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.
SUV
$20,151
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
$23,439
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
$18,674
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.
SUV
$19,614
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.
Sedan
$20,000
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
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
$21,073
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.
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Sedan
$26,544
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
$28,666
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
$28,761
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.
SUV
$14,045
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.
Hatchback
$14,411
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
$16,758
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
$18,077
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
$18,651
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.
Sedan
$19,381
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
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
$19,481
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.
SUV
$19,790
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.
SUV
$20,122
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.
Sedan
$21,102
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
$21,393
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
$21,604
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 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
$21,799
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
$23,087
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.
SUV
$23,265
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its bold design, cutting-edge features and class-leading towing, the 2019 Ford Expedition easily qualifies as the ultimate family SUV.
SUV
$24,325
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its bold design, cutting-edge features and class-leading towing, the 2019 Ford Expedition easily qualifies as the ultimate family SUV.
SUV
$25,451
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe combines the sleekness of a fastback coupe with the tall ride height of an SUV for a truly unique look.
SUV
$26,458
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 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.
Sedan
$26,682
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
5.0
Consumer
24 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.
SUV
$27,172
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Based on the popular GLC Coupe, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe ups the power, prestige and driver pulse rate.
Sedan
$11,367
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With improved looks, refinement, sportiness, safety and efficiency, the 2019 Kia Forte is now a better match against the Honda Civic.
Sedan
$13,252
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
There’s nothing new about the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan — just the traditional emphasis on quality, mileage and value.
Hatchback
$14,536
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Adding safety tech to the 2019 model, Honda has built upon the Fit’s legacy as a fuel-efficient hatchback that’s fun and versatile.
SUV
$14,579
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its improved driving dynamics, low-slung roof and sculpted sides, the 2019 BMW X2 offers a sportier option to the more versatile X1.
SUV
$14,727
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Honda HR-V offers compact economy and pricing in a versatile small SUV big on interior room, style and safety.
SUV
$15,877
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
This 5th-generation, 2019 Subaru Forester is a stronger and roomier compact SUV that’s still sized just right for active people.
Sedan
$15,984
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.7
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered as a sedan, coupe or hatchback and with varying horsepower, the 2019 Honda Civic may be the most versatile compact on the planet.
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