The 2018 L.A. auto show is known for displaying expensive sheetmetal, with this year hosting the debuts of the new 2020 Porsche 911, Audi e-tron GT concept, and 2020 Lincoln Aviator. But the show also offers plenty of eye candy that won’t cost a fortune. Read on to see the top cars under $35,000 that debuted at this year’s show.
2019 Mazda3
Production cars don’t often resemble the concepts that inspired them. But such is the case with the striking new Mazda3. With its slim taillights and shapely hatch, the Mazda3 embodies the spirit of the Kai concept that debuted at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. For 2019, the model receives a new available powertrain that uses a spark to create a pressure wave that initiates compression ignition, improving torque and fuel economy.
2020 Toyota Corolla
After revealing the new Corolla hatchback in March, Toyota is bringing out the sedan in L.A. It may not offer scintillating styling, but the new sedan promises an improved ride now that it has moved to the Toyota New Global Architecture. The new Corolla has a wider front and rear track, and occupants sit an inch lower and 1.6 inches more rearward than before. A lower hood and overall height also contribute to the model’s lower center of gravity.
Under the hood, the Corolla offers a familiar 1.8-liter four-cylinder with slightly more power this year. A new 2.0-liter engine is also available, making 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The first hybrid Corolla comes to market in spring 2019. The vehicle uses the 1.8-liter engine and hybrid system from the Prius to make 121 hp. Fuel economy numbers have not yet been released. Like the new non-hybrid Corolla, it rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture.
2020 Kia Soul
Most will still recognize it as a Kia Soul, but the third generation brings along some big design changes. It gets a floating roof, large low-set grille, slim headlights, and wraparound taillights. In addition to the familiar 1.6-liter turbo-four that makes 201 hp, the Soul receives a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder that has 147 hp, down from 161 hp last year, but up from the 2019 base model’s 130 hp. Building on the hatch’s quirky personality, Kia created different mood lighting themes including Party Time, Romance, Midnight City, Cafe, and more. At the same time, the hatch becomes more refined with an available new head-up display and 10.3-inch touchscreen.
2020 Kia Soul EV
Like the new Niro EV, this vehicle packs a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor with 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. One-pedal driving is possible when the regenerative braking setting is adjusted to the highest level of 3, while drivers who want a smoother drive can put it on a lower setting of 0, 1, or 2. Once again, Kia distinguished the Soul EV from the standard model with a closed grille area. Expect range to improve dramatically from the current Soul EV and pricing to start not far from the $35,000 mark.
2019 Honda Passport
The original Passport, sold from model years 1994 through 2002, gave Honda a competitor in the SUV category, although it was essentially a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. After the Passport’s discontinuation, Honda went to work on the more practical, car-based Pilot. Now, the Passport borrows quite a bit from the Pilot, including the chassis, engine, transmission, and much of its styling, but in a midsize package and without the third row. The Passport offers more ground clearance than its sibling, and all models come with a blacked-out grille. Expect it to slip under the Pilot’s $32,445 base price.
2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition Convertible
Sadly, VW is ending production on the Beetle in July 2019. In the interim, a Final Edition coupe and convertible will celebrate the iconic hatch that drove and handled well for its age. Final Edition Beetles receive specially designed interiors and wheels, as well as two unique exterior paint options: Safari Uni and Stonewashed Blue. Prices start at $23,940 for the coupe and $28,190 for the convertible.
2019 Kia Niro EV
Kia now has a fully electric version of the Niro. The 2019 Kia Niro EV borrows its lithium-ion battery from the Kona EV, and the electric motor makes a healthy 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. Range is estimated to reach 239 miles on a single charge, making it practical for longer commutes. Through DC fast charging, the Niro EV can recharge 100 miles in 30 minutes, or to 80 percent battery capacity in 75 minutes.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai just made its largest SUV ever. And it’s about time. The three-row crossover segment is booming, with new automakers joining the game. The Palisade will compete with the new Volkswagen Atlas, Subaru Ascent, and Kia Telluride when it goes on sale early next summer.
Not only can this SUV tow 5,000 pounds, but it offers a number of creature comforts inside, from a 10.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, one-touch power reclining and ventilated second row seats, and power reclining and folding third row seats. Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing information, but it should start in the low $30,000s like its competitors.
2020 Jeep Gladiator
The rumors were true that Jeep is bringing back the Gladiator name for a new midsize pickup. It shares almost half its parts with the Wrangler, including the hood, doors, and powertrains. But it’s significantly bigger and has a 5-foot bed. It’s 31 inches longer than a four-door Wrangler with a wheelbase that’s 19.4 inches bigger, all while being 400 pounds heavier. It can tow up to 7,650 pounds, placing it above competitors. Pricing is unclear at this point, but the starting price shouldn’t stray far from $35,000.
2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e
Finally, an all-wheel-drive Prius. This model features an electric rear motor that helps the Prius pull away form a stop, powering the wheels from 0-6 mph. Then it engages as needed for traction at speeds up to 43 mph. When all-wheel-drive performance is not necessary, the Prius is able to save fuel. Toyota is projecting a rating of 52/48/50 mpg for this new model. All-wheel-drive will be available as a $1,400 price premium on the LE grade and a $1,000 premium on the XLE.
2019 Nissan Maxima
The Maxima teeters on the edge of this list. Although Nissan hasn’t released prices for the refreshed Maxima, it should cost around the $34,315 starting price of the 2018 model. Changes focus on the cosmetic, from updated wheel designs to an even more prominent front grille. The model also has new jewel-like LED headlights and quad-tip exhaust finishers. Inside the cabin, Nissan updated the seat materials, instrument panel, door inserts, and other parts.
2019 Nissan Murano
The refreshed Murano also receives several cosmetic updates. Redesigned headlights and taillights, new LED fog lights, and a bolder grille are part of the equation. For a more upmarket look, top trim Platinum models receive new semi-aniline leather appointed seats with diamond quilted inserts and contrast trim. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes features for crash avoidance, pedestrian detection, and driver assistance, is now available, as on the refreshed Maxima. The revised Murano shouldn’t come in much higher than the $32,045 starting price for the 2018 model.
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