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.
Sedan
$12,168
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.
Sedan
$12,378
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
$12,441
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
$12,822
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.
SUV
$12,907
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.
Sedan
$13,043
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Nissan Altima has crisp styling, more standard tech and safety, two new engines, and available AWD, while offering plenty of value.
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SUV
$13,232
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
Save
$13,635
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.
Wagon
$14,101
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.
Sedan
$14,117
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
$14,720
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
$15,018
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
$16,043
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
$16,172
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.
SUV
$16,469
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Traverse offers more power, more room, more technology, and high style in the tough 3-row SUV market.
SUV
$16,469
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas midsize-crossover SUV is big enough for seven occupants and their luggage, while being smart in looks and tech.
Hatchback
$16,799
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.
Pickup
$17,019
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Ford F-150 is one the most complete full-size pickups on the market, offering numerous engines, configurations and trims.
SUV
$17,178
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is an all-new small luxury SUV sliding (size-wise and price-wise) between the subcompact and compact lux SUV realms.
Sedan
Save
$17,282
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.
Sedan
$17,407
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.
Pickup
$17,446
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Ford F-150 is one the most complete full-size pickups on the market, offering numerous engines, configurations and trims.
Sedan
$17,502
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.
Pickup
$17,547
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
New looks, new frame, roomier cabin and clever towing tech make the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado a strong Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 rival.
SUV
$17,728
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.
SUV
Save
$17,805
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
$17,933
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.
Pickup
$17,941
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
New looks, new frame, roomier cabin and clever towing tech make the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado a strong Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 rival.
Sedan
$18,133
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2019 Kia Stinger is an exceptionally well-balanced sports sedan, with the power and looks to change minds about what a Kia can be.
Sedan
$18,366
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
$18,455
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
27 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
$18,766
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.
Pickup
$19,080
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A proven player, the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is an extremely capable and comfortable full-size pickup that’s ready to work, tow or play.
SUV
$19,295
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
$20,309
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 Miles
Estimated EV Range
With a healthy dose of safety tech and good styling tweaks, Kia has kept its 2019 Optima competitive in the tough midsize-sedan market.
Pickup
$20,344
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A proven player, the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is an extremely capable and comfortable full-size pickup that’s ready to work, tow or play.
- Best Cars
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- Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
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- Best Vans and Minivans
- Most Fuel Efficient SUVs
- Best Hybrid Vehicles
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
- Best Electric Vehicles
- Best Midsize Trucks
- Best Luxury Fullsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize Trucks
- Best Compact Cars
- Best Midsize Cars
- Most Fuel Efficient Trucks
- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize Cars
- 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