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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Sedan
$25,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Civic is already a top choice among compact cars, and it gets better for 2025. It’s available as a traditional sedan or a versatile hatchback.
SUV
$26,085
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV that deserves strong consideration thanks to its space, equipment, and safety features.
Sedan
$23,370
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is a highly compelling compact sedan packed with features and style, plus an unbeatable warranty.
Sedan
$26,695
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
54 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid touts class-leading fuel economy and range wrapped in a superb package.
SUV
$27,980
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Targeting drivers with adventure in their souls, the all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek is affordable, capable, and practical.
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Sedan
$23,165
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.8
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia K4 is an all-new, tech-forward and exceptionally roomy compact sedan with a design set to shake up the segment.
Sedan
$23,460
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla sedan continues delivering safe, comfortable, reliable, and fuel-efficient driving at an affordable price.
Sedan
$24,920
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
50 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a safe and comfortable compact sedan with excellent fuel economy.
SUV
$25,485
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a competent, safe, and affordable subcompact SUV.
SUV
Save
$26,795
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Honda HR-V is a standout in the subcompact SUV class, particularly because of its roomy and classy cabin.
Sedan
$28,365
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia K5 is an attractive and accomplished midsize sedan with an individual style. It gets even better for 2025.
Wagon
$28,385
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Niro is a practical and efficient hybrid SUV with loads of advanced tech and an amazing warranty.
Pickup
$29,840
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Ford Maverick is a superb compact truck with plenty of capability, the option of a hybrid drivetrain, and easy driving manners.
SUV
$29,845
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a small and fuel-efficient SUV with a good amount of standard equipment.
Wagon
$21,885
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Kia Soul is a subcompact car that’s charming and practical, affordable, and exceptional.
Sedan
$28,145
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata is a sharp-looking midsize sedan with features and tech bordering on the luxurious.
SUV
$21,895
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A subcompact SUV, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax blends an affordable price, scads of interior room, and lots of cutting-edge technology into one highly stylized package.
SUV
$23,220
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.0
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Kicks marks an all-new generation of this subcompact SUV, and it’s improved in virtually every area.
Hatchback
$24,875
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a smaller but more versatile variant of the venerable Corolla compact car.
SUV
$25,195
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Buick Envista is a subcompact SUV with a little coupe action mixed in for style.
Wagon
$25,530
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
5.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is an affordable, all-wheel-drive hatchback that delivers dependable, safe, and comfortable transportation.
SUV
$29,980
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.7
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a comfortable, fuel-efficient compact SUV with plenty of technology.
Sedan
$18,530
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The least expensive new car you can buy in America, the 2025 Nissan Versa delivers value, comfort, and impressive gas mileage.
SUV
$22,910
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For the subcompact SUV segment, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play delivers surprising passenger space, better-than-average fuel economy, and loads of advanced safety tech for its affordable price.
SUV
$24,495
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Thanks to its roomy interior, affordable pricing, and solid fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is an alluring subcompact SUV.
SUV
Save
$26,690
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 lives a double life as an almost-luxurious subcompact SUV while also being one of the most enjoyable of its kind to drive.
SUV
$26,920
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Volkswagen Taos is a practical yet fun subcompact SUV that boasts spry manners and a surprisingly roomy interior. The 2025 model only improves the formula.
SUV
$21,695
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV touts the lowest ownership costs in its class, plus easy and efficient driving manners.
Sedan
$25,335
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Mazda3 is an exceptionally sporty and stylish compact car that also offers upgrades like a powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
Sedan
$28,140
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Altima is a comfortably adequate sedan that swims in a sea of excellent competitors.
Sedan
$22,730
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Sentra is a good car among greats. It’s a competent and easy-to-live-with compact sedan with attractive pricing and good fuel economy.
Hatchback
$27,125
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The redesigned Mini Hardtop 4 Door adds practicality to the iconic Mini Cooper while keeping it properly small and stylish.
Sedan
$27,980
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The only midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive, the 2025 Subaru Legacy is a roomy, comfortable family hauler with top-notch advanced safety tech.
Sedan
$29,200
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.9
Consumer
51 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota Camry is a practical, safe, and efficient midsize sedan with a standard hybrid powertrain and available all-wheel drive.
Pickup
$29,700
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma’s excellent off-road chops, on-road refinement, and resale value keep it at the top of a very competitive segment.