Best Cars Under $30,000
Paying a fair price for the car you want is important, and these cars should fill the bill. For more results, see Luxury Cars Under $30,000 and Best SUVs Under $30,000.
Sedan
$25,745
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Civic is consistently one of our favorite compact cars, and that remains true with the outstanding 2026 model.
SUV
Save
$27,595
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV featuring Honda’s signature durability, quality, and refinement.
Sedan
$28,565
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Kia K5 is a practical, affordable, and high-tech midsize sedan with a sportier edge and more daring styling than most of its rivals.
SUV
$22,995
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Packing loads of space and standard content into a stunningly stylized subcompact SUV, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is as affordable as it is easy on the eyes.
SUV
$24,395
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The Chevy Trailblazer is a stylish, roomy, and affordable small SUV that’s available with all-wheel drive.
SUV
$29,995
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a competent and contemporary compact SUV with bold looks and great technology.
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SUV
$26,045
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV has winning ways in terms of practicality and affordability, with winning looks to match.
Sedan
$29,445
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Accord earns our Best Buy Award for its blend of daily practicality, excellent driving manners, and outstanding overall quality.
Hatchback
$29,485
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
Consumer
57 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With incredible fuel economy, excellent safety ratings, and great resale value, the Toyota Prius is one of the most practical cars money can buy.
Sedan
$29,795
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.8
Consumer
51 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2025 Toyota Camry is a fuel-efficient evolution of the midsize sedan, with a hybrid drivetrain as standard.
Sedan
$25,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Civic is already a top choice among compact cars, and it gets better for 2025. It’s available as a traditional sedan or a versatile hatchback.
SUV
$26,085
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV that deserves strong consideration thanks to its space, equipment, and safety features.
Sedan
$23,370
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is a highly compelling compact sedan packed with features and style, plus an unbeatable warranty.
Sedan
$26,695
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
54 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid touts class-leading fuel economy and range wrapped in a superb package.
SUV
$27,980
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Targeting drivers with adventure in their souls, the all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek is affordable, capable, and practical.
SUV
$28,785
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia Sportage is a great choice among compact SUVs, sporting plenty of sensible aspects wrapped up in eye-catching style.
Sedan
$23,165
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.4
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia K4 is an all-new, tech-forward and exceptionally roomy compact sedan with a design set to shake up the segment.
Sedan
$23,460
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla sedan continues delivering safe, comfortable, reliable, and fuel-efficient driving at an affordable price.
Sedan
$24,920
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
50 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a safe and comfortable compact sedan with excellent fuel economy.
SUV
$25,485
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a competent, safe, and affordable subcompact SUV.
SUV
Save
$26,795
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Honda HR-V is a standout in the subcompact SUV class, particularly because of its roomy and classy cabin.
Sedan
Save
$28,365
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia K5 is an attractive and accomplished midsize sedan with an individual style. It gets even better for 2025.
Wagon
$28,385
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Niro is a practical and efficient hybrid SUV with loads of advanced tech and an amazing warranty.
Pickup
$29,840
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Ford Maverick is a superb compact truck with plenty of capability, the option of a hybrid drivetrain, and easy driving manners.
SUV
$29,845
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a small and fuel-efficient SUV with a good amount of standard equipment.
Wagon
$21,885
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia Soul is a subcompact car that’s charming and practical, affordable, and exceptional.
Sedan
$28,145
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata is a sharp-looking midsize sedan with features and tech bordering on the luxurious.
SUV
$21,895
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A subcompact SUV, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax blends an affordable price, scads of interior room, and lots of cutting-edge technology into one highly stylized package.
SUV
$23,220
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
Consumer (N/A)
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Kicks marks an all-new generation of this subcompact SUV, and it’s improved in virtually every area.
Hatchback
$24,875
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a smaller but more versatile variant of the venerable Corolla compact car.
SUV
$25,195
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Buick Envista is a subcompact SUV with a little coupe action mixed in for style.
Wagon
$25,530
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
5.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is an affordable, all-wheel-drive hatchback that delivers dependable, safe, and comfortable transportation.
SUV
$29,980
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.7
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a comfortable, fuel-efficient compact SUV with plenty of technology.
Sedan
$18,330
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The least expensive new car you can buy in America, the 2025 Nissan Versa delivers value, comfort, and impressive gas mileage.
SUV
$22,910
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For the subcompact SUV segment, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play delivers surprising passenger space, better-than-average fuel economy, and loads of advanced safety tech for its affordable price.
SUV
$24,495
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Thanks to its roomy interior, affordable pricing, and solid fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is an alluring subcompact SUV.
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- 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
- 2026 Buick Envista
- 2026 Hyundai Kona
- 2026 Volvo EX30
- 2026 MAZDA CX-5
- 2026 Land Rover Defender 130
- 2026 Porsche Cayenne EV
- 2026 Land Rover Defender 90
- 2026 INFINITI QX65
- 2026 Land Rover Defender 110
- 2026 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2026 Audi Q3
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
- 2026 Lexus RZ
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N
- 2026 Subaru Solterra
- 2026 Ford Explorer
- 2026 Nissan Armada
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee
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- 2026 Toyota RAV4