Best cars for your money 2019

As we approach auto show season, the awards for best cars are just coming out. You want to know you’re getting the best value from your new ride, but loads of options can make the decision overwhelming. Where do you even begin? We’ve done the research for you and compiled the “best of” lists. Here are the best cars for the money in 2019.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best New Model of 2019: Volvo XC40

After five years of awards, KBB has changed up their Best Buy Awards to cover 14 different car categories. Their overall best buy is the Volvo XC40 based on resale value, the five-year cost to own and depreciation. KBB doesn’t forget about the fun aspects of a car, though. They rate cars based on drivability, look, technology and quality as well.

“[The Volvo XC40] delivers an upscale feel, good driving dynamics and creature comforts that are a class above its asking price. All-in-all, the 2019 Volvo XC40 not only breaks ground in a growing category, it is one of those all-too-rare feel-good purchases,” says KBB.

The winner has a starting price tag of about $34,000.

Cars.com Best of 2019: Genesis G70

The 2019 Genesis G70 is the Best of 2019 according to Cars.com because of the car’s innovation, quality and value.

“Unlike many rivals, the G70 boasts a degree of sensibility missing in luxury peers: Its cabin has no touch-sensitive buttons, and its dashboard display doesn't require futzing with a knob or touchpad controller to operate,” says Cars.com. “Instead, you get a big, straightforward touchscreen — what Cars.com editors have long preached, and consumer surveys confirm, as the easiest way to run things — with lots of intuitive controls, plus a complement of driver-accessible storage space that embarrasses many competitors.”

The winner has a starting price tag of around $50,000.

U.S. News and World Report Best Luxury Cars for the Money

The value of these cars was measured based on the initial price and total cost of ownership by U.S. News and World Report. From these criteria, they came up with a whole list of their favorite luxury models for 2019, depending on your needs.

Best Luxury 2-Row SUV: Lexus RX 350

Best Luxury 3-Row SUV: Infiniti QX60

Best Luxury Compact SUV: Acura RDX

Best Luxury Small Car: Kia Stinger

Best Luxury Midsize Car: Lexus ES

Whether you have a whole family to drive around or it’s just you on your daily commute, you should be able to find the right car for you from this list. U.S. News and World Report is pretty consistent in their picks from year to year. For example, there were only two categories that changed models from 2018 to 2019. In the 3-Row SUV category, Infiniti surpassed Acura for the No. 1 spot. In the Small Car category, Kia claimed first over Audi.

Now that you know the best cars of 2019, you’re ready to purchase a car with confidence. Once you know what you need to trade-in your old car , you can apply for a competitive auto loan and drive off knowing you got a great deal.

Katie Pins is a marketer fascinated with finance. Whether the topic is about the psychology of money, investment strategies or simply how to spend better, Katie enjoys diving in and sharing all the details with family, friends and Money Mentor readers. Money management needs to be simplified and Katie hopes she accomplishes that for our readers. The saying goes, "Knowledge is Power", and she hopes you feel empowered after reading Money Mentor.