The 10 Coolest Cars Under $30K? Subaru Crosstrek Is 4th Says KBB

Who doesn't want a cool car? 

While some new car shoppers may not prioritize the 'cool' factor, most buyers do. If you're working within a budget, here are some affordable choices. 

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) ranked the ten coolest cars they could find, including two Subaru models. The Subaru BRZ ranks the second coolest, and the redesigned Subaru Crosstrek ranks fourth coolest. I will explain why Crosstrek is your best pick over the BRZ, but first, here are the top ten picks by KBB. 

KBB says, "No matter how you define cool, there’s probably something to suit your tastes and your needs on this list, whether it’s a sleek hybrid, a right-sized pickup, a sport sedan, or a proper sports car."

KBB's 10 Coolest Cars Under $30,000

1. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2. 2024 Subaru BRZ
3. 2024 Honda Civic Si
4. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
5. 2024 Ford Maverick
6. 2024 Mazda3
7. 2024 Toyota Prius
8. 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
9. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
10. 2024 Hyundai Kona

Which of these under $ 30,000 cars do you think are the coolest? You'll have a chance to comment below. 

What does KBB say about the #2 BRZ?

"The 2024 Subaru BRZ is your only true sports car alternative to the Miata below the $30,000 mark (and just barely with a $29,896 Fair Purchase Price). Even its near-twin, the Toyota GR86, now sits above that line on both MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Fortunately, the BRZ is a great alternative, with 2+2 seating, a coupe body style, and terrific handling."

KBB fails to mention that the BRZ still offers a 6-speed manual transmission. Automakers are moving away from the manual shifter because of lower demand and fuel mileage. 

However, the BRZ still offers a 6-speed manual gearbox for driving enthusiasts. The BRZ makes an excellent daily driver but does not have Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive. It's a rear-drive coupe, which is excellent in the summer or if you live in a warm climate. 

What about when the snow flies?

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a practical yet fun choice. With Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, it's ready for any weather condition. Plus, its off-road capabilities make it a versatile all-weather small SUV, perfect for carrying all your gear for mountain or beach adventures. 

What does KBB say about the Crosstrek?

"The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has been completely redesigned with new looks and features. Starting at $26,540, standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and plenty of ground clearance is still part of the package, and there's even a Wilderness model for even more off-piste fun, but it does climb above the $30,000 mark in Wilderness trim. Fortunately, both the Crosstrek base and Premium trims fall well within our budget, and even the Sport can be found for less than $30,000 according to KBB's Fair Purchase Price."

KBB failed to mention that the Base and Premium trims have a 2.0-liter Boxer engine. The Sport and Wilderness trim levels come with the new 2.5-liter Boxer, producing 30 additional horsepower and no fuel mileage sacrifice. Read my Crosstrek report here. 

The new Crosstrek Wilderness is over $30,000 and has an MSRP of $33,540, including destination and delivery fees ($1,345). If you can spring for a few thousand more, you'll get its full complement of all-terrain features. Read my Wilderness report here for more information. 

The significant difference between the Crosstrek and the other small SUV competition is that it comes standard with:

• Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive for all-weather performance 
• X-Mode for severe weather 
• Dual-function X-Mode on some trim levels for all-terrain capability
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.3 on Crosstrek Wilderness) 
• EyeSight driver assist safety technology and get top IIHS safety scores
• You can take it further off-road because of its excellent balance and off-pavement features

It's important to note that you won't pay extra for the all-weather, all-terrain features. For the most active customers wanting to use their vehicle for more activities and get off the grid, I would pick the Crosstrek over the BRZ. 

What if your budget is around $20,000? Check out some excellent used car picks. 

Here are KBB's 10 Coolest Used Cars Under $20,000

1. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2. 2017 Jeep Wrangler
3. 2019 Chevrolet Camaro
4. 2019 Ford Mustang
5. 2019 Dodge Challenger
6. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
7. 2021 Mazda3
8. 2019 Honda Civic
9. 2021 Subaru Impreza
10. 2020 Chevrolet Colorado

What does KBB say about the Impreza?

"Although it's not as fast or sporty as some of the choices on this list, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is the kind of cool that can take you up into snowy mountains for a winter break, down gravel roads for camping, or wherever else adventure may take you — within reason, of course. Why? Because the Impreza comes with standard AWD. In automatic transmission-equipped models, you get standard EyeSight driver assist, too, for safer driving wherever you go."

I would look for the 2021 Impreza hatchback trim level over the sedan because it offers more versatility and utility. 

All Impreza trims have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. KBB did not mention that the Impreza still offered the 6-speed manual transmission as standard in the three trims (base sedan, hatchback, and Sport hatchback).

The 2021 Impreza is still the only compact car in North America with standard all-wheel-drive, and it's the compact car's best feature. A few competitors offer it, but you'll have to pay extra to get the all-weather capability the Impreza offers standard on all trim levels.

What is the best Impreza trim level?

The 2021 Impreza Sport hatch hits the sweet spot for features and price, and it gets suspension tuning for improved driving dynamics. The Sport trim has 18-inch machine-finish alloy wheels and Active Torque Vectoring (ATV). What difference will driving enthusiasts feel?

ATV is a performance system first introduced on the Subaru WRX that helps reduce understeer. Without it, the forward motion wants to keep the vehicle moving in a straight path. With ATV, it will help the Impreza Sport carve a tight corner.

For more information on the 2021 Impreza, read my report here. 

Which model above resonates with you the most, and why is it your top pick? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru