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.
SUV
$25,285
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Outback looks set to continue its impressive run as a best-seller, with revised looks and enhanced safety features.
SUV
$26,196
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
43 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is an all-new compact crossover with a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. Pricing starts at $27,290.
Sedan
$27,069
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi A3 is a really good luxury subcompact sedan. The 2023 S3 is even better. And the RS 3 is remarkable.
SUV
$27,402
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
312 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric compact SUV with great tech and a maximum range of 312 miles.
Pickup
$28,275
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota Tacoma is our Midsize Truck Best Buy of 2023. It’s tough, well-built, retains its value better than any rival, and it’s a rock star off-road.
SUV
$28,474
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
34 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is our Best PHEV of 2023. On a full charge it can travel up to 34 miles on electricity alone, then operates like a traditional hybrid, delivering impressive combined fuel economy of 35 mpg. All-wheel drive is standard, along with many driver assistance features and plenty of cabin space.
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SUV
$28,704
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Palisade is a top choice in midsize 3-row SUVs. This family SUV has a roomy interior, great safety scores, and premium features.
SUV
$28,915
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a roomy and reliable compact SUV with many standard safety features and good fuel economy. For a lot of buyers, this formula has proven hard to beat.
Sedan
$29,764
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version of this renowned midsize sedan, achieving 53 mpg on the highway.
Wagon
Save
$21,094
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
253 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Kia Niro EV marks the second generation of this all-electric hatchback. Kia claims best-in-class space and a 253-mile range.
Wagon
$22,733
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.8
Consumer
49 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The redesigned 2023 Kia Niro hybrid enters its second generation. It is an ultra-efficient, user-friendly small car with ample passenger and cargo space, as well as dramatic new styling.
Sedan
$23,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Kia K5 midsize sedan has a rare quality for its class. It generates excitement. Yet it’s also a sensible choice.
SUV
Save
$24,192
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.
SUV
$24,213
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
$24,407
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.
Hatchback
$24,564
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
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.
Pickup
$24,781
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ford Maverick compact pickup truck is capable of some work and a lot of play. An efficient hybrid drivetrain is standard.
Wagon
$24,814
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.8
Consumer
34 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid makes a gallon of gas go a long way. It’s bigger with more passenger space and provides an impressive list of standard features.
Coupe
$25,663
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
$27,526
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
$27,689
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.
Sedan
$28,010
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
$28,107
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
$28,310
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
$29,692
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Volvo XC40 luxury small SUV manages to be stylish, safe, sensible, and engaging all at the same time.
Van/Minivan
$29,701
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivan has all the functionality families need, plus plenty of premium appeal. Optional all-wheel drive is another plus.
SUV
$16,841
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
$18,544
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
$19,314
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
$20,872
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.
Sedan
$21,614
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
$21,870
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
$22,178
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
$22,326
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
$22,566
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.
SUV
$22,752
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.
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- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Durango
- 2026 Toyota RAV4
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
- 2026 Dodge Charger
- 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona
- 2026 Toyota Camry
- 2026 Toyota bZ
- 2026 Toyota C-HR
- 2026 Audi A6
- 2026 Jeep Recon
- 2026 BMW 3 Series
- 2026 AFEELA 1
- 2026 Acura RSX
- 2026 Volvo ES90
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2026 Nissan Sentra
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- 2026 Lexus ES
- 2026 Kia EV4
- 2026 Subaru Outback
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6