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
$15,090
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Stylish, good to drive, thoughtfully equipped, and technologically advanced, the 2020 Nissan Altima makes a strong case for consideration.
Sedan
$15,227
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With seductive styling and an interior fit for an Audi, the 2020 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback take the compact car to new heights.
Wagon
$15,229
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
239 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2020 Kia Niro offers all the room and versatility of a small SUV with hybrid and electric technology for maximum fuel economy.
Hatchback
$15,265
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
58 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq offers three powertrains, two hybrid and one electric. It also offers a low price and excellent range.
SUV
$16,145
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport puts style and value ahead of power, but for most people the formula should work quite nicely.
Wagon
$16,387
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2020 Kia Niro offers all the room and versatility of a small SUV with hybrid and electric technology for maximum fuel economy.
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Sedan
$16,513
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its upgraded interior on top of standard all-wheel drive, the new 2020 Subaru is a force to be reckoned with in the midsize segment.
Hatchback
$17,026
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
124 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq offers three powertrains, two hybrid and one electric. It also offers a low price and excellent range.
SUV
Save
$17,190
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 GMC Terrain aspires to be a little more upmarket than most mainstream compact crossover SUVs, especially in Denali trim.
SUV
Save
$17,940
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The subcompact 2020 Toyota C-HR SUV features good reliability and resale figures plus an impressive suite of standard safety assists.
Sedan
$18,451
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Mazda6 sedan offers style, luxury and power plus a dynamic driving experience that makes it unique in this price range.
Sedan
$18,776
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a European-flavored take on the compact sedan, blending refined manners with driving talent and smart tech.
Hatchback
$18,860
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Toyota Prius hybrid gets over 50 mpg and touts a comfortable ride. Apple CarPlay and optional all-wheel drive make it even better.
Sedan
Save
$19,083
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Acura ILX compact-luxury sedan offers tremendous value, with numerous features, good performance and impressive resale figures.
Pickup
$19,443
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its varied powerplants and models, along with some modern tech, the 2020 Ford F-150 has what it takes to remain a strong seller.
Coupe
$19,870
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Subaru BRZ rear-drive compact coupe is built for fun. This model year sees the addition of an even sportier tS version.
SUV
$19,875
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Made especially for North America, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas midsize-crossover SUV can take up to seven occupants plus their luggage.
SUV
$21,369
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Infiniti QX50 offers luxury, performance and some very advanced driver assists, at a price that easily undercuts the competition.
Sedan
$21,746
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Stinger is a powerful 5-door liftback with excellent road manners, numerous standard features and a very reasonable price tag.
SUV
Save
$21,870
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Thanks to its excellent road manners, German pedigree and high-tech interior, the 2020 BMW X3 sets the bar for compact-crossover SUVs.
Pickup
$21,887
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic uses an older Ram full-size pickup design that is both capable and affordable.
Sedan
$23,487
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Genesis G80 is comfortable, stylish and stuffed with features yet costs significantly less than rivals like the BMW 5 Series.
SUV
$24,172
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable version ever and now includes mild-hybrid and turbo-diesel engine options.
Pickup
$24,828
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford Super Duty pickup range offers massive torque, impressive towing and payload abilities, driver aids and sumptuous cabins.
SUV
$24,991
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
While not the sportiest premium-compact SUV, the 2020 Lexus NX delivers a comfortable ride, numerous luxury features and unbeatable value.
SUV
$25,187
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable version ever and now includes mild-hybrid and turbo-diesel engine options.
Wagon
$25,673
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Audi A4 Allroad blends the amenities and ride quality of a luxury sedan with the utility of a wagon and the spirit of an SUV.
Van/Minivan
$27,203
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Toyota Sienna is the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive. It’s also spacious (seating up to eight), practical and versatile.
Coupe
$27,700
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.8
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Beautifully styled and blessed with optional all-wheel drive, the Infiniti Q60 may be aging, but it’s doing so with grace and power.
Sedan
$10,788
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic clings to life another year. It has a turbo engine and some decent tech, but lags rivals in almost every other way.
Sedan
Save
$11,854
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As refined as it is economical, the 2020 Kia Rio Sedan and 5-door continue to offer good value backed by an unbeatable warranty.
Sedan
$12,570
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Already a roomy and well-priced subcompact sedan, the 2020 Hyundai Accent improves on its excellent fuel-consumption figures.
SUV
$12,767
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford Escape delivers solid dynamics, high tech safety features and a comprehensive new design language to the compact SUV segment.
SUV
$13,577
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the debut of the new Encore GX, we can’t imagine anybody choosing an old-school Encore over this safer and more attractive new model.
Sedan
$14,252
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2020 Subaru Impreza stands out with its practicality, efficiency and standard all-wheel drive.
Van/Minivan
$15,178
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Sedona minivan offers a full set of features, plenty of room for eight and a price thousands less than the competition.
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