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Best Cars Under $30,000

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
2022 Chevrolet Equinox
$19,858
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
3.9
rating
Consumer

28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 Equinox is Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV and it’s a value player in the 2-row/5-passenger compact crossover segment.
Wagon
2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
$21,434
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.6
rating
Consumer

46 MPG | 105 MPGe
Combined

The 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid small hatchback/SUV is a fine runabout with ultra-low emissions and similarly trivial fuel bills.
SUV
2022 Subaru Crosstrek
$21,516
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
3.7
rating
Consumer

30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is a special subcompact crossover/SUV. It has all-wheel drive as standard and offers a plug-in hybrid variant.
Pickup
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$21,854
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.6
rating
Consumer

23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

With the new 2022 Santa Cruz, Hyundai has created a new niche — that of the compact crossover SUV with a handy little bed.
Sedan
2022 Acura ILX
$22,561
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
Consumer

28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 Acura ILX premium compact sedan is the cheapest new Acura and one of the most affordable luxury cars. Ownership costs are also low.
Pickup
2022 GMC Canyon Extended Cab
#4 Best Mid-Size Trucks
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$23,706
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
Consumer

22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 GMC Canyon is a capable, comfortable, and upscale choice in midsize pickup trucks, especially in the luxurious Denali trim.
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Sedan
2022 Subaru WRX
#4 Best Compact Cars
Save
$24,014
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
Consumer

22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 Subaru WRX is a 271-horsepower compact sedan built for thrills. This new generation sees many improvements and refinements.
Sedan
2022 Chrysler 300
#3 Best Full-Size Cars
Save
$24,266
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.7
rating
Consumer

23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 Chrysler 300 offers something most other large sedans can’t — a V8 engine. And all-wheel drive. But not both in the same car.
SUV
2022 BMW X2
#5 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs
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$24,657
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.6
rating
Consumer

27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 BMW X2 is a genre-bending subcompact crossover with a sloping roof, making a bigger deal of styling and poise than practicality.
Hatchback
2022 Polestar 2
#4 Best Luxury Electric Cars
Save
$24,977
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
3.6
rating
Consumer

107 MPGe
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 Polestar 2 all-electric midsize car dances between crossover and hatchback, luxury and mainstream. Maximum range is 270 miles.
Sedan
2022 Tesla Model 3
#4 Best Luxury Electric Cars
Save
$26,408
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.6
rating
Consumer

315 Miles
Estimated EV Range

The high-tech Tesla Model 3 is an outstanding EV for its long electric range, exciting performance, and minimalist take on luxury.
Sedan
2022 Acura TLX
$27,036
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
Consumer

25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

Whoever buys a 2022 Acura TLX will have a luxury compact sedan with a driver’s edge and a lot of standard equipment for a keen price.
SUV
2022 Chevrolet Traverse
$27,168
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
Consumer

21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

With its ample space and new safety features, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse becomes an even more appealing 3-row family SUV.
Pickup
2022 GMC Canyon Crew Cab
#4 Best Mid-Size Trucks
Save
$27,179
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
Consumer

22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

The 2022 GMC Canyon is a capable, comfortable, and upscale choice in midsize pickup trucks, especially in the luxurious Denali trim.
SUV
2022 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-EQ EQB
#5 Best Luxury Electric SUVs
Save
$27,214
Starting Price

4.2
rating
Expert
2.0
rating
Consumer

243 Miles
Estimated EV Range

The brand-new 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQB is an all-electric small luxury SUV. With seating for up to seven, it’s a family car with ingenious tech.
Sedan
2022 Nissan Sentra
$16,920
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.0
rating
Consumer

33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy

Taken on its own merits, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is a fine compact sedan. If only there wasn’t such stiff competition.
SUV
2022 Hyundai Kona
$16,952
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
3.8
rating
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
2022 Nissan Altima
#5 Best Mid-Size Cars
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$17,772
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.0
rating
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
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
#5 Best Electric SUVs
Save
$19,953
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
3.8
rating
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.
Pickup
2022 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab
#5 Best Mid-Size Trucks
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$20,217
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.2
rating
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.
SUV
2022 GMC Terrain
$20,622
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
3.9
rating
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.
Sedan
2022 Honda Insight
$21,579
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.5
rating
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
2022 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab
#5 Best Mid-Size Trucks
Save
$24,321
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.2
rating
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.
Sedan
2022 Volkswagen Arteon
#4 Best Full-Size Cars
Save
$24,502
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
5.0
rating
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
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
$24,523
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
2.9
rating
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.
Coupe
2022 Chevrolet Camaro
#4 Best Convertibles
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$25,078
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.0
rating
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
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$25,112
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.0
rating
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
2022 Tesla Model Y
$29,252
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert
4.1
rating
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
2022 MAZDA MAZDA3
$17,973
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
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
2022 Subaru Legacy
$19,512
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
4.6
rating
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
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
$21,215
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
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
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
$21,591
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
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.
Pickup
2022 Nissan Frontier King Cab
$21,772
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
3.7
rating
Consumer

20 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.
SUV
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
$24,413
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
3.8
rating
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
2022 Lexus UX
#3 Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
Save
$24,756
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
4.3
rating
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
2022 Nissan Titan King Cab
$26,661
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert
3.8
rating
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.
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