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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Hatchback
$20,000
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
259 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-electric 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV subcompact car can run for 259 miles on a single charge. It’s the most affordable EV on the market.
SUV
$21,200
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV with a similar kind of rugged charm as its bigger Bronco sibling at a more affordable price.
SUV
$21,500
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.7
Consumer
43 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is an all-new compact crossover with a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. Pricing starts at $27,290.
SUV
$21,500
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Outback looks set to continue its impressive run as a best-seller, with revised looks and enhanced safety features.
Sedan
$21,900
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Camry midsize sedan is a survivor. It keeps improving while retaining all the qualities for which it is renowned.
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Sedan
$22,300
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi A3 is a really good luxury subcompact sedan. The 2023 S3 is even better. And the RS 3 is remarkable.
Sedan
$23,500
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version of this renowned midsize sedan, achieving 53 mpg on the highway.
SUV
$23,700
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi Q3 has a premium interior, standard AWD, and some excellent available tech features, but some rivals are sportier and roomier.
Pickup
$24,100
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota Tacoma is our Midsize Truck Best Buy of 2023. It’s tough, well-built, retains its value better than any rival, and it’s a rock star off-road.
Pickup
$24,100
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.8
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck has been completely redesigned for this model year. It drives better, tows well, looks sharper, and comes with class-leading tech.
SUV
$24,700
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.7
Consumer
34 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is our Best PHEV of 2023. On a full charge it can travel up to 34 miles on electricity alone, then operates like a traditional hybrid, delivering impressive combined fuel economy of 35 mpg. All-wheel drive is standard, along with many driver assistance features and plenty of cabin space.
SUV
$24,800
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Palisade is a top choice in midsize 3-row SUVs. This family SUV has a roomy interior, great safety scores, and premium features.
SUV
$25,100
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
312 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric compact SUV with great tech and a maximum range of 312 miles.
Sedan
$25,600
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi A5 lineup covers coupes, cabriolets, and Sportback models. Some are just nice compact luxury cars, others are fearsomely fast.
SUV
$26,900
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a roomy and reliable compact SUV with many standard safety features and good fuel economy. For a lot of buyers, this formula has proven hard to beat.
Van/Minivan
$27,000
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Honda Odyssey minivan has a new trim for its entry level, plus a fresh Sport model. It remains superb at what it does.
SUV
$27,200
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi Q7 luxury 3-row midsize SUV provides plush transport for seven. Comfort and tech levels are high, and all-wheel drive is standard.
SUV
$29,300
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.6
Consumer
40 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid compact SUV amps up its basic strengths with great fuel economy. Those strengths include comfort, space, reliability, equipment, safety, and strong resale values.
Sedan
$30,000
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains a stellar choice among compact luxury cars, packing Mercedes’ prestige, features, and refinement into something that drives well and looks good.
Wagon
Save
$19,650
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.5
Consumer
253 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Kia Niro EV marks the second generation of this all-electric hatchback. Kia claims best-in-class space and a 253-mile range.
Sedan
$20,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Kia K5 midsize sedan has a rare quality for its class. It generates excitement. Yet it’s also a sensible choice.
Wagon
$20,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The redesigned 2023 Kia Niro hybrid enters its second generation. It is an ultra-efficient, user-friendly small car with ample passenger and cargo space, as well as dramatic new styling.
SUV
Save
$20,800
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.8
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 compact SUV is like the CX-5, but slightly bigger and aimed at more adventurous types.
SUV
$20,900
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that fits between the C-HR subcompact and the spacious RAV4. All-wheel drive is available.
Van/Minivan
$21,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivan has all the functionality families need, plus plenty of premium appeal. Optional all-wheel drive is another plus.
SUV
Save
$21,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 isn’t the newest kid on the compact SUV block, but it remains a superb choice, especially for those who enjoy driving.
Van/Minivan
$22,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only plug-in hybrid minivan. It allows up to 32 miles of pure electric driving and 520 miles of total range.
Sedan
$22,900
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-rounded Audi A4 has standard AWD, a top-notch interior, and a wagon option. This compact luxury car does almost everything well.
Pickup
$23,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ford Maverick compact pickup truck is capable of some work and a lot of play. An efficient hybrid drivetrain is standard.
SUV
$23,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi Q5 is an excellent compact luxury SUV with top-notch interior quality, great engines, and a sleek available Sportback body.
Wagon
$23,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
34 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid makes a gallon of gas go a long way. It’s bigger with more passenger space and provides an impressive list of standard features.
SUV
$23,800
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Volvo XC40 luxury small SUV manages to be stylish, safe, sensible, and engaging all at the same time.
Convertible
$23,900
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ford Mustang remains a desirable coupe or convertible and a powerful symbol of American 4-wheeled culture.
SUV
$24,000
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
310 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Kia EV6 enters its second year of existence as one of the most desirable new electric vehicles. Maximum range is 310 miles, fast charging is standard, technology is abundant, and there’s the reassurance of industry-leading warranties.
Pickup
$24,100
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ram 1500 is an excellent full-size pickup truck in a class full of talented rivals. Trims range from work-ready to luxurious.