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.
Car Match Quiz
Let Kelley Blue Book match your personality to your automotive soulmate. It's fast and fun!
Sedan
$14,250
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With seductive styling and an interior fit for an Audi, the 2020 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback take the compact car to new heights.
SUV
Save
$14,300
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 GMC Terrain aspires to be a little more upmarket than most mainstream compact crossover SUVs, especially in Denali trim.
Wagon
$14,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
50 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Niro offers all the room and versatility of a small SUV with hybrid and electric technology for maximum fuel economy.
SUV
$14,850
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With more interior room than all of its main competitors, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a roomy alternative to midsize and full-size SUVs.
Sedan
$15,050
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its upgraded interior on top of standard all-wheel drive, the new 2020 Subaru is a force to be reckoned with in the midsize segment.
Advertisement
Wagon
$15,300
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2020 Kia Niro offers all the room and versatility of a small SUV with hybrid and electric technology for maximum fuel economy.
SUV
$16,000
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Made especially for North America, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas midsize-crossover SUV can take up to seven occupants plus their luggage.
Pickup
$16,000
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its varied powerplants and models, along with some modern tech, the 2020 Ford F-150 has what it takes to remain a strong seller.
Sedan
$16,150
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Mazda6 sedan offers style, luxury and power plus a dynamic driving experience that makes it unique in this price range.
Pickup
$17,050
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic uses an older Ram full-size pickup design that is both capable and affordable.
SUV
Save
$17,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The subcompact 2020 Toyota C-HR SUV features good reliability and resale figures plus an impressive suite of standard safety assists.
Sedan
$17,550
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a European-flavored take on the compact sedan, blending refined manners with driving talent and smart tech.
Sedan
Save
$17,850
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Acura ILX compact-luxury sedan offers tremendous value, with numerous features, good performance and impressive resale figures.
Hatchback
$18,350
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Toyota Prius hybrid gets over 50 mpg and touts a comfortable ride. Apple CarPlay and optional all-wheel drive make it even better.
SUV
$18,550
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Infiniti QX50 offers luxury, performance and some very advanced driver assists, at a price that easily undercuts the competition.
SUV
Save
$19,100
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Thanks to its excellent road manners, German pedigree and high-tech interior, the 2020 BMW X3 sets the bar for compact-crossover SUVs.
SUV
$19,550
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable version ever and now includes mild-hybrid and turbo-diesel engine options.
Sedan
$19,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Stinger is a powerful 5-door liftback with excellent road manners, numerous standard features and a very reasonable price tag.
Pickup
$20,200
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford Super Duty pickup range offers massive torque, impressive towing and payload abilities, driver aids and sumptuous cabins.
Wagon
$20,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Audi A4 Allroad blends the amenities and ride quality of a luxury sedan with the utility of a wagon and the spirit of an SUV.
Coupe
$21,000
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.8
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Beautifully styled and blessed with optional all-wheel drive, the Infiniti Q60 may be aging, but it’s doing so with grace and power.
Coupe
$21,100
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Subaru BRZ rear-drive compact coupe is built for fun. This model year sees the addition of an even sportier tS version.
SUV
$21,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable version ever and now includes mild-hybrid and turbo-diesel engine options.
Sedan
$21,900
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Genesis G80 is comfortable, stylish and stuffed with features yet costs significantly less than rivals like the BMW 5 Series.
Van/Minivan
$23,900
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Toyota Sienna is the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive. It’s also spacious (seating up to eight), practical and versatile.
SUV
$24,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
While not the sportiest premium-compact SUV, the 2020 Lexus NX delivers a comfortable ride, numerous luxury features and unbeatable value.
Sedan
$9,400
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic clings to life another year. It has a turbo engine and some decent tech, but lags rivals in almost every other way.
Sedan
$10,550
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Already a roomy and well-priced subcompact sedan, the 2020 Hyundai Accent improves on its excellent fuel-consumption figures.
Sedan
Save
$11,500
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As refined as it is economical, the 2020 Kia Rio Sedan and 5-door continue to offer good value backed by an unbeatable warranty.
SUV
$12,050
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford Escape delivers solid dynamics, high tech safety features and a comprehensive new design language to the compact SUV segment.
SUV
$12,950
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offers sophisticated features, seating for up to seven and a very sporty ride, all at a very competitive price.
SUV
$13,850
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Nissan Rogue compact SUV stays competitive with rivals like the Honda CR-V thanks to its efficiency, comfort and safety.
Sedan
$13,900
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2020 Subaru Impreza stands out with its practicality, efficiency and standard all-wheel drive.
Van/Minivan
$14,350
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Sedona minivan offers a full set of features, plenty of room for eight and a price thousands less than the competition.
SUV
$14,950
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the debut of the new Encore GX, we can’t imagine anybody choosing an old-school Encore over this safer and more attractive new model.