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.
Pickup
$20,449
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A rugged do-anything, go-anywhere kind of midsize-pickup truck, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma promises durability, capability and lots of fun.
Hatchback
$6,154
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As either a sedan or hatch, the 2016 Ford Fiesta brings style, efficiency and value. For performance on a budget, check out the Fiesta ST.
Wagon
$6,423
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.9
Consumer
93 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Kia Soul is rolling coolness backed by an impressive warranty and some amazing features. There’s even an electric version.
Hatchback
$6,499
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether as a sedan or hatchback, the 2016 Chevy Sonic is fun, frugal and a good value that competes well with rivals like the Ford Fiesta.
Wagon
$6,837
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Soul is rolling coolness backed by an impressive warranty and some amazing features. There’s even an electric version.
Hatchback
$6,922
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan Versa Note is the compact hatchback that delivers economy, technology and a roomy interior, all at a very reasonable price.
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Sedan
$7,236
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2016, the Chevy Cruze compact sedan is comfortable, quiet, boasts snazzy technology like in-car Wi-Fi and is a good value, too.
Van/Minivan
$7,793
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With style, rich amenities and a fresh lease on life, the 2016 Kia Sedona is a serious rival to established minivans like the Honda Odyssey.
SUV
$8,803
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped for 2016, the Hyundai Tucson compact SUV sheds its former wallflower status to adeptly compete with stalwarts like the Honda CR-V.
SUV
Save
$8,841
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new CX-3 allows Mazda to jump into the red-hot sub-compact SUV market with what could be the most fun-to-drive vehicle of all.
SUV
$9,089
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV isn’t your typical off-road roughhouser, favoring instead racy good looks and a sporty ride.
SUV
$9,674
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Subaru Outback may look like a wagon, but it’s really a competent SUV with an abundance of luxury and technology.
SUV
Save
$10,925
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 BMW X3 gets an upgrade to its USB and Bluetooth setup this year, including improved voice recognition and enhanced functionality.
SUV
$11,797
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a solid choice for paving new paths on weekend adventures while easing commutes during the daily grind.
Sedan
Save
$11,822
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Acura ILX is Acura’s smallest sedan. With a new engine, refreshed styling and advanced technology, it makes a good impression.
Sedan
$12,353
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Acura TLX aims for a sweet spot in the midsize premium-luxury, sports-sedan category and hits it smack-dab on the money.
SUV
$14,758
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Some SUVs tout supreme luxury, others their off-road prowess. In the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, you get the best of both.
SUV
$16,769
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new last year, the 2016 Chevy Suburban has awesome capabilities, loads of power, a marvelous interior and a style that owns the road.
Coupe
$19,739
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan 370Z in Coupe, Roadster or Nismo forms is a sports car with excellent value and performance at a fair price.
SUV
$21,766
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV isn’t your typical off-road roughhouser, favoring instead racy good looks and a sporty ride.
SUV
$25,535
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the athletic counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, the GLE Coupe trades practicality for unique design and dynamic performance.
SUV
$27,451
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
15 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the athletic counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, the GLE Coupe trades practicality for unique design and dynamic performance.
Hatchback
$4,639
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
107 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Nissan Leaf EV continues to improve on the promise of the electric vehicle, with an extended-range option and a low base price.
Sedan
$6,987
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Forte offers up sedan, coupe and hatchback models with sporty styling and high-end features throughout.
Hatchback
Save
$7,262
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Forte offers up sedan, coupe and hatchback models with sporty styling and high-end features throughout.
Coupe
$7,524
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Forte offers up sedan, coupe and hatchback models with sporty styling and high-end features throughout.
SUV
$7,590
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder remains a smart choice among 3-row SUVs thanks to its sedan-like ride quality and family-friendly features.
SUV
$7,622
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan Rogue is the nimble compact SUV with stylish good looks, a technology-rich interior and an available 3rd-row seat.
Sedan
Save
$7,676
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Rio is the little subcompact that is big on features, style and value, plus great fuel economy and a really affordable price.
SUV
$9,556
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Though showing its age, the 2016 Buick Enclave 3-row premium SUV still offers a lot of room and features at a price that undercuts rivals.
SUV
$9,565
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2016 Kia Sorento adds size, technology, luxury, and a new turbocharged engine to one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles.
Sedan
Save
$10,205
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Volvo S60 lineup expands with the addition of a long-wheelbase Inscription version and an off-road-ready S60 Cross Country.
Sedan
$10,835
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s faithful Corolla sedan for 2016 delivers value and reliability, then tosses in style and comfort at no extra cost.
Pickup
$11,847
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Not only does the new diesel engine in the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado improve fuel economy and towing capacity, it’s also surprisingly refined.
Pickup
$12,758
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado offers up refreshed styling, Apple CarPlay and expanded availability of the 8-speed automatic.
Sedan
$12,805
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
More power, a new transmission, and faster infotainment keep the 2016 Cadillac CTS Sedan on the cutting edge against its German rivals.
- Best Cars
- Best SUVs
- Best Trucks
- Best Minivans
- Best EVs
- Best Hybrids
- Best Midsize SUVs
- Best Electric SUVs
- Best Hybrid SUVs
- Best 3-row SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize SUVs
- Best 2-row SUVs
- Best Compact SUVs
- Best Luxury Compact SUVs
- Best Vans and Minivans
- Most Fuel Efficient SUVs
- Best Hybrid Vehicles
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
- Best Electric Vehicles
- Best Midsize Trucks
- Best Luxury Fullsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize Trucks
- Best Compact Cars
- Best Midsize Cars
- Most Fuel Efficient Trucks
- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize Cars
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Durango
- 2026 Toyota RAV4
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Charger
- 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona
- 2026 Toyota Camry
- 2026 Toyota bZ
- 2026 Toyota C-HR
- 2026 Audi A6
- 2026 Jeep Recon
- 2026 BMW 3 Series
- 2026 AFEELA 1
- 2026 Acura RSX
- 2026 Volvo ES90
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2026 Nissan Sentra
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- 2026 Lexus ES
- 2026 Kia EV4
- 2026 Subaru Outback
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6