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.
Top Rated Expert Ratings
$0 - $30,000
Sedan
Save
$24,324
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Despite its advancing years, the 2019 Lexus IS premium-compact sedan still has the power to tempt, thanks to its quality and reliability.
Wagon
$24,547
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Based on the A4 compact-luxury sedan, the 2019 Audi Allroad is a rugged yet elegant all-wheel-drive wagon with an independent spirit.
SUV
$24,635
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Even in its final year before an all-new version arrives, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV packs impressive features, versatility and power.
Sedan
$25,412
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
43 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2019 Toyota Avalon sedan arrives with more style, more power and more features, while retaining its unparalleled value.
SUV
$27,107
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.8
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Powerful, roomy and versatile, the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe remains among the most capable and recommendable full-size SUVs.
SUV
$29,579
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Distinctive, luxurious and reliable, the 2019 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid are big sellers in the competitive midsize-luxury-SUV market.
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Hatchback
$10,286
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
226 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Nissan Leaf EV, now with a new 226-mile-range model, makes it easy to make the switch from fossil fuels. At a good price, too.
Hatchback
$11,207
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
58 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric form, offering value and style combined in a compact hybrid car.
Wagon
$11,414
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Kia Niro delivers the room and versatility of a small SUV with the impressive fuel economy only a hybrid can achieve.
Coupe
$11,641
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is a sporty hatchback coupe offering sporty looks and performance to entice younger buyers to the brand.
Hatchback
$12,235
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
124 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric form, offering value and style combined in a compact hybrid car.
Sedan
$12,282
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped for 2019, the Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan gains technology and efficiency while retaining its spry European driving manners.
Sedan
$12,609
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With a healthy dose of safety tech and good styling tweaks, Kia has kept its 2019 Optima competitive in the tough midsize-sedan market.
Sedan
$12,860
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Sonata is known for its comfort and value, but it’s the latter that has been most enhanced for 2019, at minimal (if any) added cost.
SUV
$13,007
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Kia Sportage is a stylish compact-crossover SUV offering high-end features, an optional turbo engine and a reasonable entry price.
Sedan
$13,136
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
41 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Sonata is known for its comfort and value, but it’s the latter that has been most enhanced for 2019, at minimal (if any) added cost.
SUV
$13,187
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Nissan Rogue Sport offers loads of advanced features in a subcompact SUV that’s as easy on the eye as it is the wallet.
SUV
$13,320
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV is comfortable and competent. Its X factor is an optional diesel engine rated up to 39 mpg.
Wagon
$13,381
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
239 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Kia Niro delivers the room and versatility of a small SUV with the impressive fuel economy only a hybrid can achieve.
SUV
Save
$14,138
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 GMC Terrain compact-crossover SUV has a broad range that encompasses competitive pricing, great fuel economy and luxury features.
Sedan
$14,253
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The value-rich Honda Insight is a stylish hybrid sedan that returns up to 55 mpg and sports a robust array of standard safety tech.
SUV
Save
$14,939
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Toyota C-HR subcompact-crossover SUV expands trim levels, drops the entry price and now (millennials, take note) has Apple CarPlay.
Hatchback
$15,360
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
124 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric form, offering value and style combined in a compact hybrid car.
Sedan
$16,291
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped for 2019, the Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan gains technology and efficiency while retaining its spry European driving manners.
Wagon
$16,545
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Kia Niro delivers the room and versatility of a small SUV with the impressive fuel economy only a hybrid can achieve.
Sedan
$16,958
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Mazda6 is a mainstream midsize sedan with a premium vibe, great fuel consumption, high safety scores and driving fun.
Hatchback
$17,056
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Toyota Prius gains optional all-wheel drive, making America’s best-selling hybrid car an even more attractive prospect.
Sedan
$17,731
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
53 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt offers all the advantages of an electric commuter car with the added benefit of a long-range gasoline-powered car.
SUV
$17,830
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With agile handling, slick technology and German badge appeal, the 2019 BMW X3 remains a standout among small-luxury SUVs.
Sedan
Save
$18,023
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Updated for 2019 with new style, tech and safety features, the Acura ILX compact sedan is even more appealing. A price cut further entices.
SUV
$18,376
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Infiniti QX30 is sleek and has a low starting price, but trails rivals like the Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 in almost every other way.
SUV
$18,417
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2019, the Infiniti QX50 compact-luxury SUV adds technology, an efficiency-minded engine and advanced driver-assist systems.
Sedan
$18,417
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
41 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With a healthy dose of safety tech and good styling tweaks, Kia has kept its 2019 Optima competitive in the tough midsize-sedan market.
SUV
$18,624
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer is a charming 2-row, midsize SUV with daring style, satisfying road manners and a robust standard-equipment list.
Sedan
$18,885
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Sonata is known for its comfort and value, but it’s the latter that has been most enhanced for 2019, at minimal (if any) added cost.
SUV
$18,907
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 2019 Lexus UX is the smallest, most affordable SUV from the luxury brand. It trails rivals in power but is relaxed and efficient.
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