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.
Wagon
$14,680
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
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.
Sedan
$14,839
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Kia Stinger promises to change your mind about what a Kia is, and with turbocharged engines, a sport-tuned chassis, it delivers.
Sedan
$15,330
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
39 MPG | 99 MPGe
Combined
Already known for comfort and value, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata adds new styling, new interior, new tech, and improved suspension to the mix.
SUV
Save
$15,337
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
$15,457
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.
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.
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Sedan
$15,709
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Visceral and dynamic, the all-wheel-drive 2018 Subaru WRX is a turbocharged high-performance sports sedan with a starting price below $30K.
SUV
Save
$15,804
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.
Sedan
$15,846
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.
Hatchback
$16,020
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
$16,171
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.
Sedan
Save
$17,533
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
24 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
$17,562
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
$17,570
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
$17,878
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.
Van/Minivan
$17,947
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
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.
SUV
Save
$17,976
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.
SUV
$19,263
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.
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
$21,029
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 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.
SUV
$22,012
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
19 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
$22,671
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
$22,687
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
$23,947
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.
Pickup
$23,979
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
$25,588
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.
Coupe
$26,561
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
$26,877
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
Save
$27,612
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
26 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.
Sedan
Save
$7,415
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.7
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
$7,499
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
$7,507
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.
Sedan
$7,832
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.
Wagon
$8,233
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.
Van/Minivan
$9,901
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.
Sedan
$10,638
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.