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
$12,650
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped for 2017, the Nissan Armada 3-row SUV packs power, good looks and a lower starting price than rivals like the Chevy Tahoe.
Hatchback
$13,450
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
5.0
Consumer
125 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Volkswagen’s varied 2017 Golf lineup includes the TSI hatchback, an all-electric e-Golf plus the high-performance GTI and R trims.
Hatchback
$13,650
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
46 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s Prius C for 2017 offers one of the most respected hybrid powertrains in one of the least expensive hybrid cars.
Sedan
$14,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With new engines and new model names, the 2017 BMW 4 Series coupe, convertible and versatile 4-door Gran Coupe deliver driving satisfaction.
Pickup
$14,550
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.
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Pickup
$15,300
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.
SUV
$15,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.9
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The first SUV to wear the trident logo, the 2017 Maserati Levante shows the Italians can deliver a ute with a sports-car soul.
SUV
$16,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Porsche Macan is a small SUV that blends utility with the performance, prestige — and price — inherent to the German automaker.
Hatchback
$18,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.9
Consumer
25 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.
Pickup
$19,300
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$20,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$21,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$22,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$23,200
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Pickup
$23,900
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s Silverado HD for 2017 gets an improved diesel engine with more power for towing and hauling.
Coupe
Save
$25,800
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Lexus RC sports coupe brings impressive street cred to a brand known more for its luxury and quality than performance aspirations.
Sedan
$7,475
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan Sentra continues to put Nissan’s sporty spin on the compact sedan, and adds a new turbocharged model to back it up.
Wagon
Save
$8,775
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Volvo V60 proves that beyond functionality, a wagon can be safe, sexy and powerful. Cross Country models add toughness to those traits.
SUV
Save
$8,825
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan Juke may have more competition in the subcompact-crossover-SUV segment, but only a few are as distinctive or fun to drive.
Hatchback
$8,925
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.0
Consumer
87 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The emissions-free 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250e electric vehicle offers a luxury nameplate and surprising performance at an affordable price.
Sedan
$9,075
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy and high-tech Volkswagen Passat got a thorough refresh last year, and Volkswagen continues with a handful of upgrades for 2017.
Sedan
$9,150
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new last year, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu needs only modest upgrades for this top-tier midsize sedan to stay competitive.
SUV
Save
$9,325
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Still roomy, comfortable and versatile, Ford’s 2017 Escape boasts even sharper style, new EcoBoost engines and more advanced tech touches.
Sedan
$9,775
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With diesel and hybrid variants out, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is limited in offerings but still touts spry handling and good efficiency.
Convertible
$10,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Buick’s Cascada for 2017 offers room for four in a sporty and stylish convertible brimming with Buick’s best features.
SUV
$10,850
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is a competitively priced, 3-row family SUV so well equipped one might mistake it for a more luxurious make.
SUV
$10,950
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nissan’s 2017 Murano pushes the envelope for midsize-SUV styling both inside and out while retaining its sporty handling and powerful V6.
Sedan
$11,150
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Kia Cadenza is a full-size premium sedan that’s comfortable, quiet, high-tech and looks great, a winning combination.
SUV
$11,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Jeep’s Renegade for 2017 proves the company can make an attractive, competitive compact-crossover SUV without sacrificing off-road ability.
Pickup
$11,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 GMC Sierra half-ton pickup can be basic or lavish, but either way it is every bit as capable as rivals from Toyota, Ford and Ram.
Sedan
$11,550
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The full-size 2017 Chrysler 300 is an American luxury-performance sedan with plenty of attitude and big horsepower to back up its swagger.
Sedan
$12,000
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.8
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Alfa Romeo’s Giulia is the Italian alternative to the traditional German sports sedan.
SUV
Save
$12,150
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Lincoln MKC combines luxury, looks and performance in a compact-crossover SUV worthy of the Lincoln name.
Sedan
$12,400
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
There’s a new 2017 Subaru Legacy Sport model, supplementing an already strong lineup of midsize sedans offering standard all-wheel drive.
SUV
Save
$12,900
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a 3-row midsize SUV with the heart of a sports sedan. Though slightly pricier than rivals, it boasts premium flair.