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
Coupe
Save
$24,786
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With aggressive styling, available all-wheel drive and up to 467 horsepower, the 2018 Lexus RC is a standout in the luxury-coupe class.
SUV
$10,045
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Among small compact-crossover SUVs, the 2018 Buick Encore stands out, thanks to its plush interior and high-tech features.
Sedan
Save
$10,210
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The newest, smallest and least expensive model from the British luxury brand, the sophisticated 2018 Jaguar XE is a real-deal sports sedan.
SUV
$13,396
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A popular 7-passenger SUV, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe offers families plenty of space, impressive standard features and a 290-horsepower V6.
Sedan
$14,165
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 2018 Chrysler 300 is a luxurious, full-size American sedan with a standard 292-horsepower engine and optional all-wheel drive.
Sedan
$14,869
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Kia’s 2018 Cadenza straddles the line between luxury and basic family sedan, but its high price and weak resale may dissuade some buyers.
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Coupe
$17,562
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Cadillac ATS compact-luxury sedan and coupe are packed with style and value to take on more popular rivals like the BMW 3 Series.
Sedan
$17,990
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Avalon full-size sedan has Lexus-like levels of refinement at a Toyota price. In hybrid form, it earns a lofty 40 mpg.
SUV
$19,118
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Posh and powerful, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a stylish 2-row, 5-passenger luxury SUV with extreme levels of safety and in-cabin technology.
Wagon
Save
$19,252
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Volvo V60 wraps functionality and safety in a sleek wagon body paired to a set of powerful engine options.
Sedan
$19,621
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Acura RLX remains an outlier among large-luxury sedans, but in Sport Hybrid form boasts significant technology and value.
Sedan
$22,390
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.8
Consumer
40 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Avalon full-size sedan has Lexus-like levels of refinement at a Toyota price. In hybrid form, it earns a lofty 40 mpg.
Sedan
Save
$23,286
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A perennial favorite among luxury buyers, the 2018 Lexus ES sedan coddles its occupants in a cocoon of luxury, safety and reliability.
SUV
Save
$23,930
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Part SUV, part sports coupe, the 2018 BMW X6 is a luxurious automotive amalgamation that stands out from the crowd.
Pickup
$24,515
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Pickup
$27,830
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Pickup
$28,742
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Pickup
$28,747
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
SUV
$16,604
Starting Price
4.9
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All new for 2017, the Honda CR-V SUV improves its blend of practicality, efficiency, refinement and value to keep its benchmark status.
Sedan
$16,052
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sophisticated, midsize-luxury lineup from Mercedes-Benz gets all-new Sedan and Wagon models while the Coupe and Cabriolet carry over.
Sedan
$29,476
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sophisticated, midsize-luxury lineup from Mercedes-Benz gets all-new Sedan and Wagon models while the Coupe and Cabriolet carry over.
Hatchback
$11,467
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Honda Fit offers up a roomy, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive driving experience that’s more affordable than you might expect.
Sedan
$11,940
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Starting just over $32,000 the 2017 Audi A3 is the least expensive car in Audi’s lineup, but don’t mistake it for a bargain-basement model.
SUV
$12,291
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the CR-V has grown larger, Honda’s subcompact HR-V for 2017 appeals to younger buyers who believe less is more.
SUV
$13,817
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC stretches the definition of a midsize-luxury SUV by adding a sleek coupe and a high-powered AMG model.
SUV
$14,700
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Acura MDX luxury SUV offers versatility, stellar safety and driving aids, and a new performance-oriented hybrid model.
SUV
$14,981
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The capable and refined 2017 Honda Pilot features impressive high-tech and advanced safety features making it the consummate family SUV.
Sedan
$15,745
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
With the arrival of a new coupe and cabriolet, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup is completely up to date and looking better than ever.
Convertible
$15,986
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Still fresh off a revamp but as iconic as ever, the 2017 Ford Mustang coupe and convertible are sports cars for everyday people.
SUV
$16,042
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Acura MDX luxury SUV offers versatility, stellar safety and driving aids, and a new performance-oriented hybrid model.
Sedan
$16,418
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2017 and filled with technology, the BMW 5 Series midsize-luxury sedan remains the one to beat for those who relish driving.
Convertible
$16,758
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 packs outsized driving delight in a tidy package. Affordable and reliable, it is a roadster for the rest of us.
Convertible
$16,929
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 packs outsized driving delight in a tidy package. Affordable and reliable, it is a roadster for the rest of us.
Wagon
$17,386
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
16 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Starting just over $32,000 the 2017 Audi A3 is the least expensive car in Audi’s lineup, but don’t mistake it for a bargain-basement model.
Hatchback
$19,140
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
54 MPG | 133 MPGe
Combined
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is an all-new plug-in version offering electric-only range in addition to the usual great fuel economy.
Sedan
$20,266
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Audi A7, S7 and RS 7 offer new high-tech features, plus an even more powerful RS 7 version, complementing last year’s design changes.
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