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
$29,449
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi Q3 has a premium interior, standard AWD, and some excellent available tech features, but some rivals are sportier and roomier.
Wagon
Save
$21,289
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
$21,323
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
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
$22,933
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.
Wagon
$23,431
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
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.
Pickup
$23,472
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
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.
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SUV
$23,570
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
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
$23,637
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
Save
$23,678
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
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.
Coupe
$25,173
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.
Hatchback
$25,377
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.
SUV
$25,995
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
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.
SUV
$26,353
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
$26,738
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.
Sedan
$27,743
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.
Pickup
$28,060
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
$28,558
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
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
$28,585
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only plug-in hybrid minivan. It allows up to 32 miles of pure electric driving and 520 miles of total range.
SUV
$29,138
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi Q5 is an excellent compact luxury SUV with top-notch interior quality, great engines, and a sleek available Sportback body.
Van/Minivan
$29,561
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
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
$17,702
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
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
$18,051
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
$19,825
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
$20,234
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.
SUV
$20,611
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
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
$21,312
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
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
$21,600
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
$21,636
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.
Sedan
$21,752
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
Save
$21,899
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.
SUV
$22,482
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
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.
SUV
$25,829
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
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.
Coupe
$25,962
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.3
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
$27,691
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
$28,277
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
$29,343
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
5.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 BMW 2 Series is a small, urban warrior with efficient turbocharged engines, solid safety technology, and plenty of attitude.