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
$15,000
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.
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
$17,650
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
$21,300
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.
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Sedan
Save
$22,000
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.
Pickup
$22,600
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
$23,000
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
21 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
$23,900
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
$24,100
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.
SUV
Save
$26,200
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
$16,450
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
$14,050
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 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
$14,100
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
$17,450
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
$28,200
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.
Hatchback
$12,600
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.
Convertible
$12,650
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 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.
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
$13,850
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
$14,050
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.
SUV
$14,450
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The capable and refined 2017 Honda Pilot features impressive high-tech and advanced safety features making it the consummate family SUV.
SUV
$14,750
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC stretches the definition of a midsize-luxury SUV by adding a sleek coupe and a high-powered AMG model.
SUV
$14,800
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the CR-V has grown larger, Honda’s subcompact HR-V for 2017 appeals to younger buyers who believe less is more.
Convertible
$14,800
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 packs outsized driving delight in a tidy package. Affordable and reliable, it is a roadster for the rest of us.
Hatchback
$16,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
54 MPG | 133 MPGe
Combined
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is an all-new plug-in version offering electric-only range in addition to the usual great fuel economy.
SUV
$17,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Acura MDX luxury SUV offers versatility, stellar safety and driving aids, and a new performance-oriented hybrid model.
Coupe
$17,800
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Still fresh off a revamp but as iconic as ever, the 2017 Ford Mustang coupe and convertible are sports cars for everyday people.
SUV
$18,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Acura MDX luxury SUV offers versatility, stellar safety and driving aids, and a new performance-oriented hybrid model.
Sedan
$19,650
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Audi A7, S7 and RS 7 offer new high-tech features, plus an even more powerful RS 7 version, complementing last year’s design changes.
SUV
$19,700
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe puts the "sport" in "sport utility," with its sleek roofline favoring form over function.