2021 Ford Bronco Sport

(June 18, 2021) IRVINE, Calif. — This weekend America will collectively celebrate dear old dad, and while it may be uncommon to give a car as a Father’s Day gift, it can be fun to dream. Perhaps it’s not as much of a far-away concept if you recently got a huge work bonus, a big stimulus check has you feeling generous, or you were lucky enough to win the lottery. Regardless of the circumstances, to gift dad a new car you might need guidance on which models to consider.

To help as you’re dreaming about spoiling the father figure in your life with the gift of a new ride, the editors at Kelley Blue Book recently named the 10 Coolest Father’s Day Cars Under $30,000 for 2021. The affordable new cars and SUVs on this list would be perfect for the rugged dad, the sporty dad or any dad in between. To keep this fun roundup realistic and somewhat attainable, all of the featured cars and SUVs have a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of under $30,000.

“Even if it’s just a ‘maybe someday’ or ‘wouldn’t it be amazing if’ type of dream, it can be fun to imagine the surprise on dad’s face if you were to give him a new car for Father’s Day,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “There are hundreds of new car and SUV models out there, making it challenging to choose which vehicle may be best for dad. The Kelley Blue Book editors narrowed down the long list of new cars available under $30,000 while specifically keeping all of the different types of dads in mind, arriving at what we think are the 10 coolest.”

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Coolest Father’s Day Cars Under $30,000 for 2021

1. 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
If your dad is rugged but doesn’t necessarily need a hard-core off-roader, the Ford Bronco Sport has the personality of the new Bronco but in a more practical and road-friendly four-door SUV package. That said, it also has the off-road capabilities to back up its appearance, making it good for a dad who is into outdoorsy activities like camping or fishing.

2. 2021 Chevrolet Camaro
If your dad doesn’t have kids to haul around anymore, he may enjoy the Chevy Camaro’s decidedly modern, sharp styling with a few nice nods to the car’s past. Beyond its good looks, the Camaro’s exciting performance is sure to put a smile on dad’s face.

3. 2021 Ford Mustang
Unless your dad is a die-hard GM or Mopar fan, every red-blooded American dad should have an appreciation for the legendary Ford Mustang. Its reputation continues as a fun, great-looking sports car that won’t break the bank.



4. 2021 Dodge Challenger
For a dad who still has backseat passengers often, the Dodge Challenger has a bench backseat you can actually use (unlike its top American muscle car rivals). The Challenger is good for any dad with a soft spot for Mopar muscle cars of the past thanks to its heavily retro-inspired styling.

5. 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Provided your dad can still physically manage to get in and out of a small sports car, a Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most fun cars you can buy for under $30,000. This little roadster is an absolute joy to drive, staying true to its roots as a fun, lightweight sports car with modern technology and engineering.



6. 2021 Jeep Wrangler 2-Door
For the adventurous dad who is up for hiking, mountain biking, or doing just about anything outside, the Jeep Wrangler is a great way to get there. Its off-road proficiency is unmatched, and any dad can appreciate the iconic, military-inspired look.

7. 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
If your dad has a Honda motorcycle in the garage, then he’s sure to appreciate the Honda Civic Sport Hatchback. It’s almost as fun to drive as a Honda sportbike, but with the added conveniences of doors, a roof, five seats and much more cargo space. It’s also one of the few Civic models still available with a manual transmission.

8. 2021 Mazda CX-5
If a Mazda Miata doesn’t offer enough storage space or if your dad just wants room to stretch out, the Mazda CX-5 is a good, practical alternative. The CX-5 is the athlete of the compact SUV segment with engaging driving dynamics that make it fun at any speed.



9. 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line
If your dad thinks the redesigned Hyundai Elantra is just a practical compact sedan, he should see how the sporty N Line model transforms the car’s performance. Featuring available 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters and plenty of cool styling cues, it’s also the only gas-powered Elantra to use an independent rear suspension.

10. 2021 Toyota RAV4
If your dad is the more practical type who doesn’t need anything showy, then the pragmatic Toyota RAV4 could be up his alley. This safe, reliable, efficient vehicle excels at combining the driving dynamics of a compact car with the versatility and capability of an SUV. What more could the humble dad want?