Buy This Not That: When What You Want Isn’t an Option, Look To These Best Cars Alternatives
High prices and fewer options don't mean you can't get a great new car
Is your dream car out of reach? Is the popular model you are eyeingstill getting a premium over sticker price? Maybe the dealer says he just can’t get the car you want?
Maybe it’s time to move on. But there alternatives to the best cars on the road, and choices that will make you very happy.
Here are some popular but hard-to-get or expensive cars and great alternatives that’ll put a smile on your face.
Related: We just got a look at the brand new Infiniti QX80. This is what you need to know!
The Ever Popular Toyota 4Runner Just Got a Redesign and Now It’s Even Hotter
We love the rugged sexiness of the Toyota 4Runner. But it’s hard to get, and when you can find it, it can be expensive. Add to that the fact that it was in great need of an update to its interior design and technology and even though it carries such an allure, it’s a tough sell. The newly redesigned model will be on sale later this year, but if you can’t wait, or can’t even get the last model, don’t fret. There’s an option for that.
Read: 2025 Toyota 4Runner First Look: It’s Back and It’s Awesome
Buy This Not That Alternative: The Honda Passport
The Honda Passport has just been redesigned, giving it a new look, more power, more function and more of a bad-ass feel. Both the outgoing model, which was re-introduced in 2019, and the redesigned 2026 model, deliver all the basic SUV goodness: Off-road ready, able to climb hills in a single acceleration, and all thoughtful details for such adventures, with all weather floor mats and easy to clean seats and panels. Priced from $44,750, this is an SUV that you’ll enjoy finding in sea of 4Runner sameness.
Read: Falling for the 2026 Honda Passport’s Classic Looks? Go For TrailSport’s Muscle and Class
Have Your Heart Set on a Lexus GX?
The Lexus GX is a classic old-school SUV reinvented for the modern era. Not just capable, but capable of being modified for your needs, its boxy but sleek, capable yet comfortable. Inside it has luxurious appointments and a 3rd row option for those who need it. The Lexus GX was completely redesigned for 2024 and is is priced from about $65,5850, not a bad price for a full-size full-luxury SUV with full-fledged 4WD—if you can find one.
Road Test: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Is Still the Classic We’ve Always Loved
Buy This Not That Alternative: Land Rover Defender
Priced from about $60,800—the Defender is incredibly capable and features the luxury of capability and equipment. Available in two doors or four and with a 3rd row, as well as a more powerful V8 engine option, buyers can get as much or as little Defender as they like. And, new models carry the charm of Defender’s “Safari windows” which allow a peek at the treeline or, nature willing, giraffe’s chins. We love the old-school approach with a modern feel and all the capability the Defender offers, both on the off-road trail and in the after-school pick up line.
Read: Land Rover Doubles Down On More Seating With The 2023 Defender 130
Ford Bronco Got Your Attention?
These can still be hard to find and expensive when you do. That’s because the Ford Bronco, priced from $39,000 and available in 2- or 4-door models and in manual or automatic transmission, is designed to do it all on the off-road trail. And, buyers get a fee pass to the Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo, a full day off-road school that will teach you not just how to use all the gear built into your Bronco, but how to drive a trail and find new trails and a community of off-roaders where you live.
Read: Can Driving the Ford Bronco Raptor Help You Understand Yourself Better?
Buy This Not That Alternative: Jeep Wrangler
We have had a long love affair with the Jeep Wrangler, which offers multiple models and levels of off-road capability, from basic to expert. Priced from $32,690, these also tend to hold their value (relatively, these are cars after all) so when you decide it’s time to upgrade you have a nice asset to trade in.
Read: I Went Off-Roading in the New 2024 Jeep Wrangler, and It Blew My Mind
The Mustang Mach-E Is a Best Cars Favorite
I get you. I just spent three months driving a Mustang Mach-E as a long-term test drive and I’m in love, too. The Mustang Mach E, priced from a very reasonable $37,995, is a favorite for its simplified approach to fun. It delivers 240+ miles of quick-charging electric range, instant acceleration, one-pedal driving, is Tesla-Supercharger compatible, has a truly beautiful design and a comfortable interior. This car has inspired clubs and fandom that make the ownership experience even more fun.
