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
$30,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.7
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the arrival of the potent new AMG GLE SUVs and GLE Coupes, Mercedes’ midsize SUV represents an impressive range of refined SUVs.
Sedan
$10,650
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Versa subcompact provides more than just a low price. It offers features more often found in larger, more expensive sedans.
Sedan
$13,850
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Forte compact sedan comes with plenty of standard safety tech and convenience features, yet still with reasonable pricing.
SUV
$15,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish, well-equipped, and well-priced 2021 Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover SUV gains a sporty Night Edition and top safety scores.
SUV
Save
$15,200
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Terrain aspires to be more upmarket than most mainstream compact-crossover SUVs, especially in the lavish Denali trim.
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SUV
$15,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
258 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The stylish, well-equipped, and well-priced 2021 Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover SUV gains a sporty Night Edition and top safety scores.
Wagon
$16,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
239 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Kia Niro EV is an all-electric small car with a crossover vibe, able to travel 239 miles on a single charge.
Sedan
$17,050
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mazda6 midsize sedan has its own special blend of style, luxury, power, and driving dynamics, all at relatively reasonable prices.
Wagon
$17,050
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid is practical, economical, roomy, and agreeable — all in a small crossover package with great warranties.
Van/Minivan
$17,150
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Sedona is a smart minivan choice. It undercuts many competitors in pricing, but the base LX is far from a stripped-down model.
SUV
$17,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse 3-row SUV is large and comfortable, but lags rivals like the Kia Telluride in standard safety systems.
SUV
$19,050
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 BMW X2 is a sportier, more stylistic take on the X1 crossover SUV. It is distinctive, costs more and is less practical than rivals.
Pickup
$19,950
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Sierra full-size truck offers several engines including a diesel, and appealing trims like the premium Denali and rugged AT4.
Sedan
$20,200
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Big, bold and kind of gangster, the 2021 Chrysler 300 is among the last of the large American sedans. It still offers a V8, though.
Sedan
Save
$20,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Acura ILX compact-luxury sedan offers unsurpassed value, along with abundant features, decent performance and strong resale values.
Pickup
$21,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Canyon, aided by the new AT4, an updated Denali, and an available diesel engine, continues to shine as a capable midsize truck.
Sedan
$21,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru WRX and 2021 WRX STI prove that fun can be had in any weather. Even though they have trunks, they’re really hot hatches.
Hatchback
$22,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.7
Consumer
233 Miles
Estimated EV Range
An all-new EV blending the utility of a small SUV with the manners of a sedan, the Polestar 2 has its sights set on the Tesla Model 3.
Pickup
$23,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Canyon, aided by the new AT4, an updated Denali, and an available diesel engine, continues to shine as a capable midsize truck.
Sedan
$24,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
353 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is one of the most advanced electric luxury sedans on the market, with cutting-edge features and impressive range.
SUV
$24,200
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 5-seater 2021 Honda Passport SUV puts generous interior space, V6 power and off-road talent into a smartly sized package.
Sedan
Save
$24,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Reborn for 2021 with more power and poise, the Acura TLX can go toe-to-toe with luxury sedans like the Audi A4. Its value remains high.
Pickup
$25,800
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Sierra full-size truck offers several engines including a diesel, and appealing trims like the premium Denali and rugged AT4.
SUV
$27,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and hybrid NX 300h luxury compact SUVs emphasize comfort, luxury, quality, reliability and value.
Pickup
$27,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Sierra full-size truck offers several engines including a diesel, and appealing trims like the premium Denali and rugged AT4.
Pickup
$28,500
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
One of the freshest heavy-duty pickups, the 2021 GMC Sierra HD can work hard while insulating occupants in a serene and spacious cabin.
Pickup
$28,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
One of the freshest heavy-duty pickups, the 2021 GMC Sierra HD can work hard while insulating occupants in a serene and spacious cabin.
SUV
$14,150
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer affords excellent standard tech, sporty design and a compelling base price for a small-crossover SUV.
Sedan
$15,100
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Sentra, now in the second year of a new generation, holds its own in a compact sedan class full of great contenders.
SUV
$15,650
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Sportage compact crossover is comfy, classy, well equipped, and keenly priced. Pity about the fuel economy and cargo space.
Sedan
$15,650
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nissan has adjusted the lineup, but the Altima remains a stylish midsize sedan with comfortable seats, tidy handling, and optional AWD.
Sedan
$17,000
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Insight is a compact hybrid sedan known for its efficiency, its easy everyday nature, and its advanced standard safety suite.
SUV
$18,050
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy Volkswagen Atlas SUV has undergone a midcycle freshening that has broadened its appeal to families with added safety and style.
Pickup
$18,550
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In the competitive midsize-truck segment, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado continues to shine as a comfortable, rugged, and versatile truck.
SUV
$18,700
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The aging 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee still cuts it as a plush midsize SUV, off-road champ or fast-lapping track rat.