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.
Top Rated Expert Ratings
$0 - $30,000
SUV
$17,806
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.8
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Hyundai’s award-winning subcompact SUV has received its first major refresh, and we applaud the subtle albeit substantive changes.
Sedan
$19,050
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Altima has some strong points, but is still a middling midsize sedan, unable to top the class leaders in all areas.
SUV
Save
$21,047
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 GMC Terrain is a good execution of the rugged yet refined GMC brand identity in the form of a practical and efficient compact SUV.
SUV
$21,094
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.8
Consumer
258 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The revamped 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric subcompact crossover continues its award-winning ways. It keeps a 258-mile range, but that’s good.
Sedan
$21,598
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Insight offers outstanding hybrid efficiency, a quiet and comfortable interior, and modern tech features, all at an affordable price.
Pickup
$21,700
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a modern pickup that’s not too big should consider the Chevy Colorado. This stylish and capable truck is a class leader.
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Sedan
$23,501
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon is a sleek, sporty, and upscale liftback sedan, but its price tag makes it a questionable value proposition.
SUV
$24,206
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
2.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Totally redesigned for 2022, the Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize SUV offers capability and luxury unmatched by anything else in the segment.
Pickup
$24,996
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a modern pickup that’s not too big should consider the Chevy Colorado. This stylish and capable truck is a class leader.
Coupe
$25,157
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro is a rear-drive thrill machine. Available as a coupe or soft-top, it also has keen pricing in its favor.
SUV
$25,209
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Volkswagen Atlas is a good choice for families looking for a spacious 3-row SUV, but some rivals are more efficient and/or powerful.
SUV
$28,608
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
303 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The electric 2022 Tesla Model Y is sleek, quick, and has an excellent range. It’s also a practical daily driver with generous cargo space.
Sedan
$18,354
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2022 Mazda3 is a high point of the compact car class, with quality, style, and driver involvement.
Sedan
$18,830
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The eminently sensible 2022 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan has all-wheel drive as standard, along with a robust reputation in many areas.
SUV
$21,206
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has matured, while remaining a spacious compact SUV with a decent array of driver aids and safety features.
SUV
$22,949
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a small 5-passenger SUV for shoppers who want lots of value, good fuel mileage, and strong safety features.
SUV
$24,319
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2-row Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a roomy SUV with a sleek aesthetic, but its performance doesn’t quite match its sporty appearance.
SUV
$25,107
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Affordable and compact, the 2022 Lexus UX shines as a high-quality crossover SUV that gets excellent fuel economy — especially the hybrid.
Pickup
$26,661
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Titan full-size pickup has power, safety tech, and a great warranty, but its talents can’t always match the class best.
Pickup
$26,784
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.4
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Frontier looks way better and is more modern, but it continues to be a handy pickup that’s neither too large nor too small.
Pickup
$28,523
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Titan full-size pickup has power, safety tech, and a great warranty, but its talents can’t always match the class best.
Sedan
$15,026
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new Hyundai Elantra has come a long way since the 1990s, and now it’s a bonafide competitor for the Corollas and Civics of this world.
SUV
$16,036
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new Kia Seltos looks to set a new standard among subcompact SUVs with its practicality, performance, tech and adventurous attitude.
Convertible
$22,000
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2-seater roadster still flies the flag for undiluted fun, with accessible power and affordable pricing.
Sedan
$23,980
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class subcompact sedan is the company’s least expensive new car. But it still has class, luxury and great tech.
SUV
$24,025
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Telluride debuted last year and quickly became king of the hill among 3-row midsize SUVs. It packs ample features, tech and value.
SUV
$24,958
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 compact SUV increases its appeal with a new Prime plug-in hybrid.
SUV
$25,116
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
19 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The updated 2021 Audi Q5 luxury compact SUV has a fine blend of features, fun and practicality. It also offers sleek new Sportback models.
SUV
$26,532
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
5.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Less hatchback and more subcompact SUV, the all-new 2021 GLA benefits from a roomier interior, better infotainment, and abundant tech.
SUV
$27,652
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
40 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
If a compact SUV, which blends performance, economy, and attitude, is on your radar, then check out the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Sedan
$29,967
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD, ES 350 and hybrid ES 300h are comfortable, spacious luxury midsize sedans with degrees of driver engagement.
SUV
$17,708
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 takes the notion of a subcompact SUV then adds space, luxury, power, style, driving talent and technology.
SUV
$18,581
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a 2-row, 5-passenger SUV that offers quality at a value price, intuitive tech, and a strong emphasis on safety.
Sedan
$18,966
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2021 Honda Civic is one of the best small cars you can buy, even if slightly pricier than rivals.
SUV
$21,874
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a new and fuel-efficient variant in a range of excellent SUV/crossovers.
SUV
$21,945
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Kia has done a great job updating the Sorento. It’s better-looking and more efficient, plus it’s loaded with driver assists and safety tech.
- Best Cars
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- Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
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- Best Vans and Minivans
- Most Fuel Efficient SUVs
- Best Hybrid Vehicles
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
- Best Electric Vehicles
- Best Midsize Trucks
- Best Luxury Fullsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize Trucks
- Best Compact Cars
- Best Midsize Cars
- Most Fuel Efficient Trucks
- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize Cars
- 2026 Nissan Sentra
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- 2026 Lexus ES
- 2026 Kia EV4
- 2026 Subaru Outback
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
- 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback
- 2026 Nissan LEAF
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade
- 2027 Slate Truck
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9
- 2026 Kia EV9
- 2027 Scout Traveler
- 2027 Scout Terra
- 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9
- 2025 Audi S6 e-tron
- 2025 Hyundai NEXO
- 2025 Audi A6 e-tron
- 2025 Kia EV3
- 2026 AFEELA Sedan
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV
- 2025 Volvo EC40
- 2027 Rivian R3