Skip to main content

Shopping for a new car can make for an overwhelming experience. With so many new vehicles to choose from, how do you decide which is the best option for satisfying your daily driving needs? Fortunately, TrueCar has sifted through the data and revealed its picks for the best new cars under $50,000.

The 2021 Volvo S60 is one of the best new cars under $50,000

2021 Volvo S60 Inscription, in Pebble Grey metallic, one of the best new cars under $50,000
2021 Volvo S60 | Volvo

There’s a lot to like about the 2021 Volvo S60. It’s a five-seater, four-door sedan that’s as spacious as it is comfortable. It starts at $38,950 and is available in seven trim levels. TrueCar reports that the most popular Volvo S60 trim level is the T5 Momentum AWD, which boasts a starting price of $41,250 and comes well-outfitted with the latest in driver-assist and tech-savvy features.

Of course, a slew of trim levels and a long list of features aren’t the only reasons that TrueCar included the 2021 Volvo S60 among its picks for the best new cars under $50,000. According to TrueCar, this year’s new Volvo S60 “blends secure handling with a quiet ride” and “remains best-suited for daily driving bliss.”

Perhaps the only downside to the 2021 Volvo S60 is that it’s not the most sporty sedan to drive. In fact, while this year’s new Volvo S60 does feel stable when it gets up to speed, TrueCar reports that it “lacks the razor-sharp handling of sports sedans in its class.” 

The 2021 Lexus ES is a new car that offers plenty of options

A white 2021 Lexus ES driving down an empty street
2021 Lexus ES | Lexus

And if the 2021 Volvo S60 isn’t quite your style? TrueCar also highlighted the 2021 Lexus ES as one of the best new cars under $50,000. This luxury sedan boasts a starting price of $40,000 and is available in several different trim levels. At its most expensive, the 2021 Lexus ES will have you spending approximately $46,550. For those in the market for a new car under $50,000, there’s no denying that the 2021 Lexus ES makes for a budget-friendly choice.

As for what’s under the hood? This year’s model can be had with three different engines, including a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. Standard, however, is a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Additional engine options include a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 215-hp hybrid powertrain. 

The 2021 Lexus ES comes well-stocked with tech and safety features too, TrueCar reports. All models are standard with sought after features like push-button start, a 10-speaker premium sound system, WiFi connectivity, and a Lexus Multimedia System with an 8.0-in color display featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This year’s model comes standard with a long list of driver-assist safety features too and was given a five-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon is the best new car under $50,000

A red Toyota Avalon, the best new car under $50,000
Toyota Avalon | Toyota

When it came to choosing the best new car under $50,000, TrueCar chose none other than the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Though, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The Toyota Avalon starts at $36,125 and is available in a long list of trim levels. Those in the market for a fuel-efficient new sedan will be pleased to know that the Avalon is available as a hybrid too.

But if you go with the standard Toyota Avalon? You can expect to find a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, TrueCar reports that the “Avalon’s quiet powertrain and supple suspension help with daily driving.” According to the EPA, the Avalon isn’t much of a gas guzzler either. With a V6 under the hood, it delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon knows just how to please when it comes to interior space and amenities too. It offers up more than enough space for five passengers, along with 16.09 cubic-feet of cargo space. This year’s model can also be had with a leather-trimmed interior, real wood trim, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and a premium audio system.

Choosing the best new car for your budget is going to take a test drive

If you’re shopping for a new car under $50,000, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But according to TrueCar? These three models make up some of the best new cars under $50,000. To find out which is the best fit for you, we recommend getting behind the wheel for a test drive.

Related

The Best New Cars Under $30,000 According to TrueCar