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.
Sedan
$11,410
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a reasonably priced compact car offering midsize passenger space, plenty of equipment and luxury car-like style.
Sedan
$11,834
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The perfectly nice and well-priced 2020 Kia Forte compact-sedan range expands to include a new and sporty GT model.
SUV
$12,676
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Small in size but big in personality, the affordable new Hyundai Venue is a subcompact-crossover SUV well equipped for the urban jungle.
SUV
$13,414
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.8
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Hyundai Kona small SUV comes up big thanks to its style, safety and value. A choice of engines and an electric model add to its appeal.
Hatchback
$14,025
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a reasonably priced compact car offering midsize passenger space, plenty of equipment and luxury car-like style.
SUV
$16,173
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.8
Consumer
258 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2020 Hyundai Kona small SUV comes up big thanks to its style, safety and value. A choice of engines and an electric model add to its appeal.
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Van/Minivan
$17,431
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Chrysler Voyager is a budget version of the Pacifica minivan. It has style and a low price but fewer frills and safety features.
Sedan
$17,531
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala offers full-size luxury and comfort in a speedy sedan as handsome as it is functional.
SUV
$18,213
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 BMW X1 offers good interior room in a compact-luxury SUV, but it’s the X1’s performance that will win you over.
SUV
$19,075
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.8
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport is a new 2-row midsize SUV with a sporty attitude, a huge interior, a lot of cool tech and advanced safety.
Van/Minivan
$19,630
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is a sleek and solid family hauler. A class-exclusive plug-in hybrid version is especially appealing.
SUV
$19,797
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Safe and stylish, the turbocharged 3-row 2020 Subaru Ascent is the logical step up for families that have outgrown their Outback.
SUV
$20,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nicer than mainstream, less expensive than luxury, the 2020 Buick Enclave midsize-crossover SUV brings three seating rows and lots of space.
Van/Minivan
$20,303
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is a sleek and solid family hauler. A class-exclusive plug-in hybrid version is especially appealing.
Pickup
$20,552
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup with big towing, payload and horsepower numbers along with the latest in high-tech driver assists.
Sedan
$21,213
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Infiniti Q50 offers impressive power and luxury, but its handling and ride still lag behind most compact European sports sedans.
Pickup
$22,068
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ram 1500 pickup is as beautiful as it is brawny, with numerous trims levels and features and now a new diesel engine option.
Coupe
$22,745
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Although small, the 2020 BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible pack quite a performance punch, making them a blast to drive.
SUV
$22,893
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Honda Passport offers 5-passenger seating in a powerful crossover SUV with off-road intentions and impeccable resale values.
Pickup
$23,136
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup with big towing, payload and horsepower numbers along with the latest in high-tech driver assists.
Sedan
$23,978
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Avalon is the flagship Toyota sedan. It is comfortable, roomy, filled with features and offers a V6 or hybrid powertrain.
SUV
$25,207
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All new for 2020, the Toyota Highlander remains the go-to 3-row family SUV, with a new hybrid version offering up to 36 mpg in the city.
Pickup
$26,968
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ram 1500 pickup is as beautiful as it is brawny, with numerous trims levels and features and now a new diesel engine option.
Sedan
Save
$27,327
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Lexus IS remains a competent and capable luxury sedan, even if it is not as fresh as rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70.
Sedan
$28,650
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
43 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Avalon is the flagship Toyota sedan. It is comfortable, roomy, filled with features and offers a V6 or hybrid powertrain.
SUV
$10,880
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV delivers style, comfort and economy plus some amazing safety features all for under $19,000.
Hatchback
$11,707
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
226 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2020 Nissan Leaf EV offers a nice mix of features, range and price, but it can’t travel as far as some competitors.
Sedan
$13,052
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
34 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.
Coupe
$13,177
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster hatchback offers a variety of trims, but all promise a fun ride, loads of cool features and a really great price.
SUV
$13,812
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Sportage already was a stylish compact SUV, but the new 2020 version looks classier and has many more standard features.
Hatchback
$14,128
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
133 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.
Sedan
$14,251
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.
SUV
$14,269
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.
SUV
$14,342
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With a choice of turbo engines, a modern interior and new standard safety features, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has never looked better.
Wagon
$14,380
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Niro offers all the room and versatility of a small SUV with hybrid and electric technology for maximum fuel economy.
Sedan
$14,576
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Optima has wide appeal as a refined midsize sedan with attractive styling, a great safety suite and a fantastic powertrain warranty.
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