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.
Top Rated Expert Ratings
$0 - $30,000
SUV
Save
$24,235
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 compact SUV is like the CX-5, but slightly bigger and aimed at more adventurous types.
SUV
$24,342
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that fits between the C-HR subcompact and the spacious RAV4. All-wheel drive is available.
SUV
Save
$25,064
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 isn’t the newest kid on the compact SUV block, but it remains a superb choice, especially for those who enjoy driving.
Hatchback
$26,418
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Acura Integra is an all-new premium compact sedan, reviving a name from the days when Acura had more excitement going for it.
Coupe
$27,365
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ford Mustang remains a desirable coupe or convertible and a powerful symbol of American 4-wheeled culture.
SUV
$27,965
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The multi-talented 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid combines SUV versatility, Toyota reliability, and hybrid efficiency of up to 42 mpg combined.
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Sedan
$28,150
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The well-rounded Audi A4 has standard AWD, a top-notch interior, and a wagon option. This compact luxury car does almost everything well.
SUV
$28,730
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
265 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron all-electric compact luxury SUV touts substance and style for a sub-$50K starting price.
Pickup
$28,810
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ram 1500 is an excellent full-size pickup truck in a class full of talented rivals. Trims range from work-ready to luxurious.
SUV
$28,941
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
310 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Kia EV6 enters its second year of existence as one of the most desirable new electric vehicles. Maximum range is 310 miles, fast charging is standard, technology is abundant, and there’s the reassurance of industry-leading warranties.
SUV
$18,222
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV offers a broad range of variants to please many types of buyers.
Wagon
$19,476
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Practical and charming, the 2023 Kia Soul is a subcompact car with a twist, shunning run-of-the-mill design for a brazen boxiness, complemented by an almost-SUV ride height.
Sedan
$20,249
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata blends style with value to make itself an appealing midsize sedan. It also has great warranties and safety scores.
Sedan
$20,564
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid midsize sedan is a mix of the deeply sensible and the highly stylish.
SUV
$22,380
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The affordable 2023 Hyundai Tucson is a competitive, high-tech compact SUV with unique styling, excellent safety scores, and a roomy interior.
SUV
Save
$22,457
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is a city-friendly subcompact SUV that is just as comfortable on twisty mountain roads. Moreover, it has the interior materials and design to go toe-to-toe with some luxury rivals.
Sedan
$22,711
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Corolla is a safe and reliable compact car, updated with a revised look and updated safety and infotainment tech features.
SUV
$23,114
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
275 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a value choice in electric SUVs. It has affordable pricing, a spacious, high-tech interior, and great safety scores.
SUV
$23,541
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
304 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Nissan Ariya is the automaker’s first all-electric SUV, combining roomy accommodations and impressive maximum range of up to 304 miles.
Sedan
$23,709
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
50 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid gets a nice update for 2023 with updated tech features, a revised hybrid powertrain, and available AWD.
SUV
$24,753
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a spacious compact SUV that turns fuel efficiency up a notch and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Coupe
$26,788
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru BRZ compact coupe is a real sports car with rear-wheel drive and a suspension that inspires enthusiastic driving.
SUV
$26,939
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid compact SUV blends power with fuel efficiency. The roomy and high-quality cabin sweetens the deal.
SUV
$28,675
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a 3-row SUV that strikes a rare balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort.
SUV
$28,886
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
More than just the most affordable Lexus, every 2023 Lexus UX subcompact luxury SUV combines hybrid efficiency, all-wheel drive, and the automaker’s famed reliability and resale value.
Sedan
$16,143
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Kia Rio subcompact sedan or hatchback is for someone who needs a new car that’s cheap to buy and run, and has a great warranty.
SUV
$23,210
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Forester is the sensible-shoes choice among compact SUVs. Yet it can also do adventure and luxury.
Hatchback
$23,422
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a safe, efficient, and practical compact car. It gets updated tech features and refreshed styling for 2023.
SUV
$24,161
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.7
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Rogue compact SUV has several outstanding aspects adding up to a compelling overall package.
SUV
Save
$24,357
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
1.8
Consumer
228 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2023 Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric compact SUV with a range of up to 252 miles and plenty of occupant space.
Pickup
$25,831
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup with variants going from no-frills to high class, with off-road ability in between.
SUV
$26,165
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
228 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra all-electric SUV has a maximum range of 228 miles and a lot of standard equipment, including AWD.
SUV
$27,544
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
2.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers on-road refinement and off-road capability without compromise, but it’s a little expensive.
Coupe
$29,005
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota GR86 small coupe exists for the pure joy of driving, with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission as standard.
Sedan
$29,182
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Genesis G70 luxury compact sedan has all the style, poise, and tech to compete with anything in its class.
Sedan
$14,352
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan is one of the most affordable new cars on the market and one of the better choices in its class.
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