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
$15,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.8
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Audi’s Q5 SUV for 2016 is a multifaceted player, offering a variety of incarnations including performance-oriented, hybrid and diesel trims.
SUV
$15,750
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 arrives with some new features, a sporty new trim and the first-ever RAV4 hybrid.
Hatchback
$15,850
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.8
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Lexus CT 200h takes the hybrid fuel economy of a Toyota Prius, but adds Lexus levels of luxury, styling and driving dynamics.
SUV
$16,250
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
14 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Porsche upgrades the Cayenne Turbo S model, and returns the Cayenne GTS to the 2016 Porsche Cayenne lineup this year with turbo V6 power.
Pickup
$16,250
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 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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SUV
$16,550
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s 2016 Highlander crossover is one of the most well-rounded, stylish, flexible and reliable 8-passenger SUVs money can buy.
SUV
$17,100
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.
SUV
$18,550
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
$19,250
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.
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.
Hatchback
$5,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.8
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan Versa Note is the compact hatchback that delivers economy, technology and a roomy interior, all at a very reasonable price.
Sedan
$6,675
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.
Sedan
$6,675
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.
Wagon
$7,700
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
$7,700
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
$8,700
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
$9,225
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
$10,100
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
$10,150
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 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
$11,000
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
$12,250
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
$13,000
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.
Sedan
$13,550
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
$13,550
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.
SUV
$13,750
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
$18,200
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
$20,100
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
$22,500
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
$28,600
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
$6,400
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.
SUV
$6,875
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
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.
Sedan
$7,550
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.