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.
SUV
$26,830
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
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
$27,179
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
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.
Sedan
Save
$28,707
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
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.
Sedan
$15,776
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
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
$16,344
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
$17,746
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.
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SUV
$20,293
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.
SUV
Save
$20,317
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.
Pickup
$21,838
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.
Sedan
$22,202
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.
SUV
$23,057
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
2.8
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.
Sedan
$23,278
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.
Pickup
$23,660
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
$23,734
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
$24,877
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
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
$29,220
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
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.
SUV
Save
$29,837
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 BMW X3 is a top choice among premium compact crossovers. Especially for people who like a degree or three of driver engagement.
Sedan
$17,680
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
$19,782
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
$20,328
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.
Pickup
$21,727
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
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
$22,022
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
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
$23,182
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
$25,429
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
$27,038
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
$28,848
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.
SUV
$14,312
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.
Sedan
$14,379
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.
Convertible
$21,699
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
$23,069
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
$24,024
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
$24,191
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
$24,533
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
$25,843
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
$27,845
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.
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- Best Hybrid Vehicles
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
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- Best Luxury Fullsize SUVs
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- Best Compact Cars
- Best Midsize Cars
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- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize Cars
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- 2026 Porsche Cayenne EV
- 2026 Land Rover Defender 90
- 2026 INFINITI QX65
- 2026 Polestar 4
- 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
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