11 Best Cars for Your Money in 2024: Do Experts All Agree?

David Nadelle

While inflation continues to cool and the supply issues that troubled production during the pandemic are dying down, the auto industry is bleeding customers dry by making more luxury cars and SUVs with fully loaded trims and less small cars and base models.

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The period of computer chip shortages and low inventory of the past few years has benefitted automakers tremendously, driving strong margins and greater profits. Car buyers are in an unfortunate positions of submitting to higher prices than they want to pay and more car than they need to own.

Here’s what U.S. News & World Report thinks are the best cars for your money, plus a few viable alternatives from other sites and some recommendations from auto expert Gordian Hense, Managing Director of Carmart, who said of the picks: “Their selections generally align with market trends and consumer preferences. However, as with any such list, it’s important to consider individual needs and priorities.”

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Best Cars for the Money

  • Best Compact Car for the Money: Honda Civic (starting MSRP: $25,045)

  • Best Midsize Car for the Money: Honda Accord (starting MSRP: $28,990)

  • Best Hybrid Car for the Money: Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (starting MSRP: $27,400)

Honda’s two top-selling models, the Civic and the Accord, were named the best compact and midsize cars by Kelley Blue Book and U.S. News & World Report. The latter crowned four Hondas winners in their respective categories. While that isn’t a surprise, it is surprising that no Toyotas made a top spot on its list.

“The Honda Civic’s consistent performance and reliability make it a deserving choice for the Best Compact Car for the Money,” said Hense. “However, I would also consider the Toyota Corolla (starting MSRP: $23,145) for its similar qualities and potentially competitive pricing. Both models offer a solid blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and value.”

Concerning the Accord, Hense said, “The Honda Accord continues to be a strong contender in the midsize car segment. Its reputation for quality, comfort, and performance is well-deserved. I’d also recommend the Toyota Camry (starting MSRP: $27,515) for its comparable attributes and potentially different styling preferences.”

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Best SUVs for the Money

  • Best Subcompact SUV for the Money: Kia Soul (starting MSRP: $21,665)

  • Best Compact SUV for the Money: Hyundai Tucson (starting MSRP: $29,750)

  • Best 2-Row SUV for the Money: Honda Passport (starting MSRP: $43,295)

  • Best 3-Row SUV for the Money: Kia Telluride (starting MSRP: $37,355)

  • Best Hybrid SUV for the Money: Kia Sportage Hybrid (starting MSRP: $29,965)

  • Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV for the Money: Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (starting MSRP: $40,965)

  • Best Electric SUV for the Money: Hyundai Ioniq 5 starting (MSRP: $43,195)

As far as the best SUVs for your money were concerned, Kia took the honors in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Subcompact SUV (Soul), Best 3-Row SUV (Telluride), Besty Hybrid SUV (Sportage Hybrid) and Best Plug-In Hybrid categories (Sportage Plug-In Hybrid). The site felt that Hyundai’s Tucson and Ioniq 5 provided compact SUV and electric SUV buyers with the best value for their money and the Honda Passport was the Best 2-Row SUV.

Hense agrees with U.S. News & World Report’s findings, but fights for some heavyweights too. “The Kia Soul, Hyundai Tucson, Honda Passport, Kia Telluride and Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid are all solid selections in their respective SUV categories,” said Hense. “Their combination of space, features and value make them appealing to a wide range of buyers.”

“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is also a compelling choice in the electric SUV segment, offering advanced technology and a competitive range,” he added. “However, I would also consider the Toyota RAV4 (starting MSRP: $30,025) and Subaru Forester (starting MSRP: $28,440) as strong alternatives in the compact SUV segment.” According to Road & Track, the RAV4 was the best selling Toyota and the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2023 that wasn’t a full-size pickup truck.

Best Minivan for the Money

  • Best Minivan for the Money: Honda Odyssey (starting MSRP: $43,315)

U.S. News & World Report made the Honda Odyssey their 2024 Best Minivan for the Money pick, but you could make a case for the Kia Carnival (starting MSRP: $34,995), as J.D. Power does, or the Toyota Sienna (starting MSRP: $39,080), which is regarded as the best minivan in this declining segment, per Kelley Blue Book. Available as a hybrid-only, the Sienna is marketed as a minivan ready for outdoor activities, with a 1500-watt inverter, a roof rack and an available hitch to tow up to 3500 pounds.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 11 Best Cars for Your Money in 2024: Do Experts All Agree?

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