Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross Lead the Shrinking Under-$30,000 Class for 2027

Eleven new cars can still be bought for under $30,000 in 2027, according to a roundup of the remaining affordable class, and two small SUVs show how tight the math has become. The Honda HR-V LX starts at $26,600, with a $1,550 destination charge bringing the suggested delivered price to $28,150. The Sport front-wheel-drive model starts at $28,400, or $29,950 including destination, while the all-wheel-drive LX reaches $29,650 including destination. Honda lists a 158-horsepower engine, a nine-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is the cheaper entry point. Toyota official October 2026 announcement puts the 2027 Corolla Cross L front-wheel-drive model at $25,535 before delivery charges, noticeably lower than preliminary pricing roundups had suggested. The compact SUV offers 169 horsepower from its gasoline powertrain, with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, plus a raised seating position, flexible cargo area, and folding rear seats. The hybrid lineup sits outside the under-$30,000 gate, starting at $31,415.

The lesson for budget shoppers is to watch the delivered price, not the headline price. The HR-V LX looks like a $26,600 car and costs $28,150 delivered, leaving just $1,850 of headroom before $30,000, and the Corolla Cross looks cheaper still until delivery charges are added. Both cars still qualify, but neither leaves much room for options, which is exactly why the under-$30,000 list has shrunk to eleven models.