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
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
$27,346
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.
Sedan
$14,233
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
$15,769
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 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
$21,995
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.
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Sedan
$23,054
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
$23,956
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
$24,712
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
$24,727
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
$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
$28,789
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.
SUV
$17,183
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.
Sedan
$18,564
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
$18,663
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.
SUV
$21,080
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.
SUV
$21,658
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.
Sedan
$22,668
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Accord is one of the best sedans you can buy, deftly blending great manners, safety and comfort.
Pickup
$22,912
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The highly capable all-new 2021 Ford F-150 comes with new innovations, a wide range of trims and engines, and a tow-friendly hybrid option.
SUV
$23,594
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda CR-V is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy. It is practical, roomy, and reliable.
SUV
$24,266
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a midsize crossover that seats six and saves fuel. It’s part of an all-new generation that debuts this year.
Van/Minivan
$24,976
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Odyssey minivan continues its award-winning ways with more safety features, raised equipment levels and revised styling.
SUV
$24,997
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class brings an impressively high level of style, refinement, luxury and tech to the premium compact SUV world.
Sedan
$25,073
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
48 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid midsize sedan is spacious, pleasant, safe, and reliable, balancing superb fuel economy with useful muscle.
Pickup
$25,225
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The highly capable all-new 2021 Ford F-150 comes with new innovations, a wide range of trims and engines, and a tow-friendly hybrid option.
SUV
$25,809
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Honda’s 2-row SUV has long been a consumer favorite in its class, and the 2021 CR-V Hybrid takes its appeal factor to a new level.
Sedan
$28,329
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class range of luxury compact sedans, coupes and convertibles stretches from posh runabout to powerful AMG models.
Sedan
$28,472
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
48 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Honda Clarity can be a plug-in hybrid, or the ultimate green machine, a hydrogen fuel cell car whose only emission is water vapor.
Pickup
$29,658
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Super Duty pickup range offers massive torque, impressive towing and payload abilities, driver aids, and sumptuous cabins.
Pickup
$29,700
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The highly capable all-new 2021 Ford F-150 comes with new innovations, a wide range of trims and engines, and a tow-friendly hybrid option.
Hatchback
$15,487
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
259 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-electric 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV can cover up to 259 miles. But it’s pricier and has fewer standard safety features than some rivals.
SUV
Save
$19,631
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its good looks, high-quality interior, abundant safety features, and entertaining driving manners, the Mazda CX-5 commands attention.
Sedan
$20,839
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Camry is one of the best midsize cars around — safe, reliable, practical, stylish, and you can get it with all-wheel drive.
SUV
$21,030
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a large subcompact SUV designed for off-road adventure. Its rivals are the Jeep Compass and Subaru Crosstrek.
SUV
$21,215
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the Outback, Subaru has stuck with a formula that remains quite popular – that of the raised AWD station wagon that thinks it’s an SUV.
Pickup
$22,519
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The best-selling 2021 Toyota Tacoma boasts rugged design, top resale value, great safety features and a wide range of configurations.
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- 2026 Toyota Camry
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