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.
Coupe
Save
$25,163
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With aggressive styling, available all-wheel drive and up to 467 horsepower, the 2018 Lexus RC is a standout in the luxury-coupe class.
Sedan
$28,243
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
335 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2018 Tesla Model S is the fastest production-luxury sedan in the world, yet this electric marvel is priced just under $75,000.
SUV
$8,723
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Among small compact-crossover SUVs, the 2018 Buick Encore stands out, thanks to its plush interior and high-tech features.
Sedan
$9,554
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A popular family sedan, the comfortable, sporty and sophisticated 2018 Nissan Altima is improved with new safety technology and features.
Sedan
Save
$10,498
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The newest, smallest and least expensive model from the British luxury brand, the sophisticated 2018 Jaguar XE is a real-deal sports sedan.
SUV
$11,402
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A popular 7-passenger SUV, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe offers families plenty of space, impressive standard features and a 290-horsepower V6.
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Sedan
$13,152
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 2018 Chrysler 300 is a luxurious, full-size American sedan with a standard 292-horsepower engine and optional all-wheel drive.
Sedan
$14,319
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Kia’s 2018 Cadenza straddles the line between luxury and basic family sedan, but its high price and weak resale may dissuade some buyers.
Sedan
$16,903
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Avalon full-size sedan has Lexus-like levels of refinement at a Toyota price. In hybrid form, it earns a lofty 40 mpg.
Pickup
$17,324
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
From standard work truck to plush powerboat hauler, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup is a capable alternative to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
Sedan
$17,599
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Cadillac ATS compact-luxury sedan and coupe are packed with style and value to take on more popular rivals like the BMW 3 Series.
SUV
$17,741
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Posh and powerful, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a stylish 2-row, 5-passenger luxury SUV with extreme levels of safety and in-cabin technology.
Sedan
$19,607
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Acura RLX remains an outlier among large-luxury sedans, but in Sport Hybrid form boasts significant technology and value.
Wagon
Save
$19,699
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Volvo V60 wraps functionality and safety in a sleek wagon body paired to a set of powerful engine options.
Pickup
$19,867
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
From standard work truck to plush powerboat hauler, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup is a capable alternative to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
SUV
Save
$20,642
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Part SUV, part sports coupe, the 2018 BMW X6 is a luxurious automotive amalgamation that stands out from the crowd.
Sedan
$21,996
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.8
Consumer
40 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Avalon full-size sedan has Lexus-like levels of refinement at a Toyota price. In hybrid form, it earns a lofty 40 mpg.
Pickup
$22,907
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
From standard work truck to plush powerboat hauler, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup is a capable alternative to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
Pickup
$23,456
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Sedan
Save
$23,703
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A perennial favorite among luxury buyers, the 2018 Lexus ES sedan coddles its occupants in a cocoon of luxury, safety and reliability.
Pickup
$27,282
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Pickup
$27,643
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Sedan
$28,433
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.8
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Acura RLX remains an outlier among large-luxury sedans, but in Sport Hybrid form boasts significant technology and value.
Pickup
$28,470
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Pickup
$28,840
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
Pickup
$28,888
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD pickup line is as stylish as it is rugged, with a unique off-road model and a powerful diesel-engine option.
SUV
$15,318
Starting Price
4.9
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All new for 2017, the Honda CR-V SUV improves its blend of practicality, efficiency, refinement and value to keep its benchmark status.
Hatchback
$11,156
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.6
Consumer
238 Miles
Estimated EV Range
First truly viable mass-market electric car, the all-new Chevrolet Bolt EV sets new benchmarks for range, features, fun and affordability.
SUV
$13,367
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The completely redesigned 2017 Audi Q7 sheds nearly 500 pounds but gains new levels of style, comfort, technology and driving dynamics.
Sedan
$16,022
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sophisticated, midsize-luxury lineup from Mercedes-Benz gets all-new Sedan and Wagon models while the Coupe and Cabriolet carry over.
Sedan
$26,408
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sophisticated, midsize-luxury lineup from Mercedes-Benz gets all-new Sedan and Wagon models while the Coupe and Cabriolet carry over.
Sedan
$11,185
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Starting just over $32,000 the 2017 Audi A3 is the least expensive car in Audi’s lineup, but don’t mistake it for a bargain-basement model.
Hatchback
$11,681
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Honda Fit offers up a roomy, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive driving experience that’s more affordable than you might expect.
SUV
$11,717
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the CR-V has grown larger, Honda’s subcompact HR-V for 2017 appeals to younger buyers who believe less is more.
Sedan
$12,813
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether as a sedan, coupe or the versatile new hatchback, the 2017 Honda Civic boasts an exceptional blend of value, features and manners.
SUV
$13,383
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC stretches the definition of a midsize-luxury SUV by adding a sleek coupe and a high-powered AMG model.