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.
Hatchback
$20,695
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The excellent 2020 Volkswagen Golf compact hatchback has many positive German automotive traits while remaining affordable.
SUV
$22,759
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Nissan Armada is a powerful and capable full-size SUV with seating for up to eight, plus useful towing and off-road talents.
Sedan
$23,826
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2020 Cadillac CT5 sedan has striking design and available Super Cruise, but ultimately faces better rivals like the Genesis G70.
Coupe
$24,247
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Power, performance and flexibility are the hallmarks of the 2020 BMW 4 Series that consists of a coupe, convertible and 4-door liftback.
SUV
$27,652
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.7
Consumer
21 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Lincoln’s all-new Aviator 3-row midsize luxury SUV offers high tech and safety, plus two powertrain choices, including a plug-in hybrid.
SUV
Save
$18,668
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 offers luxury, safety and style in an affordable 3-row SUV that is also a blast to drive.
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Coupe
$19,057
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In the 2020 Dodge Challenger, you’ll find a wide range of performance in a comfortable and roomy coupe that bucks the muscle-car stereotype.
Sedan
$19,920
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Big, bold and somewhat gangster, the 2020 Chrysler 300 is the last vestige of the American rear-drive V8-powered sedan.
Sedan
$20,285
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.8
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia stands out from rivals like the BMW 3 Series with its Italian essence, exclusivity and class-leading power.
SUV
$22,243
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With few direct competitors, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 carves out space as a stylishly tailored and understated 5-passenger crossover SUV.
Pickup
$23,908
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With improved styling, added safety tech, and a more refined driving experience, the 2020 Nissan Titan is seeking—and earning—more respect.
Sedan
Save
$24,125
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
21 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Looking for a handsomely styled Euro sedan with all-wheel drive, good fuel efficiency and abundant safety tech? Try the 2020 Volvo S90.
Coupe
Save
$28,847
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With four engine options and available all-wheel drive, the 2020 Lexus RC coupe offers equal helpings of luxury and performance.
SUV
$19,917
Starting Price
4.9
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s all-new 2019 RAV4 SUV has rugged looks, sportier feel, more capability, better fuel economy, and an easy-to-recommend hybrid model.
SUV
$23,311
Starting Price
4.9
Expert
3.6
Consumer
40 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s all-new 2019 RAV4 SUV has rugged looks, sportier feel, more capability, better fuel economy, and an easy-to-recommend hybrid model.
SUV
$18,210
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.8
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 2019 Audi Q3 is an entry-level lux SUV, but doesn’t feel entry-level. It offers class-above tech, sharp design, and modern luxury.
SUV
$18,239
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
When it comes to safety, reliability, strong resale and peace of mind, it’s hard to ignore the 2019 Honda CR-V.
Sedan
$20,000
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered in coupe, convertible and 5-door liftback form, the 2019 Audi A5 and S5 are as flexible as they are fun to drive.
Sedan
$20,983
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
48 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version of Honda’s award-winning midsize sedan, achieving 48 mpg.
Sedan
$26,625
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Lexus ES has aggressive styling and a sporty new attitude, but remains in the Lexus tradition of quiet, comfortable luxury sedans.
SUV
$28,076
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped for 2019, the BMW X5 luxury SUV packs more tech, power and newfound off-road chops, all while retaining its sporty dynamics.
SUV
$28,515
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Audi Q8 is a sporty 2-row Q7 with a turbocharged V6 and styling that looks great but does not completely remove the “U” from SUV.
Hatchback
$14,557
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
238 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt offers a fun and environmentally friendly way to get around, with a 238-mile cruising range and a 91-mph top speed.
SUV
$14,844
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In every way, the new Santa Fe is better than the outgoing model. It’s safer, roomier and much quieter, while also being better looking.
SUV
$16,848
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With style, technology, safety, innovation and value, the all-new 2019 Volvo XC40 is set to shake up the compact-luxury-SUV segment.
Sedan
$18,379
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Audi A4 combines luxury and performance in a subtly styled 4-door with a rich interior and some amazing high tech.
Sedan
$18,728
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Best in its class in almost every way, the 2019 Honda Accord is our most recommendable sedan. Sport model furthers its appeal.
SUV
$19,322
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Updated for 2019 with more standard safety features and amenities, the Honda Pilot is one of the most recommendable 3-row SUVs available.
Sedan
$20,084
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Genesis G70 is an all-new small-luxury sedan. It brings the fight to rivals like the BMW 3 Series in both performance and value.
SUV
$20,370
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped last year, the Audi Q5 is a compact-luxury SUV that should remain a best-seller thanks to its refinement, tech and performance.
SUV
$20,521
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
While not as roomy as some 3-row luxury SUVs, the 2019 Audi Q7 wins big when it comes to style, performance and technology.
Sedan
$21,459
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether as a sedan, coupe or convertible, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a substantial luxury car that commands a premium price.
Sedan
$21,520
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
48 Miles
Estimated EV Range
In the world of green vehicles, the 2019 Honda Clarity offers a trio of options, including a plug-in hybrid, EV and hydrogen fuel cell.
Hatchback
$21,685
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Toyota Prius Prime combines all that’s good about the standard Prius, then adds a plug-in option with 25-mile pure-electric range.
Sedan
$21,897
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Audi A6 is back, the 2019 model much better prepared to scrap it out with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Sedan
$23,876
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
310 Miles
Estimated EV Range
For those who can afford it, the smallest Tesla offers usability, joyful road manners, and an intriguing glimpse of a gasoline-free future.
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- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Durango
- 2026 Toyota RAV4
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Charger
- 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona
- 2026 Toyota Camry
- 2026 Toyota bZ
- 2026 Toyota C-HR
- 2026 Audi A6
- 2026 Jeep Recon
- 2026 BMW 3 Series
- 2026 AFEELA 1
- 2026 Acura RSX
- 2026 Volvo ES90
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2026 Nissan Sentra
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- 2026 Lexus ES
- 2026 Kia EV4
- 2026 Subaru Outback
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6