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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$14,017
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 BMW 2 Series hearkens back to the days when BMWs were small, nimble and relatively affordable.
SUV
$14,145
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
12 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a well-rounded midsize-luxury SUV. Formerly known as the M-Class, it offers myriad options and powertrains.
SUV
$14,707
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Acura RDX gets a Jewel Eye headlight face lift, an upgraded V6 engine, AcuraWatch driver-assist suite, and a new top-trim level.
Pickup
$15,804
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Ford F-150 combines ruggedness and durability in a 21st-century design big on technology, efficiency and capability.
Sedan
Save
$16,441
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Lexus IS: Style, technology, performance, prestige and proven quality in a formidable entry-level luxury sedan. You can’t go wrong.
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Sedan
$6,811
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Hyundai Accent is an inexpensive and reliable mode of transport with lots of standard features and a great warranty.
Sedan
$7,466
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The face is familiar, but the 2016 Kia Optima is all-new, with more refinement and features, and a markedly improved driving experience.
Sedan
$7,530
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata adds a new hybrid, new plug-in hybrid, plus upgraded suspension and other features across the board.
Sedan
$7,734
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The face is familiar, but the 2016 Kia Optima is all-new, with more refinement and features, and a markedly improved driving experience.
Sedan
$8,354
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata adds a new hybrid, new plug-in hybrid, plus upgraded suspension and other features across the board.
Hatchback
$8,824
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Stylish, efficient and fun, the 2016 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback easily match or outpace rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
SUV
$9,581
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Subaru’s 2016 Crosstrek SUV takes all that’s good about the compact 5-door Impreza, then adds more ground clearance and sporty good looks.
Sedan
$9,767
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the resident athlete of midsize sedans, the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 has spry handling, stylish looks and great fuel economy, too.
SUV
$10,143
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Subaru Forester isn’t the newest SUV out there, but its reputation for safety and reliability makes it one of the most attractive.
Sedan
Save
$10,234
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Audi A4 and S4 blend uncompromised luxury with year-round performance ability, yet the price of entry is surprisingly affordable.
Sedan
$11,050
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
53 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt offers better fuel economy, more battery-powered range, and surprisingly good driving dynamics.
Sedan
$11,085
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
40 MPG | 99 MPGe
Combined
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata adds a new hybrid, new plug-in hybrid, plus upgraded suspension and other features across the board.
Hatchback
$12,213
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
America’s perennial hybrid bestseller, the 2016 Prius is all-new, with best-in-class EPA ratings, improved drivability, and snarky styling.
Sedan
$12,464
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
41 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
People seeking a reliable, roomy, safe, practical and efficient midsize sedan will want to consider the 2016 Toyota Camry.
Sedan
$12,547
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With styling, power and features on par with the best European luxury sedans, the 2016 Hyundai Genesis challenges the luxury status quo.
Hatchback
$12,900
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.8
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Lexus CT 200h takes the hybrid fuel economy of a Toyota Prius, but adds Lexus levels of luxury, styling and driving dynamics.
SUV
$12,902
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Audi’s Q5 SUV for 2016 is a multifaceted player, offering a variety of incarnations including performance-oriented, hybrid and diesel trims.
Wagon
$12,947
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Toyota Prius V is the rational choice for the rational buyer: enviro-friendly, efficient, roomy, reliable. Perfectly logical.
Pickup
$13,136
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Ram’s 2016 1500 pickup has all the equipment required to get big jobs done fast, plus a few options you won’t find with Chevy or Ford.
Van/Minivan
$13,209
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its spacious interior, easy manners and stellar reliability, the 2016 Toyota Sienna remains at the top of the class among minivans.
Pickup
$13,503
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Ram’s 2016 1500 pickup has all the equipment required to get big jobs done fast, plus a few options you won’t find with Chevy or Ford.
Convertible
$13,511
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient and handles better than ever thanks to its Cadillac-sourced chassis.
Pickup
$13,910
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Ram’s 2016 1500 pickup has all the equipment required to get big jobs done fast, plus a few options you won’t find with Chevy or Ford.
SUV
$14,081
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 arrives with some new features, a sporty new trim and the first-ever RAV4 hybrid.
SUV
$15,212
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
14 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Porsche upgrades the Cayenne Turbo S model, and returns the Cayenne GTS to the 2016 Porsche Cayenne lineup this year with turbo V6 power.
SUV
$15,735
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Lexus NX compact-luxury-crossover SUV carries over unchanged after its debut last year, offering turbocharged or hybrid power.
Pickup
$15,756
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 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.
SUV
$16,421
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s 2016 Highlander crossover is one of the most well-rounded, stylish, flexible and reliable 8-passenger SUVs money can buy.
SUV
$17,316
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.8
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Audi’s Q5 SUV for 2016 is a multifaceted player, offering a variety of incarnations including performance-oriented, hybrid and diesel trims.
Sedan
$17,375
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the addition of two new models, the 2016 Lexus GS blossoms into a complete line of luxury-performance sedans with a broad price range.