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
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
4.0
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
4.0
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.
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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
$28,658
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Elantra N is a sport compact with truly engaging performance, a class-leading warranty, and an attractive price tag.
Sedan
$27,044
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.
Convertible
$27,871
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.
SUV
$29,091
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.9
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.
SUV
$27,075
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
$28,512
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.
SUV
$29,320
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
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.
Sedan
$27,218
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
5.0
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.
SUV
$27,818
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The adventurous 2024 Subaru Outback is a practical, wagon-like SUV with the off-road chops to back up its rugged aesthetic.
Pickup
$28,573
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A well-rounded midsize pickup truck ideally suited for hard work, play, or hauling the family wherever it needs to go, the Chevrolet Colorado is also affordable and easy to look at.
SUV
$28,957
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Instead of the usual compact SUV suspects in shopping mall lots, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport can go further afield.
Wagon
Save
$23,202
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
253 Miles
Estimated EV Range
A fully electric compact SUV, the 2024 Kia Niro EV is a tidy family mover well-suited to urban errands as well as highway cruising.
SUV
Save
$28,279
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In its second year, the all-wheel-drive 2024 Mazda CX-50 delivers a bit of adventure and a lot of quality to the compact-SUV shopper.
Hatchback
$28,593
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Acura Integra is a compact luxury car with a sporty edge. It gets even more fun with the addition of the 320-horsepower Type S this year.
SUV
$29,534
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
310 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Kia EV6 is a standout electric SUV with captivating design, a wide choice of trims, and innovative technology.
SUV
$23,169
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
304 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Nissan Ariya is a highly competent all-electric compact SUV with a maximum range of 304 miles.
Sedan
$24,435
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
47 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a stylish sedan with excellent fuel economy and the best warranty coverage in its class. Several enhancements make it even better for 2024.
SUV
$26,079
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
291 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Volkswagen ID.4 continues to be an effective and attractive all-electric small SUV, and gets better for 2024.
SUV
$27,327
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a roomy and fuel-efficient compact SUV with a nice interior full of modern technology.
SUV
Save
$27,947
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 remains an engaging and attractive compact SUV, kept up to date with current tech.
SUV
$29,563
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
1.0
Consumer
296 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Honda Prologue is an all-new, all-electric midsize SUV with seating for five and a range of up to 296 miles.
SUV
$26,235
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.7
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Nissan Rogue delivers excellent fuel economy, a roomy interior, solid safety ratings, and a comfortable ride, all at an affordable price.
SUV
$27,532
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
227 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Subaru Solterra electric compact SUV is enhanced for 2024 and brimming with cutting-edge technology, but still only offers up to 227 miles of range.
Pickup
$29,513
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a sturdy choice of full-size pickup, with the ability to get jobs done and entertain on the weekends.
SUV
$29,554
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
2.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The rugged 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a capable off-roader, and its modern interior has the latest technology and luxurious options.
Hatchback
Save
$29,816
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.5
Consumer
320 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Polestar 2 electric vehicle offers understated luxury and a generous amount of standard equipment. For 2024 it gains in range, power, and equipment.
Sedan
$29,977
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Capable of filling the roles of family hauler and track-day performer, the 2024 Subaru WRX is a versatile compact sedan at an affordable price.
SUV
$24,014
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.3
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The stylish Dodge Hornet delivers class-leading performance in subcompact SUVs, and the new plug-in hybrid R/T model electrifies the excitement.
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- 2026 Audi A6
- 2026 Jeep Recon
- 2026 BMW 3 Series
- 2026 AFEELA 1
- 2026 Acura RSX
- 2026 Volvo ES90
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2026 Nissan Sentra
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- 2026 Lexus ES
- 2026 Kia EV4
- 2026 Subaru Outback
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
- 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback
- 2026 Nissan LEAF
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade
- 2027 Slate Truck
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
- 2026 Kia EV9
- 2027 Scout Traveler
- 2027 Scout Terra
- 2025 Audi S6 e-tron
- 2025 Hyundai NEXO
- 2025 Audi A6 e-tron