MPGe combined fuel economy rating.

Key Features

• Starting at $33,375 MSRP
• 2.0L 4-Cylinder Hybrid Engine with electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
• Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 (TSS 3.0)
• 20.3 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up
• 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto integration
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with on/off feature
• 17-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers

Best Midsize Pickup Truck Under $35K – Ford Ranger

Whether you intend to use your truck to earn a living, pursue your passions, or even a mixture of both – it’s important to choose one that fits your budget while meeting your unique needs. One standout choice in the crowded field of midsize trucks is the proven Ford Ranger, affordably priced and exceptionally equipped to handle any challenge standing in the way. Three engine options, ranging from mild to wild, provide the muscle and efficiency you need to get the job done. The rugged exterior appearance of the Ranger features functional breakover and departure angles, essential for those who intend to explore off the beaten path. Step inside the cabin of the Ranger to discover an assortment of outstanding connectivity and driver assistance options to help you stay one step ahead of danger.

Key Features

• Starting at $33,330 MSRP
• Standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I4 (270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque), optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 (315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque), or available 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 (405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque)
• Advanced 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission and 7,500-lb max towing capacity across all trims
• SYNC® 4A infotainment system with standard 10.1-inch or best-in-class available 12-inch center touchscreen
• Optional class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist integrated trailer brake controller and 360-degree camera
• Available Integrated Box Side Step and in-bed 400-watt power inverter with an outlet
• Available Ford CoPilot-360™ suite of active driver-assist technologies
• Standard FordPass® Connect with embedded 4G LTE modem

Best Sporty Car Under $35K – Honda Civic Si

If you’re the type of driver who craves engagement, excitement, and evocative styling – the Honda Civic Si is proof that potent performance and race-inspired can in fact come in an affordable package. Embracing all of the award-winning attributes that have made the Civic Sedan a smash hit for generations, the Civic Si adds an extra dose of adrenaline with its potent 200-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Other enthusiast-oriented features of the Civic Si include its close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential to transfer its immense power to the tarmac. Tested and proven on the track, it also features a driver-oriented cockpit with exclusive Signature Si Seats and red accents throughout the interior for a more aggressive feel.

Key Features

• Starting at $30,995 MSRP
• 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Helical limited-slip differential
• Three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and a customizable Individual mode
• 9-inch color touchscreen and Bose Premium Sound System with Wireless Apple CarPlay® Integration and Wireless Android Auto™ Integration
• 18-inch Matte Black Alloy Wheels
• Signature Si Seats with contrasting red stitching