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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Sedan
Save
$24,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whoever buys a 2022 Acura TLX will have a luxury compact sedan with a driver’s edge and a lot of standard equipment for a keen price.
SUV
$25,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
2.7
Consumer
243 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The brand-new 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQB is an all-electric small luxury SUV. With seating for up to seven, it’s a family car with ingenious tech.
SUV
Save
$25,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a 2-door or 4-door model, the 2022 Ford Bronco is a serious off-road SUV, especially in new Raptor form.
Coupe
$28,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.8
Consumer
301 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The new 2022 BMW i4 is an all-electric premium compact sports sedan offering 536 horsepower and a maximum range of 301 miles.
Sedan
$16,250
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Taken on its own merits, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is a fine compact sedan. If only there wasn’t such stiff competition.
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SUV
$16,900
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Totally redesigned for 2022, the Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize SUV offers capability and luxury unmatched by anything else in the segment.
Sedan
$17,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Altima has some strong points, but is still a middling midsize sedan, unable to top the class leaders in all areas.
SUV
$17,700
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
258 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The revamped 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric subcompact crossover continues its award-winning ways. It keeps a 258-mile range, but that’s good.
Pickup
$19,550
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a modern pickup that’s not too big should consider the Chevy Colorado. This stylish and capable truck is a class leader.
SUV
Save
$20,000
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 GMC Terrain is a good execution of the rugged yet refined GMC brand identity in the form of a practical and efficient compact SUV.
Sedan
$20,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Insight offers outstanding hybrid efficiency, a quiet and comfortable interior, and modern tech features, all at an affordable price.
SUV
$21,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Volkswagen Atlas is a good choice for families looking for a spacious 3-row SUV, but some rivals are more efficient and/or powerful.
Coupe
$21,500
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro is a rear-drive thrill machine. Available as a coupe or soft-top, it also has keen pricing in its favor.
Pickup
$22,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a modern pickup that’s not too big should consider the Chevy Colorado. This stylish and capable truck is a class leader.
Sedan
$23,000
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon is a sleek, sporty, and upscale liftback sedan, but its price tag makes it a questionable value proposition.
SUV
Save
$26,700
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Volvo XC90 is a safe and practical option in 3-row luxury SUVs. It has a roomy, comfortable interior and outstanding safety scores.
SUV
Save
$27,700
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 BMW X3 is a top choice among premium compact crossovers. Especially for people who like a degree or three of driver engagement.
SUV
$29,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The midsize Honda Passport got some nice updates for 2022, like a more rugged exterior, an off-roady TrailSport trim, and an HPD Package.
Pickup
$29,500
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.4
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2022 Tundra uses a new chassis, powertrain, and body to bring Toyota’s pickup truck back into the competition.
Sedan
$17,000
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2022 Mazda3 is a high point of the compact car class, with quality, style, and driver involvement.
SUV
$17,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has matured, while remaining a spacious compact SUV with a decent array of driver aids and safety features.
Pickup
$18,950
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
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
$19,450
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The eminently sensible 2022 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan has all-wheel drive as standard, along with a robust reputation in many areas.
SUV
$20,900
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a small 5-passenger SUV for shoppers who want lots of value, good fuel mileage, and strong safety features.
Pickup
$21,800
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
20 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.
SUV
$22,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2-row Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a roomy SUV with a sleek aesthetic, but its performance doesn’t quite match its sporty appearance.
Pickup
$24,800
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.
SUV
$25,400
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The capable and high-tech 2022 Nissan Armada is a value choice in this class, but its top rivals from Chevrolet and Ford are more modern.
SUV
$26,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Inspired by the wave of compact luxury 4-door SUVs being turned into fastback coupe-like designs, Infiniti introduces the all-new 2022 QX55.
SUV
$26,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Affordable and compact, the 2022 Lexus UX shines as a high-quality crossover SUV that gets excellent fuel economy — especially the hybrid.
Pickup
$26,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
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
$26,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator is an off-road specialist in midsize pickup truck form. It’s also the only pickup with a detachable roof and doors.
Pickup
$27,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.4
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Titan XD pickup occupies a niche between half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks. There’s nothing else exactly like it.
SUV
$27,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
21 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is a luxury midsize SUV/crossover with three seating rows. It’s roomy, quiet, supremely comfortable, and tech-rich.
Sedan
$14,950
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
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.