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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SUV
$17,650
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 takes the notion of a subcompact SUV then adds space, luxury, power, style, driving talent and technology.
Pickup
$18,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The highly capable all-new 2021 Ford F-150 comes with new innovations, a wide range of trims and engines, and a tow-friendly hybrid option.
Sedan
$18,500
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
48 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Honda Clarity can be a plug-in hybrid, or the ultimate green machine, a hydrogen fuel cell car whose only emission is water vapor.
Sedan
$19,150
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Accord is one of the best sedans you can buy, deftly blending great manners, safety and comfort.
SUV
$19,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a new and fuel-efficient variant in a range of excellent SUV/crossovers.
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SUV
$19,900
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a midsize crossover that seats six and saves fuel. It’s part of an all-new generation that debuts this year.
Pickup
$21,100
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The highly capable all-new 2021 Ford F-150 comes with new innovations, a wide range of trims and engines, and a tow-friendly hybrid option.
SUV
$21,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda CR-V is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy. It is practical, roomy, and reliable.
SUV
$21,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class brings an impressively high level of style, refinement, luxury and tech to the premium compact SUV world.
Van/Minivan
$21,900
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Odyssey minivan continues its award-winning ways with more safety features, raised equipment levels and revised styling.
Sedan
$22,000
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class range of luxury compact sedans, coupes and convertibles stretches from posh runabout to powerful AMG models.
Pickup
$22,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The highly capable all-new 2021 Ford F-150 comes with new innovations, a wide range of trims and engines, and a tow-friendly hybrid option.
SUV
$24,600
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Honda’s 2-row SUV has long been a consumer favorite in its class, and the 2021 CR-V Hybrid takes its appeal factor to a new level.
Pickup
$26,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Super Duty pickup range offers massive torque, impressive towing and payload abilities, driver aids, and sumptuous cabins.
Sedan
$27,000
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 E-Class sedan, All-Terrain wagon, coupe, and cabriolet exude the technology, sophistication, and style you expect of Mercedes-Benz.
SUV
$28,100
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Our most recommendable midsize luxury SUV for 2020, the BMW X5 touts excellent driving manners, high-end features and several powertrains.
SUV
$29,900
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.4
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2021, the Chevrolet Tahoe 3-row SUV is bigger, roomier and smarter. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a brawny hauler.
Hatchback
$16,550
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
259 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-electric 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV can cover up to 259 miles. But it’s pricier and has fewer standard safety features than some rivals.
SUV
$17,950
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a large subcompact SUV designed for off-road adventure. Its rivals are the Jeep Compass and Subaru Crosstrek.
SUV
Save
$18,450
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its good looks, high-quality interior, abundant safety features, and entertaining driving manners, the Mazda CX-5 commands attention.
SUV
$18,700
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the Outback, Subaru has stuck with a formula that remains quite popular – that of the raised AWD station wagon that thinks it’s an SUV.
Sedan
$19,350
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Camry is one of the best midsize cars around — safe, reliable, practical, stylish, and you can get it with all-wheel drive.
SUV
$19,400
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
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
$19,900
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.
Sedan
$21,100
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.
Hatchback
$21,600
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.
Pickup
$21,800
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
$22,900
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a coupe, convertible, or sleek hatchback, the 2021 Audi A5 and S5 models have tremendous grace, style, and sophistication.
SUV
$23,000
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.
Wagon
$13,550
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
$16,000
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
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
Save
$17,250
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.
SUV
$17,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.6
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.
Van/Minivan
$18,150
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.
Sedan
$19,000
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.