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.
Pickup
$15,639
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With big power and attitude, the 2018 Ram 1500 is an extremely capable and comfortable full-size pickup that’s ready to work, tow or play.
SUV
$15,812
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is an economical compact-crossover SUV with many faces, including a new Adventure model and a high-mileage hybrid.
Hatchback
$16,175
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
N/A
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.
Sedan
$16,183
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
40 MPG | 103 MPGe
Combined
The 2018 Kia Optima gets a handful of modest changes, and a new trim level offering sporty looks at a lower price.
SUV
Save
$16,392
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 BMW X3 offers standard all-wheel drive, a pair of powerful engines, a cavernous interior, and classically good BMW looks.
SUV
Save
$16,538
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is an economical compact-crossover SUV with many faces, including a new Adventure model and a high-mileage hybrid.
Advertisement
Sedan
$16,951
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
42 MPG | 106 MPGe
Combined
Chevrolet’s 2018 Volt delivers all the benefits of an electric car without the mandatory hassle of recharging after the battery is depleted.
SUV
Save
$17,020
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.6
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.
Sedan
Save
$17,131
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Acura’s tech-savvy, comfortably smooth TLX is updated for 2018, with new looks, plus a new A-Spec trim level that adds attitude to the line.
Pickup
$17,762
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With big power and attitude, the 2018 Ram 1500 is an extremely capable and comfortable full-size pickup that’s ready to work, tow or play.
Pickup
$17,770
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With big power and attitude, the 2018 Ram 1500 is an extremely capable and comfortable full-size pickup that’s ready to work, tow or play.
Pickup
$18,075
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
America’s best-selling small pickup, the comfortable and capable 2018 Toyota Tacoma has been improved with new standard safety technology.
SUV
$18,523
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
$19,154
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
$21,150
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.
SUV
$21,629
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.
Sedan
$22,253
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
$22,412
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.
SUV
$24,256
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 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.
Coupe
$26,457
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.
Pickup
$26,565
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
America’s best-selling small pickup, the comfortable and capable 2018 Toyota Tacoma has been improved with new standard safety technology.
SUV
Save
$26,988
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
Save
$27,083
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
22 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
$29,160
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
$7,615
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.
Wagon
$7,977
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.
Sedan
Save
$8,033
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.
Hatchback
$8,041
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.
Sedan
$8,085
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.
Van/Minivan
$10,465
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.
SUV
Save
$10,701
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
$10,801
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson delivers smart styling, plenty of high-end features, a great price plus an unbeatable standard warranty.
Sedan
$11,381
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
$11,888
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nissan’s best-selling model, the comfortable and fuel-efficient 2018 Nissan Rogue is one of just a few compact SUVs available as a hybrid.
SUV
$11,977
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
24 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.
- 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 Cadillac OPTIQ-V
- 2026 Subaru Solterra
- 2026 Ford Explorer
- 2026 Nissan Armada
- 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 AFEELA 1
- 2026 Acura RSX
- 2026 Volvo ES90
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2026 Nissan Sentra
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- 2026 Lexus ES