Not all vehicles are equipped with the necessary features for driving in big cities. In crowded urban areas, people tend to avoid buying large vehicles such as trucks because they are difficult to park in narrow city parking spaces or navigate through tight alleyways.
For city commuting, excellent fuel economy and a small turning radius are essential factors. Automatic braking and pedestrian detection enhance safety and help avoid traffic accidents.
Therefore, when driving in the city, small and compact cars are safer to drive and do not put too much pressure on the budget when purchasing.
Here are seven cars that urban residents should consider purchasing, according to a compilation by gobankingrates website. Priced under $35,000, some models are even below $30,000.
For residents in big cities looking to buy a luxury car at a lower price, the 2024 Acura Integra is an ideal choice. Recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” as one of the best city cars in 2023 and among the safest small cars in 2024.
As Honda’s luxury brand, the Integra has been improved in safety, performance, and handling aspects, offering a more enjoyable driving experience. Equipped with a standard 1.5T aluminum four-cylinder engine, optimized with turbocharger piping and variable valve timing control.
This luxury compact car also provides additional cargo space and comes at an affordable starting price.
One of the major benefits of this car is its safety features. Apart from standard functions such as pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring, the Acura Integra offers some convenient optional features worth considering.
A practical and affordable compact car, the Civic has been one of the best cars in the American market for a long time, known for its popularity. The 2025 Civic has introduced a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system.
2024 Hyundai Elantra boasts good fuel efficiency and seat space, making up for shortcomings in compact sedans.
Equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine generating 121 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The newly designed air curtain in the front bumper slightly enhances fuel efficiency.
The Elantra also features a range of safety functions suitable for driving in the city during day or night, such as automatic high beams, front automated emergency braking, and cyclist detection (optional).
With a low starting price, this car is suitable for young professionals. Its unique and distinctive exterior design, excellent power system, and user-friendly interior configuration provide consumers with diverse car-buying options.
In terms of power, the 2024 Kia Forte offers two high-performance engine options for consumers to choose. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, providing excellent fuel economy and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 8 seconds.
Reported by “U.S. News & World Report,” this compact sedan offers spacious cabin, excellent fuel efficiency, and more standard driver assistance features.
The Mazda 3 comes in two versions – compact sedan and hatchback. The 2024 hatchback model features exclusive carbon fiber trims for a high-end appearance. While stylish both on the inside and outside, it lacks additional space in the rear seats.
The 2024 Mazda 3 also added an Inattention Warning feature, which detects driver distraction and triggers a warning alarm for better concentration while driving.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla has many practical uses and is very suitable for city driving.
Combining SUV and sedan features, the 2024 Toyota Corolla has seen significant improvements in interior, space, power, equipment, and safety. The interior maintains Toyota’s characteristic simplicity while offering a multifunction steering wheel, full LCD dashboard, automatic air conditioning, keyless start, among other features, adding a more tech-savvy and convenient feel to the interior.
This compact car is equipped with many safety features, good fuel economy, and comes at an affordable starting price.
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XLE received interior upgrades, including synthetic leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, button start, wireless charging, remote keyless entry, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additionally, it offers an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and a panoramic glass roof.
For those searching for a hybrid car suitable for big cities and priced under $30,000, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime might be worth considering. Despite narrower rear seats, it offers fuel efficiency and smooth driving experience.