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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2026 Honda Passport
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SUV
$22,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.5
Consumer
261 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is an excellent, well-rounded, all-electric subcompact SUV with a max range of 261 miles.
Sedan
$24,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
47 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the sharpest-looking midsize sedan that can achieve 47 mpg. It’s also well equipped and comfortable.
SUV
$25,200
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
5.0
Consumer
319 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV touts stylish design, an attractive price, and a range of up to 319 miles per charge.
SUV
Save
$25,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is that rare beast — a compact SUV that brings enjoyment to the driving experience. It’s also accomplished in many other areas.
SUV
$25,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
289 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2025 Nissan Ariya is an all-electric SUV with good range, great style, and impressive technology.
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SUV
$26,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV has an adventurous attitude and the hardware to back it up. This all-new generation also brings improvements in technology and comfort.
SUV
$28,100
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
308 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Honda Prologue is a practical electric SUV with a 308-mile max range, a pleasant ride, and user-friendly technology.
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
$28,700
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.
SUV
$23,700
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
$26,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
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
Save
$26,700
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.
SUV
$28,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Jeep Grand Cherokee upholds its well-earned reputation for blending on-road comfort with off-road capability with little compromise.
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.
Pickup
$24,100
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
$26,300
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
$28,800
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.
Sedan
Save
$28,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The exhilarating Subaru WRX is true to form with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive, and it’s full of modern technology and engineering.
SUV
$27,700
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
$29,900
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
After a decade with little change, the Nissan Murano is entirely new from the ground up for the 2025 model year.
SUV
Save
$22,000
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
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
$23,400
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.
SUV
$26,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
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.
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
$29,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 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
$29,700
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
One of the roomiest 3-row SUVs, the midsize 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a solid balance of utility and comfort.
SUV
$20,500
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.5
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
$21,500
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
$25,400
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.
Pickup
$26,400
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.0
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.
Hatchback
$26,500
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.
SUV
$27,100
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.