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.
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SUV
$26,845
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is our top-ranked subcompact SUV, boasting stylish design and exceptional warranty coverage, tech, and practicality.
SUV
$25,135
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
An enticingly affordable subcompact SUV, the 2026 Kia Seltos touts technology, efficiency, and plenty of space, all delivered in a fetching exterior.
Sedan
$25,745
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Civic is consistently one of our favorite compact cars, and that remains true with the outstanding 2026 model.
SUV
$29,415
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Affordable, capable, and practical, the subcompact 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is also a passel of fun.
Sedan
$23,920
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The value-packed Toyota Corolla holds up its reputation as an efficient, safe, and reliable commuter.
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SUV
$26,085
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A competitive subcompact SUV, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is practical, safe, and affordable.
SUV
Save
$27,595
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV featuring Honda’s signature durability, quality, and refinement.
Sedan
$28,585
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
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
4.5
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
$23,925
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
1.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Nissan Kicks matches a bargain price with advanced technology and excellent fuel economy.
Hatchback
$25,375
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The frugal Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a practical, efficient, and affordable way to get around.
SUV
$25,995
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A stylish subcompact SUV, the 2026 Buick Envista is a sound pick for a nimble urban people hauler.
Wagon
$27,790
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
5.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Subaru Impreza is an affordable, spacious, and practical compact hatchback with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
SUV
$24,395
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
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
3.0
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a competent and contemporary compact SUV with bold looks and great technology.
Hatchback
$26,675
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Mini Hardtop 2 Door has the latest tech and modern conveniences, but hasn’t lost any of its charm.
Hatchback
$27,675
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Mini Hardtop 4 Door takes the iconic design and fun driving character of the Mini Cooper and adds more space and practicality.
SUV
$26,045
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
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
4.6
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
4.1
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
2.6
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
Save
$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
Save
$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
$28,785
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.7
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.
SUV
$29,230
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Targeting drivers with adventure in their souls, the all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek is affordable, capable, and practical.
Sedan
$23,165
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.0
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
4.1
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
3.9
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
4.0
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
4.0
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
4.2
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.