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
$22,949
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The spacious 2021 Hyundai Palisade midsize 3-row SUV is a strong contender with great road manners, generous features and keen pricing.
Hatchback
$23,207
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is the plug-in version of the popular hybrid. It tempts with efficiency, comfort and high reliability.
Sedan
$25,477
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a surprisingly entertaining family sedan, still comfortable and frugal, but also sporty in its XLE trim.
SUV
$25,679
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi Q3 brings bold design, innovative technology, and excellent fit and finish to the Audi’s smallest luxury SUV.
Sedan
$25,806
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a coupe, convertible, or sleek hatchback, the 2021 Audi A5 and S5 models have tremendous grace, style, and sophistication.
SUV
$28,110
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi Q7 has undergone subtle refinements that make this luxurious midsize crossover remain one of our favorite 7-seat SUVs.
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Wagon
$13,104
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Soul proves that inexpensive cars can be highly stylish and hugely enjoyable, as well as completely practical and sensible.
SUV
Save
$18,224
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Highlighted by an ingenious interior, the Honda HR-V remains a great choice among small SUVs even among fresher rivals like the Kia Seltos.
Sedan
$18,614
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Longer, lower, wider, and roomier than the Optima it replaces, the all-new 2021 Kia K5 also offers a 290-hp engine and all-wheel drive.
SUV
$20,520
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2021, the Nissan Rogue compact SUV packs bolder looks, more tech, and fresh features. Its value position remains strong.
SUV
$22,369
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-equipped, stylish and popular 2021 Volvo XC40 premium subcompact SUV/crossover adds an all-electric variant to its range: Recharge.
Coupe
$22,598
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Mustang continues an American automotive tradition and underlines it with a new 480-horsepower Mach 1 version.
Pickup
$22,897
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ram 1500 ranges from simple pickup to sumptuous daily driver to fuel-efficient EcoDiesel model. All with an ability to work.
SUV
$23,280
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.4
Consumer
208 Miles
Estimated EV Range
In simple terms, the XC40 Recharge is an electric Volvo XC40. While it needs more range, it’s a smartly packaged taste of Volvo’s EV future.
Sedan
$23,305
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For 2021, the A4 has matured with more power, better safety, and standard quattro all-wheel drive. And the S4? Still one of our favorites.
Van/Minivan
$23,308
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Pacifica is a great choice for sensible families seeking greater space and easier access than that of a crossover/SUV.
Sedan
$25,877
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Avalon is the flagship Toyota sedan. It touts comfort, style and premium features. Hybrid and AWD models are available.
Sedan
$26,089
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
5.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Think of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as a luxury subcompact sedan with some coupe attitude.
SUV
$26,177
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Acura RDX premium-compact-crossover SUV offers generous equipment, superb driving manners, and great build quality at keen prices.
Pickup
$27,277
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ram 1500 ranges from simple pickup to sumptuous daily driver to fuel-efficient EcoDiesel model. All with an ability to work.
Sedan
$28,890
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
19 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 5-passenger BMW 5 Series luxury sedan is lauded for its European-inspired driving dynamics and class-leading technology.
SUV
$29,108
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is one of the most recommendable midsize 3-row SUVs.
Sedan
$13,532
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is a well-priced subcompact sedan that’s also well thought out, relatively roomy and frugal with fuel.
SUV
$14,141
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Venue is a fresh, affordable subcompact SUV with features and charisma that belie its diminutive size.
Sedan
$16,830
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The refined Hyundai Sonata, with its abundant tech and safety features, is a totally acceptable alternative to the Accord and Camry.
Sedan
$17,984
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan is an excellent choice thanks to its strong safety features, ample tech, variety of powertrains and value.
Sedan
$19,041
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a generally impressive midsize sedan that happens to achieve exceptional fuel economy.
Sedan
$19,092
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota offers one hybrid in its compact-sedan lineup. But the 2021 Corolla LE Hybrid puts its best foot forward as a comfortable fuel miser.
SUV
$20,025
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru Forester is a superb compact SUV with a long and well-rounded list of attributes, including value and safety.
Hatchback
$20,520
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A benchmark among hybrids, the 2021 Toyota Prius packs high efficiency, robust safety, and tech features, and even offers all-wheel drive.
Van/Minivan
$21,318
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chrysler Voyager is one of the most affordable new minivans. More safety features are offered this year, but frills are still few.
Pickup
$21,723
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Ranger midsize pickup has an excellent engine, great towing and payload numbers, good safety tech, and cool off-road options.
SUV
$22,536
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
260 Miles
Estimated EV Range
With 260 miles of range, good practicality, and a healthy dollop of modern tech, the new ID.4 points to a bright EV future for Volkswagen.
SUV
Save
$22,990
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Pilot is one of the best choices among midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers, because it excels in so many areas.
SUV
$25,196
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 3-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L impresses with its quality and luxury, which bodes well for the standard version coming later this year.
Pickup
$25,498
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Ranger midsize pickup has an excellent engine, great towing and payload numbers, good safety tech, and cool off-road options.
- Best Cars
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- Best Minivans
- Best EVs
- Best Hybrids
- Best Midsize SUVs
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- Best 3-row SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize SUVs
- Best 2-row SUVs
- Best Compact SUVs
- Best Luxury Compact SUVs
- 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 Toyota Camry
- 2026 Toyota bZ
- 2026 Toyota C-HR
- 2026 Audi A6
- 2026 Jeep Recon
- 2026 BMW 3 Series
- 2026 AFEELA 1
- 2026 Acura RSX
- 2026 Volvo ES90
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 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 Kia EV9
- 2027 Scout Traveler
- 2027 Scout Terra