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
$10,000
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In the world of compact SUVs, few offer the luxury and high-tech features found on the elegant 2017 Buick Encore.
Sedan
Save
$10,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Jaguar XE is the least expensive sedan from the U.K. brand. It competes with but can’t quite match the manners of a BMW 3 Series.
Van/Minivan
$11,100
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan NV200 is a small, easy-to-drive cargo van. It lacks the power and payload of rivals, but has an attractively low price.
Sedan
$11,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan Maxima sedan is stylish, lively and a good value. It is sportier than a Chevrolet Impala but trails in rear-seat room.
Pickup
$12,250
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2017 Nissan Titan has an impressive warranty, nifty cargo features, and an uphill battle against rivals like the Ford F-150.
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Sedan
$13,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A properly quiet, comfortable and roomy Buick sedan, the totally redesigned LaCrosse is also stylish, contemporary and tech-savvy.
Sedan
$13,250
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Cadillac’s ATS and ATS-V performance-luxury sedans for 2017 set out to become best-in-class, but wound up valedictorians.
SUV
$13,350
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.4
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery replaces the LR4. It has softer looks but serious off-road capability and far more technology and refinement.
Pickup
$14,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2017 Nissan Titan has an impressive warranty, nifty cargo features, and an uphill battle against rivals like the Ford F-150.
Sedan
$16,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Despite its status as an outlier among luxury sedans, the 2017 Acura RLX boasts sophisticated driving aids and a slick hybrid variant.
Pickup
$16,850
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2017 Nissan Titan has an impressive warranty, nifty cargo features, and an uphill battle against rivals like the Ford F-150.
Sedan
$17,850
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.8
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Despite its status as an outlier among luxury sedans, the 2017 Acura RLX boasts sophisticated driving aids and a slick hybrid variant.
SUV
$19,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Cadillac’s 2017 Escalade dominates the full-size luxury SUV field with dynamic styling, enviable power and luxurious trappings.
Sedan
Save
$21,400
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A luxury-sedan favorite, the 2017 Lexus ES pampers its owners with a smooth ride, high-tech features and a low cost of ownership.
SUV
$21,400
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Cadillac’s 2017 Escalade dominates the full-size luxury SUV field with dynamic styling, enviable power and luxurious trappings.
SUV
$13,150
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.9
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With luxury, dependability, style, fuel efficiency and safety, the 7-passenger 2016 Acura MDX SUV may be the best vehicle Acura makes.
Sedan
$13,300
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.4
Consumer
11 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has eye-popping style and performance, moving from the realm of safe styling to that of trendsetter.
Coupe
$13,350
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Honda’s value-packed sporty compact is all-new for 2016, with more powerful, more efficient engines, stunning looks, and new body styles.
SUV
$13,400
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Replacing the GLK, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is bigger, more luxurious and better-looking inside and out.
SUV
$13,650
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Honda Pilot adds refinement, high-tech features, a more powerful engine and new transmission choices under sleek new styling.
SUV
$14,450
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With an excellent reputation for reliability, economy and strong resale, the 2016 Honda CR-V sets the standard for all others to match.
Convertible
$17,900
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 is the fourth generation of Mazda’s 2-seat roadster, and it’s as fun and affordable as it has ever been.
Wagon
$10,150
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
35 MPG | 83 MPGe
Combined
Starting at about $30,000, the 2016 Audi A3 is the least expensive Audi you can buy. But don’t call it cheap.
Sedan
$10,450
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Starting at about $30,000, the 2016 Audi A3 is the least expensive Audi you can buy. But don’t call it cheap.
SUV
$11,500
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
14 Miles
Estimated EV Range
A feature-rich, 7-seat SUV, the 2016 Volvo XC90 offers style, comfort and all-wheel drive with conventional or plug-in hybrid power.
Hatchback
$12,100
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
If you’re looking for a car that’s roomy, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive and actually affordable, the 2016 Honda Fit is just what you need.
Coupe
$12,550
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Reliable, safe, comfortable and fun to drive, the 2016 Honda Accord is one of the best mainstream-brand cars money can buy.
SUV
$12,600
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Amid a sea of compact SUVs, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 stands apart from rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 with its sporty manners.
Sedan
$13,150
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
At under $33,000, the 2016 CLA-Class is the least expensive Mercedes-Benz sedan, but it packs plenty of features and serious badge appeal.
SUV
$13,500
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Slotting between the CR-V and Fit, the new Honda HR-V is poised to be a leader among the fresh crop of subcompact-crossover SUVs.
SUV
$13,500
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
BMW’s premium X5 SUV for 2016 continues to set new benchmarks, adding a new plug-in hybrid for the well-off eco-conscious set.
Coupe
$14,200
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
One of the very few true sports cars, the 2016 Subaru BRZ is a rare connection with driving involvement. To experience is to understand.
Coupe
$15,600
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With interior updates, including a new audio system and a rearview camera, the 2016 Scion FR-S remains as fun as always.
SUV
$16,100
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe sets new standards for safety, luxury and power, but there is a price to pay for its perfection.
Coupe
$16,150
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
After the debut of an all-new model last year, the 2016 Ford Mustang carries on with three new option packages and a new Shelby GT350.