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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Wagon
$17,250
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Niro is a value-conscious choice for drivers looking for excellent fuel economy in a versatile crossover at an affordable price.
SUV
$17,300
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Equinox is Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV and it’s a value player in the 2-row/5-passenger compact crossover segment.
Wagon
Save
$18,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
239 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Kia Niro EV is an agreeable electric subcompact crossover, but its high MSRP makes it a questionable value proposition.
Wagon
$18,500
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid small hatchback/SUV is a fine runabout with ultra-low emissions and similarly trivial fuel bills.
Hatchback
$19,200
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
107 MPGe
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Polestar 2 all-electric midsize car dances between crossover and hatchback, luxury and mainstream. Maximum range is 270 miles.
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SUV
$20,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 BMW X2 is a genre-bending subcompact crossover with a sloping roof, making a bigger deal of styling and poise than practicality.
SUV
$20,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.7
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is a special subcompact crossover/SUV. It has all-wheel drive as standard and offers a plug-in hybrid variant.
Pickup
$20,200
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the new 2022 Santa Cruz, Hyundai has created a new niche — that of the compact crossover SUV with a handy little bed.
Sedan
Save
$21,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Acura ILX premium compact sedan is the cheapest new Acura and one of the most affordable luxury cars. Ownership costs are also low.
Sedan
$21,800
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Chrysler 300 offers something most other large sedans can’t — a V8 engine. And all-wheel drive. But not both in the same car.
Pickup
$22,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 GMC Canyon is a capable, comfortable, and upscale choice in midsize pickup trucks, especially in the luxurious Denali trim.
Sedan
$22,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Subaru WRX is a 271-horsepower compact sedan built for thrills. This new generation sees many improvements and refinements.
Pickup
$23,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 GMC Canyon is a capable, comfortable, and upscale choice in midsize pickup trucks, especially in the luxurious Denali trim.
SUV
$24,600
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.
Sedan
$24,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
315 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The high-tech Tesla Model 3 is an outstanding EV for its long electric range, exciting performance, and minimalist take on luxury.
Sedan
Save
$24,900
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
Save
$27,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
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.
Sedan
$14,800
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.
Sedan
$16,350
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
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
$16,900
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Hyundai’s award-winning subcompact SUV has received its first major refresh, and we applaud the subtle albeit substantive changes.
SUV
$17,850
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.
SUV
Save
$18,600
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.
Pickup
$18,900
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
$20,200
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.
Sedan
$20,500
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
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.
Pickup
$21,200
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.
Sedan
$21,200
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.
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.
SUV
$22,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.3
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.
SUV
Save
$25,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
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
$25,800
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
$28,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
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.
Coupe
$29,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 BMW 4 Series is the premium compact coupe, convertible, or 4-door for those who want something like a 3 Series, only with more funk.
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.
SUV
$16,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
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.