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
Sedan
Save
$24,441
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Reborn for 2021 with more power and poise, the Acura TLX can go toe-to-toe with luxury sedans like the Audi A4. Its value remains high.
Pickup
$24,964
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Canyon, aided by the new AT4, an updated Denali, and an available diesel engine, continues to shine as a capable midsize truck.
Sedan
$25,177
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
353 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is one of the most advanced electric luxury sedans on the market, with cutting-edge features and impressive range.
Hatchback
$25,207
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
233 Miles
Estimated EV Range
An all-new EV blending the utility of a small SUV with the manners of a sedan, the Polestar 2 has its sights set on the Tesla Model 3.
SUV
$25,240
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 5-seater 2021 Honda Passport SUV puts generous interior space, V6 power and off-road talent into a smartly sized package.
Pickup
$26,562
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Sierra full-size truck offers several engines including a diesel, and appealing trims like the premium Denali and rugged AT4.
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SUV
$27,540
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and hybrid NX 300h luxury compact SUVs emphasize comfort, luxury, quality, reliability and value.
Sedan
$15,296
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Sentra, now in the second year of a new generation, holds its own in a compact sedan class full of great contenders.
SUV
$15,802
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Sportage compact crossover is comfy, classy, well equipped, and keenly priced. Pity about the fuel economy and cargo space.
SUV
$16,132
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer affords excellent standard tech, sporty design and a compelling base price for a small-crossover SUV.
Sedan
$16,926
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nissan has adjusted the lineup, but the Altima remains a stylish midsize sedan with comfortable seats, tidy handling, and optional AWD.
Pickup
$18,972
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In the competitive midsize-truck segment, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado continues to shine as a comfortable, rugged, and versatile truck.
Sedan
$19,965
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Insight is a compact hybrid sedan known for its efficiency, its easy everyday nature, and its advanced standard safety suite.
Sedan
$20,859
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The subtly restyled 2021 VW Arteon now has an interior with an Audi level of refinement, making this pretty German sedan even more enticing.
SUV
$21,403
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy Volkswagen Atlas SUV has undergone a midcycle freshening that has broadened its appeal to families with added safety and style.
SUV
$21,550
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The aging 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee still cuts it as a plush midsize SUV, off-road champ or fast-lapping track rat.
Coupe
$22,002
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro epitomizes bang for the buck and attitude for the dollar with this everyman’s sports car.
Pickup
$22,565
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In the competitive midsize-truck segment, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado continues to shine as a comfortable, rugged, and versatile truck.
SUV
$26,416
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
326 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Tesla Model Y small premium all-electric crossover now comes with seating for up to seven.
SUV
Save
$28,744
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has all the style, space, tech, safety and hardware to be a major contender among luxury midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers.
Coupe
$29,014
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2021 BMW 4 Series brings plenty of driver appeal to luxury compact coupes and convertibles.
SUV
$14,065
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV delivers style, comfort and economy, plus some amazing safety features.
Sedan
$15,361
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A new base engine and a turbocharged 227-horsepower 4-cylinder bring more street cred to Mazda’s famed Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback.
Sedan
$18,539
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With standard all-wheel drive, ample tech and safety features and excellent value, the 2021 Subaru Legacy is highly recommendable sedan.
SUV
$19,143
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 VW Tiguan continues in its role as a compact SUV with seating for up to seven and a sporty ride, all at a competitive price.
SUV
$19,902
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a 2-row crossover SUV with a coupe-inspired roofline and generally sportier styling.
SUV
$21,960
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus UX small-crossover SUV is the cheapest way to own a brand-new Lexus. The hybrid UX 250h brings part-time all-wheel drive.
Pickup
$25,146
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.4
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Titan XD fits between half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks. It has a crew cab, a 6.5-foot bed, and 4-wheel drive.
SUV
$25,915
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
305 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric crossover SUV that offers a sporty drive and sleek design mixed with smart safety technology.
SUV
$28,010
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Armada is a powerful and capable full-size SUV with seating for up to eight, plus useful towing and off-road talents.
Sedan
Save
$29,417
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Refreshed for 2021 with new tech and improved manners, the Lexus IS is an alluring rival to the luxury sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series.
Pickup
$29,984
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator mixes distinct Jeep styling and off-road talent with the impressive capabilities of a midsize pickup.
SUV
$29,999
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
21 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Plug-in hybrid or regular, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator lives at the built-for-comfort end of the luxury midsize 3-row SUV spectrum.
SUV
$19,442
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.8
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Audi Q3 offers the styling, sophistication and luxury of its larger siblings, but in a compact size with a very appealing price.
Sedan
$20,572
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Honda Accord is one of the easiest sedans to recommend, with exceptional rankings for value, resale and safety.
Sedan
$20,966
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sporty 2020 Audi A5 offers various levels of performance in your choice of coupe, convertible or sleek 5-door hatchback.
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