WE ANSWER YOUR MOST COMMON QUESTION WHAT SHOULD I BUY?
It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked from friends, family, and complete strangers. “I need a new vehicle. What should I buy?” The answer, of course, isn’t simple. Do you want something fun or something practical? What is practical, anyway? Do you have kids? Dogs? Is your next vehicle a tool or a toy? The list of factors to consider can be endless.
Often, then, the easiest way to answer that common question is to speak for ourselves and let inquiring parties decide what part of that is relevant to them. Our staff ranges from the tail end of the baby boomer generation all the way down to Gen Y. We have young parents and some still chauffeuring teenagers. Single millennials mingle with double-income, no-kids Gen Xers. We have high rollers (real and imagined) and frugal families. Odds are there’s someone around here whose priorities align with your own.
The following pages of cars, trucks, and SUVs cover the range of vehicles we’d buy for ourselves if we were in the market right now, and our picks just might meet your needs, as well.
CARS
2019 Ford Fiesta ST
Base price: $22,690
Hot hatch history
For less than $20,000 (after incentives), the Ford Fiesta ST tops my list of affordable new cars that are also great fun.
Yes, it’s front-drive, but the Fiesta ST’s razor-sharp agility makes it just as thrilling as a more expensive Miata. And although the Fiesta ST is tiny, it’s much more practical than a Miata thanks to four doors, a hatch, and seating for five. (Four might be more realistic.) The Ford is enjoyable to toss around town, and its shifter makes it satisfying to row the gears.
The 197-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four is more than adequate for a subcompact, and its 0–60 time of 6.4 seconds feels quicker than that number suggests. Plus, the aftermarket offers lots of go-faster parts. The EPA rating of 25/32 mpg city/highway is attractive, the exterior is handsome, and although the interior is basic, it’s been updated with a decent interface and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The next-gen Fiesta ST won’t make it Stateside, which makes my decision to own this little piece of hot hatch history even easier.
Erick Ayapana
2019 Kia Soul
Base price: $18,485
As configured: $28,615
Fun-loving hatch
I love quirky cars, especially practical ones like the Kia Soul. Now in its third generation, the boxy hatchback has grown up without losing its trademark character. My choice is the Soul GT-Line Turbo, which adds a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brake discs, and 18-inch alloy wheels shod in wider tires. These give the Soul sure-footed handling without big ride quality sacrifices.
The Soul’s boxy proportions provide plenty of room for four passengers or hauling impulsively purchased flat-pack furniture, and its user-friendly infotainment system, 640-watt Harman Kardon sound system, and pulsating ambient lighting make millennial me giddy with delight.
At just under $29,000 with the optional floormats, the 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo is a lot of car for the money. From its improved driving experience to the sweet tech features, the boxy hatchback has so much to offer, especially when you consider its long warranty.
Stefan Ogbac
2019 Volkswagen Golf
Base price: $22,740
Versatile small hatch
The Golf remains a small player in the compact segment, but it’s a hidden gem.
The current-generation Golf is remarkably competent given its age. After five years on the market, this hatchback still holds its own with other compacts thanks to its stable ride, agile handling, confident braking, and smooth powertrain. Perhaps the most significant change the standard hatch has received in its current iteration is a 1.4-liter turbo-four making 147 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Although that doesn’t seem like much, the engine packs a punch while saving on gas, netting a 29/37 mpg city/highway EPA rating.
It’s that kind of balanced performance this newlywed is looking for in a car. I also enjoy the Golf’s easy maneuverability in parking lots and its relatively spacious cargo bay that’s perfect for weekend luggage, athletic gear, and grocery bags.
So how would I spec it? Only two trim levels are available on the 2019 Golf: S ($22,740) and SE ($25,040). I would stick with the base model because it has all I need, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, automatic headlights, and the peace of mind that comes with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and other safety features. This iteration isn’t confirmed past the current generation, though. If the standard Golf S disappears, I could be strong-armed into a Golf GTI.
Kelly Lin
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT
Base price: $21,380
As configured: $24,230
Family-friendly hatchback
As a married thirty-something with a newborn, a mortgage, and one car payment already, I’d want my second car payment to be relatively low to ease the impact on my budget.
I’d also want four doors, a roomy back seat, and reasonable cargo capacity to accommodate my son’s car seat and other essential baby gear. And because he’ll be in the car sometimes, it needs to have excellent safety ratings. Lastly, I’d want a car I can enjoy driving: something that handles well, has decent power, and preferably comes with a manual transmission.
That’s a tall order, but there are a few cars that fit the bill. The Volkswagen Golf is one, but there’s one car that offers more power—and arguably