Read: Why I Bought My Mustang Mach-E: Joanna Stern, Wall Street Journal Tech Columnist
Buy This Not That Alternative: Nissan Ariya
This may be the most beautiful Nissan ever designed: It’s sleek, elegant and has a truly novel interior. The design is so inspired, in fact, that Nissan has begun adding some of Ariya’s features, such as the wood-paneled console with embedded touch-sensitive controls, into its other models.
Nissan is an innovator in the EV space and has sold more EVs than any other brand, even Telsa, so they know a thing about EVs. Priced from $39,770 and with a range of 216 miles to 289 miles, depending on the model, the Ariya is accessible and thanks to Nissan’s commitment to EVs, plentiful.
Read: The Nissan Ariya Might Seriously Be the Most Beautiful Nissan, Ever.
Are You Still Dreaming of a Kia Telluride?
Even though Kia increased production and added new trims to the Telluride, it can still a hard one to get, especially if there’s a particular trim or color you have in mind. That’s driving up the price, which starts at $36,390. and making buyers think twice about this dream car. For those who did get one, is a crowd-pleaser: 3 rows of comfortable seating, great technology and in the new X-Line and X-Pro, even more off-road ruggedness.
Read: Why I Bought a Kia Telluride
Buy This Not That Alternative: VW Atlas
The VW Atlas is a great family SUV with great space for kids car seats, a comfortable 3rd row, even for adults. and lots of style. We particularly like the top of the line R Design, but there many options, priced from $38,200 and filled with lots of nice standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assist and safety features.
Read: The Updated, Upgraded 2024 VW Atlas 3-Row SUV
The Redesigned Toyota RAV4 Intends to Stay On Top
This cute, reliable, roomy SUV has been a best seller since it’s introduction and it’s easy to see why: Well priced, from $29,250, and with a trim for everyone, from basic to luxe to rugged for the off-road, and with hybrid to the Prime plug-in hybrid electric options, you can have the compact SUV you want at an affordable price. For 2026 the RAV4 gets a new look, more standard features and now, will only be available in hybrid or PHEV powertrains, increasing fuel economy to an expected 40 MPG or so. Even with so many options and such high popularity, the RAV4 is always in demand, so it can be disappointing to see this one fall just outside of your price range.
Read: The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is All-In on Style, Options and Performance, Boosted by Electric Power
Buy This Not That Alternative: Kia Sportage
This little cutie also got a makeover for 2026, giving it a more toned look on the outside, adding Kia’s signature starmap lighting and a modern feel and function inside. Kia loves to give away all the technology they can come up with, so things like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, “hey Kia” voice activated assistance and driver assistance tech rival what you’d find in far more expensive cars. And, like the RAV4, you can pick your power: gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric and of course, all wheel drive starting at $28,690.
Read: The Kia Sportage PHEV Electric SUV Has Changed the Way I Look at Kia
How We’ve Longed for the Volvo EX30
And we’ve waited patiently. The compact electric Volvo EX30, with its novel design and very light carbon footprint, has finally made its way to the US. Priced from $46,195, it delivers Volvo’s beautiful, iconic design, a powerful motor, or two, and higher trims with more features. But, they are still hard to find and import rules aren’t helping. Still, this has been at the top of our list for a truly inventive, innovative and chic modern EV since Volvo introduced it a couple of years ago, and for buyers who want it, it’s worth the hunt.
2025 Volvo EX 30 First Drive: The Electric SUV, Re-Thought, Luxury-Packed, Budget Friendly
Buy This Not That Alternative: Hyundai Ioniq 5
We loved this little electric car from its introduction and it still represents one of the best EVs on the road. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is comfortable for 4 or 5 passengers, has an “open interior” design and a moveable center console, and it has a fast-charging power plant that can recoup 80% of the battery charge in just 20 minutes at a level 3 fast charger. Priced from $42,600 and with a very solid range of up to 318 miles, a lease can also be a great way to get this car into your life.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 First Drive: A Pivotal Moment for Hyundai—and for Electric Cars
There’s always an alternative to anything you want but can’t have, or can’t stomach the compromises required. Do your homework on features and pricing, shop around and think about what you really need versus what you simply want. And then, get the car that’ll make you happy. You deserve it.
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