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
$24,000
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.
SUV
$24,300
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
$24,400
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.
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.
Pickup
$26,200
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.
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Sedan
$12,300
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
$14,150
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
$15,250
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
$15,550
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 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
$15,750
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
$16,750
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
$17,450
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
$18,350
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.
Hatchback
$18,550
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
56 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A benchmark among hybrids, the 2021 Toyota Prius packs high efficiency, robust safety, and tech features, and even offers all-wheel drive.
SUV
$19,300
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru Forester is a superb compact SUV with a long and well-rounded list of attributes, including value and safety.
Pickup
$19,500
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.
SUV
Save
$20,300
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Pilot is one of the best choices among midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers, because it excels in so many areas.
SUV
$21,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes GLB-Class small luxury SUV straddles the subcompact and compact classes with style, tech, safety and refinement.
Pickup
$21,900
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.
Sedan
$22,200
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With standard all-wheel drive and its innovative powertrains, the 2021 Audi A6 luxury sedan stands out from rivals like the BMW 5 Series.
SUV
$22,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.6
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 3-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L impresses with its quality and luxury, which bodes well for the standard version coming later this year.
SUV
$22,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
39 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new-for 2021, the Toyota Venza 2-row midsize SUV features a 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain, all-wheel-drive, and up to 40 mpg.
Wagon
$24,100
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi A4 Allroad is a raised wagon blending the amenities and plush ride of a luxury sedan with the utility of a compact wagon.
Sedan
$12,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Rio subcompact sedan and hatchback are economical yet classy, and come with an unbeatable powertrain warranty.
Hatchback
$12,900
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
59 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq lineup consists of three eco-friendly compact hatchbacks. Two hybrids and an all-electric car with a 170-mile range.
SUV
$13,450
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Equinox is Chevrolet’s compact crossover SUV. A roomy cabin, active safety, and reasonable starting price help make it a popular seller.
Hatchback
$14,650
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq lineup consists of three eco-friendly compact hatchbacks. Two hybrids and an all-electric car with a 170-mile range.
Hatchback
$16,150
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
170 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq lineup consists of three eco-friendly compact hatchbacks. Two hybrids and an all-electric car with a 170-mile range.
Pickup
$17,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is a capable pickup with a variety of engines, trims, and body styles. It touts impressive trailering tech.
Hatchback
$18,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Corolla Hatchback is an even more practical, sportier, and distinctive version of Toyota’s popular compact sedan.
SUV
$18,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As long as buyers get into a 2021 BMW X1 premium subcompact SUV knowing it skews more toward thrills than frills, all should be well.
SUV
$18,450
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.7
Consumer
17 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek blurs the distinction between a compact SUV and an economical 5-door hatchback.
Coupe
$19,250
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible continue to remind us that driving is about far more than getting from Point A to Point B.
SUV
$19,950
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is a spacious and smart midsize 3-row crossover with all-wheel drive and many safety features as standard.
Pickup
$20,200
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is a capable pickup with a variety of engines, trims, and body styles. It touts impressive trailering tech.