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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2026 Honda Passport
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Sedan
$25,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In its final model year, the 2023 Chrysler 300 impresses as an old-school, full-size sedan with a roomy interior and two V8 options.
SUV
$26,100
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a family-friendly midsize 3-row SUV with a rugged look, roomy interior, and plenty of desirable features and technologies.
SUV
$26,500
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Lincoln Corsair is among the small luxury SUV segment’s most comfortable entries, boasting one of its richest interiors.
Sedan
$8,350
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.3
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell sedan boasts a Lexus-like interior and is rated to travel up to 402 miles between (quick) fill-ups. It’s only sold new in California.
Sedan
$17,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mazda3 compact car offers choices of body styles, engines, and all-wheel drive. It’s one of the most enjoyable cars in its class.
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SUV
$19,550
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The family-friendly 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is a rare compact SUV offering three rows of seating to accommodate up to seven occupants.
SUV
$19,750
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet is a small SUV with class-leading power. It drives as good as it looks.
Sedan
$20,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Legacy is the only midsize sedan with all-wheel drive as standard but keeps prices competitive against front-drive rivals.
SUV
Save
$20,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The refreshed 2023 Ford Escape is a well-rounded compact SUV with a flexible interior, modern tech features, and some variety under the hood, including two hybrid options.
Pickup
$23,400
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Frontier is a great value for drivers looking for a midsize truck with modern tech features and muscular capabilities.
SUV
$23,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport midsize SUV takes a leaf from the luxury design book for extra panache, while still being spacious.
SUV
$23,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
37 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The refreshed 2023 Ford Escape is a well-rounded compact SUV with a flexible interior, modern tech features, and some variety under the hood, including two hybrid options.
SUV
$24,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse midsize 3-row SUV has space and an efficient 310-horsepower V6 on its side.
SUV
Save
$25,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is the 3-row SUV for buyers who appreciate driving and design as much as they do shuffling the kids to soccer practice.
Pickup
$26,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Titan is a good value if you’re looking for a V8-powered full-size pickup, but most of its rivals are more modern.
SUV
$27,000
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 is a well-rounded luxury SUV with a spacious interior, reasonable pricing, and an appealing complimentary maintenance plan.
Pickup
$27,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Titan is a good value if you’re looking for a V8-powered full-size pickup, but most of its rivals are more modern.
Pickup
$27,900
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Frontier is a great value for drivers looking for a midsize truck with modern tech features and muscular capabilities.
Pickup
$28,000
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup with serious off-road abilities even in the lowest trim.
SUV
$28,900
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Armada is a value choice in full-size SUVs with a reasonable price tag and V8 performance.
SUV
$29,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Maserati Grecale is an all-new luxury SUV. It’s almost as roomy as the BMW X5, but competes in the same class as the Porsche Macan.
SUV
$29,800
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Infiniti QX55 is a compact luxury SUV with a fastback roof. It has a lot of standard equipment, yet costs less than German rivals.
SUV
$17,950
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With some newly standard safety tech and a stylish Nightfall model, the Kia Seltos subcompact SUV has become even more competitive for 2022.
SUV
$23,000
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Kia Telluride 3-row midsize SUV/crossover is indisputably a top choice in its class. It’s spacious, affordable, and well-equipped.
Convertible
$24,500
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata follows its own thrilling path. This compact, 2-seater convertible isn’t practical, but it’s a lot of fun.
SUV
$24,700
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
5.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a luxury crossover that won’t break the bank should consider the stylish and fun to drive 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Sedan
$25,000
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the brand’s most affordable model, but it has the elegance and driving dynamics of a Mercedes-Benz.
SUV
$25,400
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Spacious, safe and fuel-efficient, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 does everything most people need a compact SUV/crossover to do. And does it well.
SUV
$28,400
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
40 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid blends many Toyota qualities into a best-selling compact crossover that’s roomy and has great safety scores.
SUV
$29,100
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Expedition full-size SUV can seat up to eight, hit the highway, and go off-road. The longer Max version adds more cargo space.
SUV
$18,450
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With modern technology features at reasonable prices, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent value in midsize 2-row crossover SUVs.
SUV
$20,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With standard 3-row seating and plenty of luxurious options, the 2022 Kia Sorento is a compelling midsize SUV.
Sedan
$20,500
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A longtime KBB favorite, the Honda Civic is new for 2022. With its style, tech, and fun manners, the new Civic looks like another winner.
SUV
$20,700
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is a city-friendly crossover/SUV sized below the compact CX-5. It also has the goods to compete with luxury rivals.
SUV
$21,100
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
33 MPG | 76 MPGe
Combined
The new-for-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version of the company’s almost-midsize SUV/crossover.