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.
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Hatchback
$14,000
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The excellent 2020 Volkswagen Golf compact hatchback has many positive German automotive traits while remaining affordable.
SUV
Save
$14,450
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Although a bit smaller than the class leaders, the 2020 Kia Sorento is a viable 7-passenger SUV with an unbeatable entry price.
SUV
$14,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Jeep Renegade subcompact SUV touts off-road cred, cool styling and nimble manners but is pricier than rivals like the Hyundai Kona.
SUV
$14,750
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SUV offers a standard V6 and credible towing, but lags rivals like the Kia Telluride in tech and safety features.
SUV
Save
$15,050
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 GMC Acadia offers numerous seating configurations, engine options and luxury levels at a fair price and with distinctive features.
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SUV
$16,150
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio luxury SUV touts Italian design and class-leading performance to take on established rivals like the BMW X3.
SUV
$16,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Nissan Murano 2-row SUV is roomy, refined and stands apart from rivals like the Honda Passport for prioritizing car-like comfort.
Sedan
$17,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is a sporty fastback sedan with stunning good looks, respectable performance, and plenty of high-tech wizardry.
Pickup
$18,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
From the utilitarian base model to the off-roading ZR2, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado range offers something for every midsize-pickup buyer.
SUV
$18,500
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Sleek, fast and surprisingly practical, the Jaguar F-Pace is exactly the kind of compact SUV you would expect from the British luxury brand.
Hatchback
$19,750
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
$19,800
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.
Coupe
$20,300
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
$21,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.8
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.
Sedan
$22,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.9
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.
Sedan
$16,650
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.
Sedan
$17,100
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.
SUV
Save
$17,700
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.
SUV
$19,400
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.
Coupe
$19,700
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
Save
$22,200
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.
Pickup
$24,200
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
$26,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Acura RLX offers safety, comfort and a hybrid option in an attractively priced luxury car that’s missing a few must-have features.
Coupe
Save
$27,400
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.
Sedan
$28,900
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.8
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Acura RLX offers safety, comfort and a hybrid option in an attractively priced luxury car that’s missing a few must-have features.
SUV
$20,600
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
$22,700
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
$17,800
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
$18,500
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
$18,700
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.3
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
$18,700
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
$24,900
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
24 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
$25,700
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
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
$26,300
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
$26,800
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.