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
$12,964
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 GMC Terrain brings fresh style and the class’s only diesel engine to a competitive compact-crossover-SUV market.
Convertible
$13,871
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.9
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider is a sleek Italian roadster with a turbocharged engine and cush cabin, yet its price is remarkably affordable.
Sedan
$13,875
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A gorgeous and comfortable sport-lux sedan with more power and lower sticker prices than its more famous European competitors.
Sedan
$13,875
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
BMW’s 3 Series sedan for 2018 delivers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, performance and driving excitement at price that won’t shock.
SUV
$14,039
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious 3-row SUV that combines VW sportiness and tech savvy with a surprising amount of practicality.
SUV
$14,359
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2018 Audi Q3 is the luxury brand’s smallest and least expensive SUV. It’s a compelling entry in the compact-luxury-SUV segment.
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Pickup
$14,786
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Powerful, efficient engines, innovative tech and class-leading towing capacity give the impressive Ford F-150 even more of an edge for 2018.
SUV
Save
$16,097
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Although aging, the 2018 Acura RDX compact-luxury-crossover SUV still offers excellent performance and resale at a very reasonable price.
Pickup
$16,572
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Powerful, efficient engines, innovative tech and class-leading towing capacity give the impressive Ford F-150 even more of an edge for 2018.
SUV
$17,094
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler gains new powertrains, civility and high-tech features, all without losing any of its character or heritage.
Wagon
$18,266
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Luxurious yet slightly more adventurous than your average luxury wagon, the 2018 Audi Allroad blends the best elements of a sedan and SUV.
SUV
$18,279
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler gains new powertrains, civility and high-tech features, all without losing any of its character or heritage.
Pickup
$18,791
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Powerful, efficient engines, innovative tech and class-leading towing capacity give the impressive Ford F-150 even more of an edge for 2018.
SUV
$18,824
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
10 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE midsize luxury SUV boasts advanced features, an enviable German badge and even a plug-in hybrid variant.
Pickup
$19,480
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Ford Super Duty pickup is built for heavy towing and hauling, with a lightweight aluminum body and loads of high-tech features.
Sedan
Save
$22,145
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sleek and affordable Lexus IS luxury-sports sedan continues to improve this year, with more features and increased horsepower.
SUV
$23,032
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLE takes an already commendable luxury-midsize SUV and injects it with serious performance and more exclusivity.
Pickup
$28,227
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Ford Super Duty pickup is built for heavy towing and hauling, with a lightweight aluminum body and loads of high-tech features.
Wagon
$9,205
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered as a hybrid or as a plug-in hybrid, the stylish 2018 Kia Niro is a family-friendly 4-door hatchback with outstanding fuel economy.
Hatchback
$9,490
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
58 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and as a pure electric, the affordable 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is a smart and sporty 4-door hatchback.
Sedan
$9,620
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2018, the Hyundai Accent sedan gains upscale style and better technology while retaining value pricing and excellent warranty.
Sedan
$9,866
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Kia Optima gets a handful of modest changes, and a new trim level offering sporty looks at a lower price.
Sedan
$9,953
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Playful and sophisticated, the 2018 Mazda3 is a fun and fuel-efficient compact available as a 4-door sedan or a versatile 5-door hatchback.
Sedan
$10,648
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Already known for comfort and value, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata adds new styling, new interior, new tech, and improved suspension to the mix.
SUV
$10,715
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Kia Sportage greets the new year by expanding technology to lower-end models, in addition to its stylish looks and great warranty.
Sedan
$11,418
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
41 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Already known for comfort and value, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata adds new styling, new interior, new tech, and improved suspension to the mix.
SUV
$11,903
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport is on the larger side of the subcompact-SUV field, but it’s not as powerful or feature-filled as some rivals.
SUV
$12,153
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a stylish, nicely equipped, and comfortable argument against buying a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
Sedan
$12,254
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Kia Optima gets a handful of modest changes, and a new trim level offering sporty looks at a lower price.
SUV
Save
$12,504
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Toyota C-HR is Toyota’s first subcompact-crossover SUV, bringing a combination of outrageous styling and practical packaging.
Sedan
$12,690
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Dynamic and fun to drive, the 2018 Mazda6 is a stylish and fuel-efficient midsize family sedan with an upscale cabin and top safety ratings.
SUV
$13,153
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Infiniti’s QX30 luxury-subcompact-crossover SUV for 2018 blends Mercedes-Benz engineering with Infiniti style and technology.
Hatchback
$13,254
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
124 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Available as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and as a pure electric, the affordable 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is a smart and sporty 4-door hatchback.
SUV
$13,609
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Subaru Forester is adventure-ready thanks to standard all-wheel drive. High resale value and strong safety systems are other perks.
Hatchback
$13,961
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Available as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and as a pure electric, the affordable 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is a smart and sporty 4-door hatchback.
Coupe
$14,290
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As coupe or convertible, the sophisticated 2018 Chevrolet Camaro is a modern muscle car with seating for four and up to 650 horsepower.