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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Sedan
$10,981
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
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
$11,116
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
$11,401
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.
Wagon
$11,493
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.
Hatchback
$11,667
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.
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SUV
$12,547
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
$12,766
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
$12,831
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
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.
Sedan
$12,975
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
42 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.
Hatchback
$13,079
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.
Hatchback
$13,228
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.
SUV
Save
$13,387
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
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
$14,735
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
$15,157
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
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.
Sedan
$15,340
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
$15,578
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.
SUV
$15,708
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
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
$15,839
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.
SUV
$15,875
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
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
$16,175
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.
SUV
$16,304
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.
Pickup
$16,347
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.
Pickup
$16,469
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
$16,662
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.
SUV
$16,730
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.
Sedan
$16,820
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
$16,851
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
$16,860
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.
SUV
$16,879
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
$17,026
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
$17,223
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
$17,594
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
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
$17,850
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.
Pickup
$17,960
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
$18,074
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.