New vehicle prices have never been higher. The average transaction price for a new vehicle in the United States now sits near $50,000, and even shoppers with comfortable incomes are feeling the squeeze once insurance, fuel, and interest rates are factored in. In many instances, consumers are dealing with vehicle ownership costs that would have looked absurd a decade ago.
Despite vehicle prices being at an all-time high, Chevrolet and Buick still sold nearly 700,000 vehicles with a starting MSRP under $30,000 in 2025. Five models from Chevy and Buick still start under $30K, from the subcompact Trax to the stylish Encore GX.
Below is a trim-by-trim breakdown of each one. The starting MSRPs were pulled from the retail websites for Chevrolet and Buick at the time of this writing and include destination charges. For the Buick models listed below, we are excluding the Avenir trim level as it starts over $30,000 after destination.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
Starting MSRP: $23,495
The Trax is the most affordable vehicle in GM’s lineup and one of the most affordable vehicles on the market, as all five trim levels start under $30,000. Every Trax is front-wheel drive and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine producing 137 horsepower. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Every 2026 Trax comes with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes:
- Forward collision alert.
- Front pedestrian braking.
- Following distance indicator.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams.
- Lane keep assist with lane departure warning.
Even the entry-level LS (starting at $23,495) is well-equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, two USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet, and a four-speaker audio system. Cloth upholstery, keyless entry, and 17-inch wheels are also standard.
The 1RS, starting at $24,995, adds a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, heated front seats, 18-inch black machined-aluminum wheels, and remote start. LT models have the same MSRP as the 1RS but add an 11-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and 17-inch gray machined-aluminum wheels.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
At the top end of the Trax lineup are the 2RS and ACTIV, both with a starting MSRP of $27,195. 2RS models have synthetic leather seat trim, an eight-way power driver seat with two-way power lumbar support, 19-inch black aluminum wheels, and unique RS exterior styling. ACTIV models have 18-inch black aluminum wheels and ACTIV-specific exterior trim.
Buyers who want the bigger touchscreen and upgraded wheels without the jump to leather should start with the LT, although the ACTIV models are a little more stylish without being too expensive.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Starting MSRP: $25,095
The Trailblazer offers two engine choices with the option for all-wheel drive across its four trim levels.
The first engine is a 1.2-liter turbocharged ECOTEC with 137 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. It’s standard for the LS and LT in front-wheel drive form. RS and ACTIV trims (or an LS or LT with all-wheel drive) switch to a 1.3-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine producing 155 horsepower, paired to a nine-speed automatic.
Chevy Safety Assist is standard, bundling automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and a following distance indicator into one package.
On the technology side, every Trailblazer includes:
- Two USB ports.
- Voice commands.
- HD rear vision camera.
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
- Four-speaker audio system.
- 11-inch infotainment screen.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Eight-inch driver information center.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
As noted a second ago, the 2026 Trailblazer is available in four primary trim levels:
- LS (MSRP $25,095): 17-inch silver aluminum wheels, SiriusXM with trial subscription, auto start/stop system, and four-wheel ABS.
- LT (MSRP $26,295): 17-inch high-gloss black machined wheels, remote engine start, and a six-speaker audio system.
- RS (MSRP $29,695): 19-inch black machined-aluminum wheels, heated flat-bottom steering wheel, heated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- ACTIV (MSRP $29,695): Suspension tuned for off-road use, functional skid plate, sport terrain tires, and synthetic leather seat trim.
The Trailblazer undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by thousands of dollars at the base trim level, and the math is worth a closer look for buyers who do not need everything a RAV4 offers.
2026 Buick Envista
Starting MSRP: $26,495
While an Avenir trim level is available, the Preferred and Sport Touring are the two that land under $30,000. Buick keeps the drivetrain simple, pairing a 1.2-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine (137 horsepower) with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Every 2026 Envista includes the Buick Driver Confidence package:
- Forward collision alert.
- Front pedestrian braking.
- Following distance indicator.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- IntelliBeam auto high beam assist.
- Lane keep assist with lane departure warning.
The Preferred starts at $26,495 and comes standard with an 11-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system, cloth upholstery with leatherette seat trim, and LED daytime running lamps. Convenience features include a remote start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and four USB ports.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
Sport Touring models start at $27,995 and build on features found in the Preferred. Additional features include 18-inch black aluminum wheels, black exterior accents, and leatherette seating in place of cloth.
The two trims sit $1,500 apart, with the extra money mainly buying a styling upgrade. Buyers focused strictly on equipment can stick with the Preferred and keep the difference in their pocket.
Regardless of the trim level, the Buick Envista’s on-road presence and near-luxury cabin have drawn comparisons to something like a BMW X1 at a fraction of the price.
2026 Buick Encore GX
Starting MSRP: $28,390
Similar to the Envista, Buick keeps things simplified with the Encore GX lineup. Every 2026 model uses the same 1.3-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine with 155 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available.
On the technology side, every Encore GX includes:
- Four USB ports.
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
- 11-inch HD touchscreen.
- Six-speaker audio system.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Eight-inch driver information center.
The Sport Touring trim level, which starts at $29,195, adds a few blacked-out elements, including the 18-inch aluminum wheels, grille, and bodyside moldings. For a mere $805 over the Preferred trim level, the Sport Touring is arguably the best-equipped Encore GX available, while still being under $30,000.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
2027 Chevrolet Bolt
Starting MSRP: $28,995
The Bolt is back for the 2027 model year as Chevrolet’s affordable EV, though not for long. GM has confirmed it will be a limited-run model, built at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas before production shifts to other EV projects. Its electric motor produces 210 horsepower, while its 65-kWh battery delivers an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge.
On the technology side, every 2027 Chevy Bolt is standard with:
- Four USB-C ports.
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
- 11-inch driver information center.
- 11.3-inch LCD display with Google built-in.
- NACS (North American Charging Standard) vehicle connector.
Chevy designers worked under the mantra of providing a premium EV experience at an affordable MSRP, which meant overhauling the cabin with a driver-centric layout. The new column-mounted shifter allows for more open storage space below the instrument panel and between the front seats for easy “grab-and-go” access.
Despite its compact 105.3-inch wheelbase, the Bolt offers an impressive 44.3 inches of front legroom and 39.1 inches of rear legroom. Total cargo space is 16.2 cubic feet with the rear seat upright and 56.3 cubic feet with it folded.
For the first time in the nameplate’s history, Chevy is introducing a sporty RS trim to sit alongside the value-oriented LT. While the LT serves as the entry point, the RS adds a bit of attitude to the Bolt’s practical roots.
Shopping GM vehicles under $30,000
Buyers cross-shopping the ACTIV and RS trims on the Trax and Trailblazer will find nearly identical pricing, so the deciding factor comes down mainly to styling. Shoppers who want the most standard equipment for the money should look at the Envista Preferred or the Encore GX Sport Touring.
Whichever model you choose, it is worth revisiting your loan terms a little later, as refinancing can reduce your monthly car payment.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
