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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Hatchback
$20,800
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is the plug-in version of the popular hybrid. It tempts with efficiency, comfort and high reliability.
SUV
$20,800
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi Q3 brings bold design, innovative technology, and excellent fit and finish to the Audi’s smallest luxury SUV.
SUV
$21,700
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The spacious 2021 Hyundai Palisade midsize 3-row SUV is a strong contender with great road manners, generous features and keen pricing.
Pickup
$22,000
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The best-selling 2021 Toyota Tacoma boasts rugged design, top resale value, great safety features and a wide range of configurations.
Sedan
$22,100
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a surprisingly entertaining family sedan, still comfortable and frugal, but also sporty in its XLE trim.
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SUV
$25,400
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi Q7 has undergone subtle refinements that make this luxurious midsize crossover remain one of our favorite 7-seat SUVs.
Pickup
$30,000
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The best-selling 2021 Toyota Tacoma boasts rugged design, top resale value, great safety features and a wide range of configurations.
Wagon
$13,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Soul proves that inexpensive cars can be highly stylish and hugely enjoyable, as well as completely practical and sensible.
Sedan
$16,650
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Longer, lower, wider, and roomier than the Optima it replaces, the all-new 2021 Kia K5 also offers a 290-hp engine and all-wheel drive.
SUV
$18,050
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2021, the Nissan Rogue compact SUV packs bolder looks, more tech, and fresh features. Its value position remains strong.
SUV
Save
$18,350
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Highlighted by an ingenious interior, the Honda HR-V remains a great choice among small SUVs even among fresher rivals like the Kia Seltos.
Van/Minivan
$19,850
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Pacifica is a great choice for sensible families seeking greater space and easier access than that of a crossover/SUV.
Pickup
$20,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ram 1500 ranges from simple pickup to sumptuous daily driver to fuel-efficient EcoDiesel model. All with an ability to work.
Convertible
$20,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Mustang continues an American automotive tradition and underlines it with a new 480-horsepower Mach 1 version.
Sedan
$20,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For 2021, the A4 has matured with more power, better safety, and standard quattro all-wheel drive. And the S4? Still one of our favorites.
SUV
$20,900
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-equipped, stylish and popular 2021 Volvo XC40 premium subcompact SUV/crossover adds an all-electric variant to its range: Recharge.
Sedan
$23,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Think of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as a luxury subcompact sedan with some coupe attitude.
Sedan
$23,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
19 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 5-passenger BMW 5 Series luxury sedan is lauded for its European-inspired driving dynamics and class-leading technology.
Sedan
$24,000
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Avalon is the flagship Toyota sedan. It touts comfort, style and premium features. Hybrid and AWD models are available.
SUV
$24,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.6
Consumer
208 Miles
Estimated EV Range
In simple terms, the XC40 Recharge is an electric Volvo XC40. While it needs more range, it’s a smartly packaged taste of Volvo’s EV future.
SUV
$24,500
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Acura RDX premium-compact-crossover SUV offers generous equipment, superb driving manners, and great build quality at keen prices.
Pickup
$24,500
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ram 1500 ranges from simple pickup to sumptuous daily driver to fuel-efficient EcoDiesel model. All with an ability to work.
SUV
$24,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is one of the most recommendable midsize 3-row SUVs.
Sedan
$26,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
44 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 44-mpg 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is the largest sedan the company makes. It comes close to Lexus in comfort, refinement, and styling.
Pickup
$27,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups are incredibly capable, with plenty of muscle on offer. They can also be luxurious and high-tech.
SUV
$30,000
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Getting good fuel economy from an SUV is tough, but the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers while maintaining comfort and practicality.
Sedan
$12,450
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is a well-priced subcompact sedan that’s also well thought out, relatively roomy and frugal with fuel.
SUV
$14,900
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Venue is a fresh, affordable subcompact SUV with features and charisma that belie its diminutive size.
Sedan
$15,700
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The refined Hyundai Sonata, with its abundant tech and safety features, is a totally acceptable alternative to the Accord and Camry.
Van/Minivan
$15,950
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chrysler Voyager is one of the most affordable new minivans. More safety features are offered this year, but frills are still few.
Sedan
$16,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan is an excellent choice thanks to its strong safety features, ample tech, variety of powertrains and value.
Sedan
$17,300
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a generally impressive midsize sedan that happens to achieve exceptional fuel economy.
SUV
$18,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
260 Miles
Estimated EV Range
With 260 miles of range, good practicality, and a healthy dollop of modern tech, the new ID.4 points to a bright EV future for Volkswagen.
Sedan
$19,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota offers one hybrid in its compact-sedan lineup. But the 2021 Corolla LE Hybrid puts its best foot forward as a comfortable fuel miser.
Pickup
$19,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Ranger midsize pickup has an excellent engine, great towing and payload numbers, good safety tech, and cool off-road options.