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
$17,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 GMC Yukon, all-new last year, continues as the undisputed top choice in power, luxury, style and capabilities among full-size SUVs.
Sedan
$18,650
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With the addition of two new models, the 2016 Lexus GS blossoms into a complete line of luxury-performance sedans with a broad price range.
SUV
$19,100
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Lexus NX compact-luxury-crossover SUV carries over unchanged after its debut last year, offering turbocharged or hybrid power.
Sedan
Save
$20,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.9
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Audi A4 and S4 blend uncompromised luxury with year-round performance ability, yet the price of entry is surprisingly affordable.
Pickup
$22,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A rugged do-anything, go-anywhere kind of midsize-pickup truck, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma promises durability, capability and lots of fun.
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Sedan
$6,525
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2016, the Chevy Cruze compact sedan is comfortable, quiet, boasts snazzy technology like in-car Wi-Fi and is a good value, too.
Sedan
$6,700
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As either a sedan or hatch, the 2016 Ford Fiesta brings style, efficiency and value. For performance on a budget, check out the Fiesta ST.
Sedan
$6,775
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether as a sedan or hatchback, the 2016 Chevy Sonic is fun, frugal and a good value that competes well with rivals like the Ford Fiesta.
Wagon
$7,875
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.9
Consumer
93 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Kia Soul is rolling coolness backed by an impressive warranty and some amazing features. There’s even an electric version.
Wagon
$8,150
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.7
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Soul is rolling coolness backed by an impressive warranty and some amazing features. There’s even an electric version.
Van/Minivan
$8,300
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With style, rich amenities and a fresh lease on life, the 2016 Kia Sedona is a serious rival to established minivans like the Honda Odyssey.
SUV
$9,475
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Subaru Outback may look like a wagon, but it’s really a competent SUV with an abundance of luxury and technology.
SUV
Save
$10,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 BMW X3 gets an upgrade to its USB and Bluetooth setup this year, including improved voice recognition and enhanced functionality.
SUV
$10,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Revamped for 2016, the Hyundai Tucson compact SUV sheds its former wallflower status to adeptly compete with stalwarts like the Honda CR-V.
SUV
$11,350
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a solid choice for paving new paths on weekend adventures while easing commutes during the daily grind.
SUV
Save
$11,900
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new CX-3 allows Mazda to jump into the red-hot sub-compact SUV market with what could be the most fun-to-drive vehicle of all.
SUV
$12,550
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV isn’t your typical off-road roughhouser, favoring instead racy good looks and a sporty ride.
Sedan
Save
$13,200
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Acura ILX is Acura’s smallest sedan. With a new engine, refreshed styling and advanced technology, it makes a good impression.
SUV
$13,600
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Some SUVs tout supreme luxury, others their off-road prowess. In the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, you get the best of both.
Sedan
$14,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Acura TLX aims for a sweet spot in the midsize premium-luxury, sports-sedan category and hits it smack-dab on the money.
SUV
$14,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new last year, the 2016 Chevy Suburban has awesome capabilities, loads of power, a marvelous interior and a style that owns the road.
SUV
$18,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV isn’t your typical off-road roughhouser, favoring instead racy good looks and a sporty ride.
Coupe
$20,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan 370Z in Coupe, Roadster or Nismo forms is a sports car with excellent value and performance at a fair price.
SUV
$23,200
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the athletic counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, the GLE Coupe trades practicality for unique design and dynamic performance.
SUV
$27,900
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
15 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As the athletic counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, the GLE Coupe trades practicality for unique design and dynamic performance.
Hatchback
$5,500
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
107 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Nissan Leaf EV continues to improve on the promise of the electric vehicle, with an extended-range option and a low base price.
Sedan
$7,450
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Forte offers up sedan, coupe and hatchback models with sporty styling and high-end features throughout.
Hatchback
Save
$7,525
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Forte offers up sedan, coupe and hatchback models with sporty styling and high-end features throughout.
Sedan
Save
$8,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Rio is the little subcompact that is big on features, style and value, plus great fuel economy and a really affordable price.
SUV
$8,150
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder remains a smart choice among 3-row SUVs thanks to its sedan-like ride quality and family-friendly features.
Coupe
$8,625
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Forte offers up sedan, coupe and hatchback models with sporty styling and high-end features throughout.
SUV
$8,825
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan Rogue is the nimble compact SUV with stylish good looks, a technology-rich interior and an available 3rd-row seat.
Sedan
Save
$8,925
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Volvo S60 lineup expands with the addition of a long-wheelbase Inscription version and an off-road-ready S60 Cross Country.
SUV
$8,975
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2016 Kia Sorento adds size, technology, luxury, and a new turbocharged engine to one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles.
SUV
$9,175
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Though showing its age, the 2016 Buick Enclave 3-row premium SUV still offers a lot of room and features at a price that undercuts rivals.