5 Fun Vehicles Under $30,000

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata got a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The 26 horsepower bump from the previous model makes the Miata a bit faster with a 0-60 of under 6 seconds. The real fun comes in the agile handling and sharp steering so you can tackle the corners with confidence. This roadster blends driving thrills with practicality thanks to excellent fuel efficiency and an affordable starting price. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway and starts at $25,730 MSRP.

One of the best performance hatchbacks on the market, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a balanced, composed, and agile driving experience that puts the fun back into the driving experience. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers up a potent 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The power isn't too much to overwhelm, but enough to make the GTI responsive and quick to accelerate (a 0-60 under 6 seconds). The GTI's steering and handling is so accurate that you'll remember why you love driving when you get behind the wheel. The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI slips in under the $30,000 benchmark at $29,515 starting MSRP.

A new hot hatch on the scene, the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N delivers serious performance. It's so fun to drive, in fact, that it beat out vehicles like the Corvette and the Supra to get the title of 'Performance Car of the Year from Road and Track. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine gives you 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (for the stick shift enthusiasts) the engine provides nimble acceleration with a 0-60 in just over 5 seconds. Add super sharp steering and taut handling to the mix, and you get a recipe for a thrilling driving experience. With an MSRP of $27,400, the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N is a performance bargain.

The Jeep Wrangler provides a different kind of fun driving experience since it shines in an off-road environment. For the adventurous soul, it's hard to top the rugged 2020 Wrangler for driving thrills. With a 3.6-liter V6 engine that offers up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque or an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, getting to your off-road destination will feel effortless. Once you hit the trail, you'll get to experience the thrill of adventure thanks to off-road features like solid front and rear axles, a two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gears, protective skid plates, and at least 9.7 inches of ground clearance. With the Wrangler's starting MSRP of $28,295, off-road fun can be within reach.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade may be the smallest SUV in the Jeep lineup, but it's big on off-roading fun. The standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Although its power and acceleration won't blow you away, the Renegade makes up for it with a comforable ride, solid handling, and off-road capability. To get the most fun out of the Renegade, go with the Trailhawk trim for standard four-wheel-drive, extra ground clearance, hill-descent control, Jeep's Selec-Terrain system (for low traction conditions), all-terrain tires, skid plates and tow hooks. This subcompact SUV will let you adventure on a budget with a starting MSRP of $23,770.