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AUTO CASEY: With average new car prices approaching $50K, these 10 impress at half that price

From small cars to SUVs and trucks, there are plenty of affordable options available.
Credit: Kia
2023 Forte

INDIANAPOLIS — The average new vehicle price approached $50,000 at the end of 2022, but that doesn't mean you have to spend that much to get a car with much. Putting a cap of $30,000 – and many far below that – these 10 vehicles provide impressive style and technology for surprisingly little coin.

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Credit: Chevrolet
3/4 view of Chevrolet Trax ACTIV in Cacti Green parked on a road in front of a lake. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. Available in spring 2023. Cacti Green exterior color late availability.

An all-new Trax channels bold Blazer style, including wireless CarPlay/Auto 17-inch wheels. Drive with a 1.2-liter turbo-three with 137 horsepower. Spend more for auto climate control, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise, and heated seats/steering wheel. Automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning come standard.

Base price: $21,495

2023 Ford Maverick

Credit: Ford
2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid XLT. Preproduction vehicle with optional equipment shown. Available fall 2021.

The first truck to come standard as a hybrid delivers 42-MPG city and a stout 191 hp. Cool funky interiors lay in standard Apple/Android connectivity and automatic emergency braking. B&O audio is available. Plug into household outlets in the bed for tailgating. Choose the base hybrid with steelie wheels for ultimate authentic value.

Base price: $22,195

2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Credit: Mitsubishi
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Slap a classic name on an edgy crossover and you get this roomy roamer with LED headlamps and a cabin stocked with Apple/Android connectivity. Step out with a 152 horsepower four-cylinder engine, AWD, and active yaw control for tight handling. Automatic emergency braking and 10-yr/100,000-mile powertrain warranty protect it.

Base price: $25,795

2023 Honda HR-V

Credit: Honda
2023 Honda HR-V Sport

More sophisticated, the little crossover grows up with styling cribbed from the latest Civic and a considerably larger interior featuring digital instruments, 7” touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A larger four-cylinder engine puts down 158 horsepower through front- or all-wheel-drive. Expect 26/32-MPG city/highway.

Base price: $23,650

2023 Mazda CX-50

Credit: Mazda
2023 Mazda CX-50

Butch, sporty, and loaded with luxury, this crossover is stoked with up to 256 turbocharged horsepower and achieves a combined 27-MPG. Hybrids come later. Interiors are gorgeous with available saddle leather, heads-up display, and infotainment system with artful screen and joywheel. Pedestrian detection alert enhances safety.

Base price: $26,800

2023 Hyundai Venue

Credit: Hyundai
2023 Hyundai Venue

A tall small room with a view. The 121 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder is underpowered on the Interstate, but loves urban travel while delivering 29/33-MPG city/highway. Available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect devices while automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane keep assist enhance safety.

Base price: $19,500

2023 Kia Forte

Credit: Kia
2023 Forte

Crisply creased styling previews an upscale cabin awash with a sporty steering wheel, bolstered seats, and precision feel. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes a spirited 147 horsepower and frugal 30/41-MPG city/highway. Automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane following assist come standard to fortify safety.

Base price: $19,490

2023 Toyota Prius

Credit: Toyota
2023 Toyota Prius

It's gorgeous, efficient, and a pleasure to drive. Yep, it's the new Prius. Beyond sexy Lamborghini forms and minimalist interior, the hybrid system delivers a combined 54-MPG and 194 horsepower to run 0-60 mph in 7 seconds. Safety tech includes adaptive cruise, lane tracing assist, rear parking with auto brake, and Safe Exit Assist.

Base price: $27,450

2023 Nissan Kicks

Credit: Nissan

Go Rogue at compact car prices. Base models wear cloth and rubber, but adaptive cruise, heated seats/steering wheel and auto climate are optional. Throttle a 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivering 122 horsepower and 31/36-MPG city/highway. Safety elevates with automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning.

Base price: $20,290

2023 VW Jetta

Credit: Volkswagen
2023 VW Jetta

Get German performance at a steal. It's a bit boring outside, but the peppy 1.5-liter turbo-four delivers 158 horsepower and 29/42-MPG city/highway with the base six-speed manual transmission. Standard features include VW's Digital Cockpit screens, blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert. Apple/Android apps easily connect phones.

Base price: $20,655

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Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.

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