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
Hatchback
$17,094
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
America’s best-selling hybrid, the 2018 Toyota Prius is a family-friendly 4-door hatchback that delivers industry-leading fuel economy.
SUV
Save
$18,641
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.7
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 XC60 is an all-new version of Volvo’s very popular small SUV, and it captures much of the luxury of its big brother, the XC90.
SUV
$18,725
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Lexus NX wows with its bold styling, impressive performance and stellar reputation for reliability and strong resale.
Van/Minivan
$19,315
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Powerful, capable and efficient, the 2018 Toyota Sienna is also the only minivan to offer the option of all-wheel drive.
Pickup
$19,634
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The rugged 2018 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups offer big numbers in the way of towing, payload and passenger comfort.
SUV
$21,701
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne delivers performance unlike any other 5-passenger luxury-crossover SUV, but be prepared to pay a hefty price.
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SUV
$21,975
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For families needing a safe, efficient and reliable 8-passenger crossover SUV, the 2018 Toyota Highlander should be a top choice.
SUV
$22,321
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A luxurious full-size SUV with V8 power, the 2018 GMC Yukon is a great choice for active families and those who need to tow a boat or RV.
Sedan
$22,534
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Despite an aging design, the 2018 BMW 6 Series Convertible and Gran Coupe still offer plenty of style and driving excitement.
SUV
$23,777
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For families needing a safe, efficient and reliable 8-passenger crossover SUV, the 2018 Toyota Highlander should be a top choice.
SUV
Save
$26,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A luxurious full-size SUV with V8 power, the 2018 GMC Yukon is a great choice for active families and those who need to tow a boat or RV.
Coupe
$26,642
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Jaguar adds a new base model to the 2018 F-Type lineup, with a powerful 4-cylinder engine that promises efficient performance.
Sedan
Save
$27,471
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Lexus GS offers varying levels of performance and luxury in a line of sedans backed by legendary Lexus quality.
Pickup
$28,165
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The rugged 2018 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups offer big numbers in the way of towing, payload and passenger comfort.
Sedan
$7,733
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered as a sedan or a 5-door hatchback, the popular 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is a fuel-efficient compact with an available diesel engine.
Hatchback
$7,745
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A spacious subcompact, the fuel-efficient 2018 Nissan Versa Note is a popular hatchback with small families and commuters on a tight budget.
Hatchback
Save
$8,564
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Rio is more refined and efficient and filled with more safety and tech than ever before, reinforcing its status as a value champion.
Sedan
$8,649
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is more than just a cute small car, offering style, performance and high-tech features uncommon in this class.
Wagon
$9,120
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Kia Soul provides funky good looks, a great feature set and three economical gasoline engines, and even an all-electric version.
Van/Minivan
$10,978
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 2018 Kia Sedona is a favorite with families looking for a comfortable, versatile and safe minivan with seating for as many as eight.
Sedan
$11,230
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All new last year, the 2018 Subaru Impreza offers standard all-wheel drive, a refined and roomy interior, high tech, and a useful hatchback.
SUV
Save
$11,386
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 combines razor-sharp handling with a sleek subcompact design and an interior more upscale than some luxury brands.
SUV
$11,724
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 Jaguar E-Pace subcompact SUV boasts a stylish design backed by sporty driving dynamics and impressive off-road capability.
SUV
$12,866
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GLA250 is the smallest, least expensive Mercedes-Benz SUV, but it packs plenty of panache, amenities and safety features.
SUV
$13,409
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The totally redesigned 2018 VW Tiguan SUV is roomier, tech-savvier, offers seating for seven, and boasts a 6-year/72,000-mile warranty.
SUV
$13,455
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Capable, efficient and roomy, the 2018 Subaru Outback could be the most recommendable vehicle for the broadest range of buyers and tasks.
Wagon
Save
$13,682
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.9
Consumer
111 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2018 Kia Soul provides funky good looks, a great feature set and three economical gasoline engines, and even an all-electric version.
Sedan
Save
$15,358
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Sporty, luxurious and packed with technology, the 2018 Acura ILX is Acura’s most affordable sedan with prices starting well under $30,000.
Sedan
Save
$20,047
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.7
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Genesis G80 dares to tread on long-established premium-luxury sedans, matching them in every aspect except the exorbitant price.
Wagon
Save
$20,695
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.7
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Volvo V90 Cross Country wagon melds luxurious appeal, rugged attitude and sophisticated safety and driver-assist features.
Pickup
$20,953
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.7
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline combines the capability of a midsize pickup truck with the driving dynamics of a midsize SUV.
SUV
$21,272
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Suburban offers full-size room in a family vehicle with abundant power, features and comfort.
SUV
$22,652
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 is the wild-child brother of the standard GLA compact SUV. It packs a lofty increase in performance and price.
SUV
$22,803
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Land Rover’s 2018 Range Rover Sport may qualify as the most capable luxury SUV on the planet, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Coupe
Save
$25,726
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe, Roadster and hot Nismo Coupe are lightly refreshed in look and feel, so the Z enjoys a niche of power and price.
Sedan
Save
$6,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Be it the most basic S trim sedan or the performance-oriented ST, the 2018 Ford Fiesta is the little car with a big attitude.
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