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.
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Hatchback
$10,550
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
151 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2018 Nissan Leaf electric car pulls out all the stops. It boasts new looks, new tech, more power, a longer range and a lower price tag.
SUV
$10,750
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a brand-new subcompact SUV that is stylish, efficient and practical. Starting under $19,000, it is big on value.
SUV
$11,500
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With seating for up to eight people and tons of cargo space, even with the third row up, the Chevrolet Traverse deserves a spot on every family car shopper’s list.
SUV
$11,500
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 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.
Hatchback
$11,550
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
112 MPGe
Combined Fuel Economy
Sporty, quick and quirky the technically advanced 2018 BMW i3 and new i3s are offered as electrics or as plug-in hybrids for extended range.
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Hatchback
$11,950
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Though the Elantra received a major redesign for 2017, Hyundai has added substantial fun and feature choices within the 2018 model lineup.
SUV
$12,450
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Hyundai Kona enters the fast-growing, small-crossover-SUV market with unique styling, plenty of features, and a competitive price.
Sedan
$12,950
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Comfortable, spacious and fuel-efficient, the 2018 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size family sedan with a starting price below $30,000.
Sedan
$13,050
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
$13,900
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
$14,150
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Although small, BMW’s 2018 X1 SAV offers all the driving expertise of its bigger siblings but in a more affordable package.
Convertible
$14,500
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.
SUV
$14,800
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.
Pickup
$14,900
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
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.
Pickup
$14,950
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
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
$16,550
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.
Pickup
$16,850
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
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.
Wagon
$16,900
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
Save
$17,250
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.
SUV
$17,400
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.
SUV
$19,550
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.
Pickup
$21,200
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
$21,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
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
$23,300
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
$28,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
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.
Pickup
$29,300
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.
Pickup
$29,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
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
$9,575
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
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
$9,850
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
$10,500
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
$10,700
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.
Hatchback
$10,850
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
$11,050
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.
SUV
$11,050
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.
SUV
$11,350
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.