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.
SUV
$24,395
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
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
4.0
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.
Advertisement
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.
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
$28,144
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
$27,279
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.
Pickup
$29,000
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
$29,382
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Totally redesigned for 2025, the new Chevrolet Equinox is looking far more contemporary and competitive.
Hatchback
$29,915
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
Consumer (N/A)
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The redesigned Mini Hardtop 4 Door adds practicality to the iconic Mini Cooper while keeping it properly small and stylish.
Convertible
$27,924
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
$28,881
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.
Pickup
$29,703
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
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
$26,145
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.3
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
$26,398
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.
SUV
$26,918
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
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
$26,213
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
$27,338
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.
SUV
$28,344
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.
SUV
Save
$29,355
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 is a best-selling small SUV and among our top picks in the segment. It does just about everything right.
Pickup
$29,501
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.
Wagon
Save
$22,305
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.
Hatchback
$27,675
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
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
$28,281
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
Save
$29,603
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.
SUV
$23,173
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
$24,640
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
$25,909
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.3
Consumer
261 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric has a spacious, high-tech interior, up to 261 miles range, and a class-leading warranty.
SUV
$26,426
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
$26,808
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
$26,844
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
Save
$26,974
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.
- Best Cars
- Best SUVs
- Best Trucks
- Best Minivans
- Best EVs
- Best Hybrids
- Best Midsize SUVs
- Best Electric SUVs
- Best Hybrid SUVs
- Best 3-row SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize SUVs
- Best 2-row SUVs
- Best Compact SUVs
- Best Luxury Compact SUVs
- Best Vans and Minivans
- Most Fuel Efficient SUVs
- Best Hybrid Vehicles
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
- Best Electric Vehicles
- Best Midsize Trucks
- Best Luxury Fullsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize Trucks
- Best Compact Cars
- Best Midsize Cars
- Most Fuel Efficient Trucks
- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize Cars
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Durango
- 2026 Toyota RAV4
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Charger
- 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona
- 2026 Toyota Camry
- 2026 Toyota bZ
- 2026 Toyota C-HR
- 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