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.
Sponsored
2026 Honda Passport
Car Match Quiz
Let Kelley Blue Book match your personality to your automotive soulmate. It's fast and fun!
Van/Minivan
$16,750
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.
Sedan
$17,300
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.
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.
Wagon
$18,150
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.
Sedan
Save
$18,950
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.
Advertisement
SUV
$19,200
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.
Sedan
$20,900
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.
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
$21,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
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
$21,900
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
$23,500
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
$23,800
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
$24,500
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
$24,600
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
$26,000
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
$27,400
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.
Sedan
$15,200
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.
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
$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
$18,200
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.
SUV
$18,350
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
$19,000
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.
Sedan
$19,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The subtly restyled 2021 VW Arteon now has an interior with an Audi level of refinement, making this pretty German sedan even more enticing.
Coupe
$19,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro epitomizes bang for the buck and attitude for the dollar with this everyman’s sports car.
Pickup
$20,400
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
Save
$24,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has all the style, space, tech, safety and hardware to be a major contender among luxury midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers.
SUV
$25,900
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
326 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Tesla Model Y small premium all-electric crossover now comes with seating for up to seven.
Coupe
$28,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2021 BMW 4 Series brings plenty of driver appeal to luxury compact coupes and convertibles.
SUV
$29,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Macan continues to be the best-selling Porsche, and we know why: It’s exceptionally sporty while offering the utility of a small SUV.
SUV
$14,250
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 VW Tiguan continues in its role as a compact SUV with seating for up to seven and a sporty ride, all at a competitive price.