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.
Hatchback
$24,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The practical Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient compact car with sporty styling and modern tech features.
SUV
$28,440
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The outdoorsy Subaru Forester is a practical compact SUV with real off-road capabilities and the lowest ownership cost in its class.
Sedan
$17,820
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Nissan Versa is the least-expensive new car you can buy. Yet it still offers impressive safety features and good road manners.
Sedan
Save
$21,145
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Kia Forte is the bargain among compact sedans, offering loads of room, impressive fuel economy, and solid resale value.
SUV
$21,295
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Venue is an affordable small SUV with the lowest ownership costs and the best warranty in its class.
SUV
$22,730
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Small and nimble, the 2024 Nissan Kicks does a great job of delivering solid fuel economy, decent interior space for its segment, and a wide array of advanced safety technologies.
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SUV
$23,495
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2024 Buick Envista is a stylish subcompact SUV aimed at young city dwellers, with big screens included as standard. It’s also the cheapest new Buick.
SUV
$24,395
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer is a good value in subcompact SUVs because of its roomy interior and many standard features at an affordable price point.
Pickup
$28,295
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a flexible small pickup that combines car-like driving dynamics with truck-like utility and a class-leading warranty.
SUV
$21,495
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The totally redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a stylish subcompact SUV with affordable pricing, modern technology, and more interior space than many others.
Sedan
$25,335
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mazda3 is one the best-looking, most fun-to-drive compact cars of all time.
SUV
$25,420
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos brings outsized cargo room and European driving manners to the subcompact SUV class.
Sedan
$27,510
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that comes with loads of advanced safety tech, solid fuel economy, and a comfy cabin at an affordable price.
Sedan
$22,030
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Nissan Sentra compact sedan is one of those cars that simply do the job without fuss or fanfare. The 2024 model year brings a handful of styling and hardware upgrades.
Sedan
$26,015
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Subaru Legacy is a roomy and proven midsize sedan, and the only one with all-wheel drive included as standard across the line.
SUV
$27,995
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-rounded 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is a good value in compact SUVs, but it fails to stand out in its competitive class.
Sedan
$29,747
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid combines 49 mpg and impressive power to take its place in the upper reaches of the class-leading Civic lineup.
SUV
$29,755
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Sorento is smaller and more affordable than most midsize 3-row SUVs, and it might be perfect for families that only occasionally need that third row.
Sedan
$28,216
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
342 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-electric 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan is brimming with charisma as well as capability.
SUV
$29,629
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sturdy 2025 Subaru Outback steers a fine line between SUV and wagon styles, always delivering in terms of dependability and sure-footedness.
SUV
$30,000
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Bronco Sport is among the most rugged and outdoorsy SUVs you can buy, bringing a fun attitude and real off-road performance.
SUV
$27,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Tucson is an excellent compact SUV overall, and gets even better for 2025.
Hatchback
$28,436
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Acura Integra blends youthful driving dynamics, world-class refinement, and strong value.
SUV
Save
$29,437
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is one of the more engaging contenders in the compact SUV class, both visually and from behind the steering wheel.
Sedan
$23,283
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
47 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the sharpest-looking midsize sedan that can achieve 47 mpg. It’s also well equipped and comfortable.
SUV
Save
$29,029
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is that rare beast — a compact SUV that brings enjoyment to the driving experience. It’s also accomplished in many other areas.
Pickup
$28,293
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that’s useful, stylish, and comfortable. It gets even better for 2025.
SUV
$28,634
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Totally redesigned for 2025, the new Chevrolet Equinox is looking far more contemporary and competitive.
Convertible
$26,587
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a superb little sports car that can be relished by a wide range of drivers.
Pickup
$27,649
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.3
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck enters an all-new generation, with variants going from basic to luxurious to intrepid. New drivetrains include a muscular hybrid.
SUV
$27,898
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.8
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-rounded Honda CR-V is our highest-rated compact SUV and the segment’s reigning Best Buy Award winner. It remains the benchmark for the class.
Sedan
$29,666
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
44 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Accord Hybrid has all the many and varied attributes that make the Accord midsize sedan a class leader, while improving both fuel economy and power.
SUV
$23,900
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
303 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a well-rounded electric SUV that does almost everything well, backed by a high-tech interior, good range, and the best warranty in its class.
SUV
$25,036
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Santa Fe is all-new for 2024. It boasts a boxy new design, roomier interior, and 3-row seating.
SUV
$26,968
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The dual-threat Kia Sorento is appealing as a smaller but more affordable alternative to the typical 3-row midsize SUV, or as a slightly nicer, roomier option to many compact SUVs.
Sedan
$24,574
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
361 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The head-turning Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a sleek and high-tech electric sedan with impressive range figures and a class-leading warranty.