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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Coupe
Save
$26,200
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
Save
$9,550
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
36 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.
Sedan
$10,600
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.
SUV
$11,200
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.
SUV
$13,250
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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Coupe
$14,050
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.
Sedan
$14,400
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
$14,400
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.
SUV
$14,750
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.
Pickup
$15,000
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
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
$17,000
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.
Sedan
$18,350
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.
Sedan
$18,950
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.
Pickup
$21,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
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
$21,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
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.
Sedan
Save
$21,900
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
$22,200
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
Save
$22,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Part SUV, part sports coupe, the 2018 BMW X6 is a luxurious automotive amalgamation that stands out from the crowd.
Pickup
$22,800
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
$23,000
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
$24,500
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
Save
$26,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 BMW X6 M takes the formula for the standard model — blend coupe styling with SUV utility — and adds power and performance.
Pickup
$27,900
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.
SUV
$17,050
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.
SUV
$13,850
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 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.
Hatchback
$14,450
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.
Coupe
$17,650
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
23 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
$28,300
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
$11,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Updated, cutting-edge and high-tech, the 2017 Audi A4 isn’t just the best A4 ever. It could just be the class leader.
Sedan
$11,750
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2017 and filled with technology, the BMW 5 Series midsize-luxury sedan remains the one to beat for those who relish driving.
Sedan
$12,300
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
$12,700
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.
Sedan
$12,900
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
With the arrival of a new coupe and cabriolet, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup is completely up to date and looking better than ever.
Wagon
$13,700
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
16 Miles
Estimated EV Range
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.
Sedan
$14,150
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.