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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Hatchback
$6,725
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
107 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2017 Nissan Leaf made electric vehicles mainstream, but with the far superior Chevy Bolt now its competition, is no longer the leader.
Wagon
Save
$6,725
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.9
Consumer
93 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Halfway through its second generation, the 2017 Kia Soul receives a handful of minor updates, and one major one: available turbo power.
Sedan
$6,750
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
There’s a cool new hatchback version of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, plus new controls that let parents keep an eye on teen drivers.
Hatchback
Save
$7,425
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2017 Kia Rio is an affordable subcompact with high-end comfort and convenience features, strong value and great fuel economy.
Sedan
$8,825
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Kia Forte sedan and Forte5 hatchback get styling updates and new features to counter the onslaught of fresher competition.
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Hatchback
Save
$9,325
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Kia Forte sedan and Forte5 hatchback get styling updates and new features to counter the onslaught of fresher competition.
Sedan
Save
$11,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Be it the base T5 Dynamic or off-road-ready Cross Country, Volvo’s 2017 S60 sedan combines luxury and flexibility unrivaled in this class.
Pickup
$11,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 GMC Canyon redefines the midsize-truck segment with rugged good looks, a choice of three engines and impressive abilities.
SUV
$11,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped last year, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson rolls along with a handful of additions, aimed at broadening the appeal of this compact SUV.
Wagon
$11,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.7
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a versatile and invigorating all-wheel-drive wagon that competes well with the Subaru Outback.
SUV
$11,750
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Buick Enclave may be an aging 8-passenger luxury SUV, but it can still run with the best and offers unparalleled roominess.
Sedan
$11,800
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Modest improvements to Cadillac’s thrilling CTS sedan for 2017 help it keep pace with its German and Japanese rivals.
SUV
$13,350
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Buyers will appreciate simplified shopping thanks to the 2017 Subaru Outback Touring, a fully loaded version of the popular crossover SUV.
SUV
$13,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA bends the definition of SUV, blending a sporty ride and sleek lines with wagon-like proportions.
SUV
Save
$13,650
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive subcompact SUV, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 is just what you’ve been waiting for.
Sedan
Save
$14,950
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Acura’s 2017 TLX nails the sweet spot between pricey luxury car and agile sports sedan at a price that is hard to fault.
Sedan
$15,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 Miles
Estimated EV Range
In the 2017 CT6 sedan, Cadillac has created a world-class full-size flagship sedan to challenge the best from Europe and Japan.
SUV
$15,750
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
When it comes to full-size family SUVs, the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban delivers ample power, features and room on a proven platform.
Pickup
$16,450
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 GMC Canyon redefines the midsize-truck segment with rugged good looks, a choice of three engines and impressive abilities.
SUV
$21,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA bends the definition of SUV, blending a sporty ride and sleek lines with wagon-like proportions.
Coupe
Save
$21,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered as a 2+2 coupe or 2-passenger roadster, the 2017 Audi TT was all-new last year and is a technological and performance powerhouse.
Coupe
$22,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan 370Z is again available in Coupe, Roadster or Nismo forms, offering 2-seat sports-car performance at a fair price.
Sedan
Save
$7,425
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
115 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Available as a compact sedan or hatchback, the fun 2017 Ford Focus offers dynamic design, athletic driving dynamics and high-tech features.
Sedan
$7,975
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Buick’s 2017 Verano sedan offers Buick luxury and technology in a compact package perfect for empty-nesters looking to downsize.
Van/Minivan
$8,850
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan Quest minivan has a lower starting price than rivals but is hampered by fewer seats, less technology and polarizing design.
Sedan
Save
$9,150
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revised styling, a new version of the Sync infotainment system, a luxurious Platinum model, and a new twin-turbo V6 Sport model.
SUV
$9,700
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With more power and features, the freshened, family-friendly 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is an easy-to-recommend 3-row crossover SUV.
SUV
$10,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia packs even more style, technology and capability into a smaller, trimmer midsize package with room for seven.
Sedan
$10,650
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
42 MPG | 97 MPGe
Combined
Revised styling, a new version of the Sync infotainment system, a luxurious Platinum model, and a new twin-turbo V6 Sport model.
SUV
Save
$10,750
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Kia Sorento midsize SUV packs value, good looks, a load of amenities and one of the best warranties in the business.
Pickup
$10,950
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s 2017 Silverado offers full-size pickup muscle and capability, but its interior features make it feel more like a luxury SUV.
Pickup
$11,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado features a new V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, plus the off-road extreme ZR2.
SUV
$11,250
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2017, the F-Pace compact is the first Jaguar SUV. The all-wheel-drive Jag lives happily on-road and can play well off-road too.
SUV
Save
$11,500
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Though older than other compact-luxury SUVs, the 2017 Volvo XC60 still brings impressive features and safety technology to the table.
Hatchback
$11,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Volkswagen’s varied 2017 Golf lineup includes the TSI hatchback, an all-electric e-Golf plus the high-performance GTI and R trims.