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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SUV
$28,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a fuel-efficient compact SUV and generally superb all around.
Coupe
$28,700
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In a world of disappearing affordable sport coupes, the 2025 Subaru BRZ proves that there’s still room for an approachable, rear-wheel-drive sportster.
SUV
$23,800
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
227 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2025 Subaru Solterra compact electric SUV delivers Subaru’s storied all-wheel drive, lots of technology, and 227 miles of range.
SUV
$25,100
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For its third generation, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV has been revamped with impressive tech and surprisingly upscale features.
SUV
Save
$26,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
2.8
Consumer
252 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric compact SUV with striking looks, a wealth of safety features, and a range of up to 252 miles.
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Pickup
$28,500
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a great all-around truck for work and play, with a variety of cabs, engines, and specialized trims.
Sedan
Save
$28,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Audi A4 is a standout member of the compact luxury sedan class thanks to its style, quality, and driving manners.
SUV
$29,100
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
1.0
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The capable and well-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe adds plug-in hybrid efficiency to one of America’s favorite midsize SUVs.
Pickup
$24,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that’s useful, stylish, and comfortable. It gets even better for 2025.
SUV
Save
$27,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.8
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The fully revamped 2025 GMC Terrain compact SUV brings bold new looks and a surprisingly robust set of standard features.
SUV
$29,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Thirty-eight miles of all-electric range, three rows of seats, standard AWD, and a long warranty set the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV apart.
SUV
$29,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The plug-in-electric 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale brings some Italian flair to the subcompact luxury SUV class, while bringing together lots of interior space, solid fuel economy, and fetching good looks.
Hatchback
$29,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
149 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The fashionable and efficient Fiat 500e is a small electric hatchback with a big personality.
SUV
$30,000
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Nissan Pathfinder attracts families with its top-notch safety ratings, impressive towing muscle, and comfortable 3-row interior.
SUV
Save
$21,900
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Practicality is the byword of the 2025 Ford Escape with its affordable price, roomy cabin, advanced tech, and efficient hybrid options.
SUV
$22,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.6
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Dodge Hornet is a feisty and potent choice among small SUVs, and can be had with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Pickup
$26,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Frontier is a competent midsize pickup truck with a standard V6 engine and choice of cab/bed configurations.
Hatchback
$26,800
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The redesigned Mini Hardtop 4 Door adds practicality to the iconic Mini Cooper while keeping it properly small and stylish.
SUV
$27,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
37 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Practicality is the byword of the 2025 Ford Escape with its affordable price, roomy cabin, advanced tech, and efficient hybrid options.
SUV
$29,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler combines epic off-road adventure with modern tech, connectivity and safety features in an iconic package.
SUV
$20,500
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.7
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The totally redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona continues to provide affordable, comfortable, and practical transportation at an attractive price.
SUV
$22,000
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Kia Seltos is a class leader in subcompact SUVs for its spacious and high-tech interior, available turbo engine, and class-leading warranty. It gets a variety of upgrades this year.
Sedan
$24,200
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.6
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Accord is the king of midsize sedans. That’s quite a statement, but nothing else is such a well-rounded, well-considered, and well-respected package.
Convertible
$24,300
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a superb little sports car that can be relished by a wide range of drivers.
Hatchback
$26,100
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
57 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2024 Toyota Prius retains its rightful place as an excellent hybrid, with an appeal beyond just fuel economy.
Pickup
$27,000
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck enters an all-new generation, with variants going from basic to luxurious to intrepid. New drivetrains include a muscular hybrid.
SUV
$27,400
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-rounded Honda CR-V is our highest-rated compact SUV and the segment’s reigning Best Buy Award winner. It remains the benchmark for the class.
Sedan
$27,600
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.4
Consumer
44 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Accord Hybrid has all the many and varied attributes that make the Accord midsize sedan a class leader, while improving both fuel economy and power.
SUV
$28,400
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Kia Telluride has been one of our highest-rated 3-row midsize SUVs since it burst onto the scene, and we’ve named it the segment’s Best Buy Award winner four years in a row.
Convertible
$28,900
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a superb little sports car that can be relished by a wide range of drivers.
Hatchback
$29,300
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.7
Consumer
44 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The excellent and efficient Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid balances energy with economy, and quality with affordability. It’s even stylish now.
SUV
$22,600
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
303 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a well-rounded electric SUV that does almost everything well, backed by a high-tech interior, good range, and the best warranty in its class.
Hatchback
$23,200
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda Civic is our highest-rated compact car. It boasts a legendary reputation and enough variety to attract a wide range of drivers.
SUV
$23,500
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Honda HR-V is among our top-rated subcompact SUVs. It’s roomy, refined, and boasts excellent resale value.
SUV
$25,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The dual-threat Kia Sorento is appealing as a smaller but more affordable alternative to the typical 3-row midsize SUV, or as a slightly nicer, roomier option to many compact SUVs.