Best Affordable Cars Under $40,000 Make Great Family Rides

When you want a car that works well for you and your family, it might be time for the best affordable cars under $40,000. Here are a few you might consider.

It’s possible to have a car that doesn’t cost a lot but still gives you modern features and qualities. If you’re looking for a car that delivers the goods, you’ll want to check out some of these models and see if one of them is right for you.

Which one will make it into your driveway to be your affordable every day driver that you depend on and enjoy.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is an impressive car with roominess for a family of five and the efficiency to keep more money in your wallet. This family sedan has a fresh look and feel for 2025, making it more attractive and enjoyable on the road. There are two hybrid options available for the Camry to give you up to 232 horsepower for the drive. The Camry Prime is the PHEV version that gives you an electric driving range that you’ll enjoy during your time on the road.

Mazda3

When you want a car that delivers impressive driving excitement but has room for a small family, the Mazda3 could be the right car for you. This is easily one of the best affordable cars under $40,000, giving you a wonderful lineup of trims with performance and driving dynamics. The Mazda3 comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles with a choice of two engines, one of which has an impressive turbo to provide extra speed and fun. This car also comes with either an automatic or manual transmission, allowing you to shift the way you want.

Toyota Prius

The latest version of the Toyota Prius has more power than any model before it. The regular Prius is a hybrid that delivers 194 horsepower to the wheels, while the Prius Prime generates 220 horsepower with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. This car is affordable and efficient, making it one of the top choices when you want a car that brings you the driving qualities you desire. Get behind the wheel and let the Toyota Prius take you where you need to go.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

If you thought you couldn’t find an affordable and useful electric sedan, think again. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the best affordable cars under $40,000, and it has lots of interior room and a smooth drive on every road. You’ll be glad to have this electric sedan when it’s time to head out on the road for a fantastic ride. This stylish sedan shares many of its components with the Ioniq 5 SUV, but it gives you a sleeker and more aerodynamic shape. The Ioniq 6 is also Car and Driver’s EV of the Year, which is another feather in its cap.

Honda Civic Si

When you want a Honda Civic but you want that car to be a little more exciting, the Si model gives you the driving fun you’re looking for. This impressive car has a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower for your drive. This engine mates to a 6-speed manual transmission to give you the engaged driving feeling that makes sense out on the road. This exciting car is affordable, fun, and exciting. Will this be the fun Civic you want to drive?

Honda Civic Hybrid

This impressive hybrid sedan uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 200 horsepower and up to 50 mpg combined. This hybrid Civic is one of the best affordable cars under $40,000, giving you the efficiency and drive you want to enjoy when you get behind the wheel. The regular Honda Civic has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower but doesn’t have the same efficiency figures as the hybrid model. If you want a great car with impressive fuel mileage numbers, the Civic Hybrid is what you want to drive.

Honda Accord Hybrid

If you want a hybrid Honda sedan with more room than the Civic, the Accord is the right choice for you. This midsize sedan has the same powertrain as the Civic Hybrid, giving you the driving pleasure and experience you want on the road. If you’re looking for affordable driving, the Accord Hybrid is priced right and offers impressive fuel mileage figures. Every version is set up with FWD to give you the right car for your affordable family driving experience.

Which of these cars is the one you want to drive? These are the best affordable cars under $40,000 for you to enjoy a great ride every day.