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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SUV
$18,150
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.6
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Rogue compact SUV has several outstanding aspects adding up to a compelling overall package.
SUV
$20,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
228 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra all-electric SUV has a maximum range of 228 miles and a lot of standard equipment, including AWD.
Hatchback
$21,100
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a safe, efficient, and practical compact car. It gets updated tech features and refreshed styling for 2023.
Pickup
$21,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup with variants going from no-frills to high class, with off-road ability in between.
SUV
$21,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Forester is the sensible-shoes choice among compact SUVs. Yet it can also do adventure and luxury.
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SUV
Save
$22,500
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
2.9
Consumer
228 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2023 Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric compact SUV with a range of up to 252 miles and plenty of occupant space.
SUV
$22,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.3
Consumer
22 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid is a highly capable, quite luxurious midsize SUV that can travel up to 25 miles on electricity alone.
SUV
$23,100
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.3
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers on-road refinement and off-road capability without compromise, but it’s a little expensive.
Pickup
$23,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is a capable full-size truck with robust engine options (including a diesel) and luxurious options like Super Cruise.
Pickup
$24,200
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup with variants going from no-frills to high class, with off-road ability in between.
Sedan
$26,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Genesis G70 luxury compact sedan has all the style, poise, and tech to compete with anything in its class.
SUV
$27,100
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a subcompact luxury SUV that doesn’t blend in with the crowd. Spacious for its size and even offering an available third row of seats, it also delivers the luxury and performance you expect from the Mercedes brand.
Sedan
$27,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sleek 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA subcompact luxury sedan has qualities worthy of the famed 3-pointed star on its nose for less money than any of its stablemates.
Coupe
$27,900
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota GR86 small coupe exists for the pure joy of driving, with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission as standard.
Pickup
$27,900
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup with a twist. It’s based on an SUV, enhancing refinement and with its own special appeal.
Sedan
$28,800
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Kia Stinger sedan is the automaker’s purest performance car to date, dialing up both the sporty and luxury aspects of a mainstream badge on the move.
Pickup
$29,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is a capable full-size truck with robust engine options (including a diesel) and luxurious options like Super Cruise.
SUV
$10,450
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
2.5
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Nexo is a compact SUV with a hydrogen-powered drivetrain, otherwise known as a fuel cell vehicle. It’s available solely in California.
Sedan
$13,250
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan is one of the most affordable new cars on the market and one of the better choices in its class.
SUV
$15,550
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV ideally sized to cope with city driving, but with surprising cargo space
Sedan
$16,250
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy 2023 Kia Forte compact sedan can be cheap to buy and run while adding a bit of driveway appeal with its styling.
SUV
$16,750
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Venue is one of the best values in subcompact SUVs because of its low ownership costs, excellent warranty, and good fuel economy.
Hatchback
Save
$20,200
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
270 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Polestar 2 electric vehicle has an understated luxury and a generous amount of standard equipment. Maximum range is 270 miles.
SUV
$20,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.7
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a quirky and practical small SUV with standard all-wheel drive, great safety scores, and affordable pricing.
Pickup
$21,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is equal parts functional pickup truck and comfortable SUV, with a small but very useful truck bed.
SUV
$22,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is an efficient plug-in hybrid SUV with 3-row seating, all-wheel drive, and modern tech features.
SUV
$23,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 BMW X2 is a stylish and fun-to-drive SUV, but it’s a tough sell compared to the more affordable and more practical BMW X1.
Sedan
$24,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru WRX is engineered for the track but serves just as well as an everyday driver. Its standard all-wheel-drive system teams with a punchy turbocharged engine to deliver blazing acceleration and crisp cornering.
SUV
$24,800
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 3-row Subaru Ascent gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2023 with revised styling and updated safety and infotainment tech features.
SUV
$26,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
2.7
Consumer
245 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQB all-electric small SUV is the only vehicle in its class to offer seating for seven. It’s also superb family transport.
Sedan
Save
$26,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Acura TLX luxury compact sedan is a well-considered package of features and abilities. It has the overall quality and driving talents to make it a superb choice from a class full of great cars.
Sedan
$27,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
358 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-electric 2023 Tesla Model 3 is the company’s smallest and most affordable car, yet can still manage a range of more than 300 miles.
SUV
Save
$29,800
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Ford Bronco is an off-road champ that also handles family duties with grace. With a multitude of trim levels, configurations, and drivetrain options, it’s ready for any adventure or daily commute.
Sedan
$16,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Sentra is a stylish, fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly compact sedan with modern technology at an affordable price point.
Sedan
$17,000
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Altima midsize sedan comes with revised looks, new tech, and more standard safety features. It also offers all-wheel drive.