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.
Sedan
$10,982
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
42 MPG | 97 MPGe
Combined
Revised styling, a new version of the Sync infotainment system, a luxurious Platinum model, and a new twin-turbo V6 Sport model.
SUV
$11,004
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia packs even more style, technology and capability into a smaller, trimmer midsize package with room for seven.
Pickup
$12,306
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado features a new V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, plus the off-road extreme ZR2.
SUV
Save
$12,354
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Though older than other compact-luxury SUVs, the 2017 Volvo XC60 still brings impressive features and safety technology to the table.
SUV
$12,714
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Blending performance with luxury is the hallmark of the 2017 Infiniti QX60 luxury SUV and its more efficient twin, the QX60 Hybrid.
Hatchback
$13,322
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Volkswagen’s varied 2017 Golf lineup includes the TSI hatchback, an all-electric e-Golf plus the high-performance GTI and R trims.
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Hatchback
$13,471
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
46 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s Prius C for 2017 offers one of the most respected hybrid powertrains in one of the least expensive hybrid cars.
Hatchback
$13,629
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
5.0
Consumer
125 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Volkswagen’s varied 2017 Golf lineup includes the TSI hatchback, an all-electric e-Golf plus the high-performance GTI and R trims.
Pickup
$13,972
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s 2017 Silverado offers full-size pickup muscle and capability, but its interior features make it feel more like a luxury SUV.
Coupe
$14,024
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With new engines and new model names, the 2017 BMW 4 Series coupe, convertible and versatile 4-door Gran Coupe deliver driving satisfaction.
SUV
$14,146
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped for 2017, the Nissan Armada 3-row SUV packs power, good looks and a lower starting price than rivals like the Chevy Tahoe.
Pickup
$14,383
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado features a new V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, plus the off-road extreme ZR2.
Pickup
$15,345
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s 2017 Silverado offers full-size pickup muscle and capability, but its interior features make it feel more like a luxury SUV.
Pickup
$15,840
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s 2017 Silverado offers full-size pickup muscle and capability, but its interior features make it feel more like a luxury SUV.
SUV
$16,962
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.9
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The first SUV to wear the trident logo, the 2017 Maserati Levante shows the Italians can deliver a ute with a sports-car soul.
SUV
$17,341
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Porsche Macan is a small SUV that blends utility with the performance, prestige — and price — inherent to the German automaker.
Hatchback
$21,062
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Volkswagen’s varied 2017 Golf lineup includes the TSI hatchback, an all-electric e-Golf plus the high-performance GTI and R trims.
Coupe
Save
$21,353
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Lexus RC sports coupe brings impressive street cred to a brand known more for its luxury and quality than performance aspirations.
Pickup
$21,479
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$22,185
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$22,628
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$23,463
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$23,698
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$24,341
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Sedan
$6,319
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.6
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan Sentra continues to put Nissan’s sporty spin on the compact sedan, and adds a new turbocharged model to back it up.
SUV
Save
$6,826
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan Juke may have more competition in the subcompact-crossover-SUV segment, but only a few are as distinctive or fun to drive.
Sedan
$7,119
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With diesel and hybrid variants out, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is limited in offerings but still touts spry handling and good efficiency.
SUV
Save
$7,134
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Still roomy, comfortable and versatile, Ford’s 2017 Escape boasts even sharper style, new EcoBoost engines and more advanced tech touches.
Sedan
$8,278
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy and high-tech Volkswagen Passat got a thorough refresh last year, and Volkswagen continues with a handful of upgrades for 2017.
Hatchback
$8,809
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.0
Consumer
87 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The emissions-free 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250e electric vehicle offers a luxury nameplate and surprising performance at an affordable price.
SUV
$9,573
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Jeep’s Renegade for 2017 proves the company can make an attractive, competitive compact-crossover SUV without sacrificing off-road ability.
Sedan
$9,696
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new last year, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu needs only modest upgrades for this top-tier midsize sedan to stay competitive.
Sedan
$10,154
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
There’s a new 2017 Subaru Legacy Sport model, supplementing an already strong lineup of midsize sedans offering standard all-wheel drive.
SUV
Save
$10,199
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Lincoln MKC combines luxury, looks and performance in a compact-crossover SUV worthy of the Lincoln name.
SUV
$10,222
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is a competitively priced, 3-row family SUV so well equipped one might mistake it for a more luxurious make.
SUV
$10,771
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nissan’s 2017 Murano pushes the envelope for midsize-SUV styling both inside and out while retaining its sporty handling and powerful V6.
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