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
Coupe
$29,030
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Audi A5 comes as a premium compact coupe, convertible, or sleek hatchback. All three epitomize that special Audi style and quality.
SUV
$29,846
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a leader in the compact luxury SUV segment for its blend of style, performance, and premium features.
SUV
Save
$19,582
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Honda HR-V has one of the roomiest and most flexible interiors in its class, making it a practical choice in subcompact SUVs.
Sedan
$20,736
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Kia K5 midsize sedan builds on all the good points that made the previous Optima a great choice. But with a bigger visual splash.
Pickup
$22,407
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Maverick is a compact truck that comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. And it can tow 4,000 pounds.
SUV
Save
$22,557
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 carries out the usual compact crossover duties as well as almost any rival, with the extra dimension of driving fun.
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SUV
$23,143
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
310 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-new, all-electric 2022 Kia EV6 is a fast-driving, fast-charging Tesla rival with big power and a 310-mile range.
Pickup
$24,252
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its variety of offerings, the 2022 Ram 1500 is an all-purpose pickup that blends great comfort and utility with an ability to work.
SUV
$25,129
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.4
Consumer
223 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a stylish, safe, and luxurious electric SUV, but it is on the pricier end. There are better values in this class.
SUV
$25,295
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Volvo XC40 is a well-rounded subcompact luxury SUV that is safe, high-tech, and roomy. It’s also pretty reasonably priced.
Coupe
$25,949
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Mustang is one of the great American coupes, or convertibles. It’s a great-driving machine that’s so darn good-looking.
Sedan
$26,850
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Audi A4 engages buyers who understand and appreciate the joys of driving a well-balanced car with style, tech, and refinement.
Van/Minivan
$26,963
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is really an extension of the family home with space, comfort, safety, tech, and a vacuum cleaner.
Sedan
$27,460
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
5.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 BMW 2 Series premium subcompact range is having a transitional year. An all-new coupe debuts, but the 4-door Gran Coupe remains.
Sedan
$27,569
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Avalon full-size sedan is a roomy, comfy and well-equipped luxury car for people who don’t want to pay luxury car prices.
Pickup
$28,219
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its variety of offerings, the 2022 Ram 1500 is an all-purpose pickup that blends great comfort and utility with an ability to work.
SUV
$28,371
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
87 MPGe
Combined Fuel Economy
While the new C40 Recharge may simply be a coupe version of the XC40 Recharge, it’s a significant step in Volvo’s electrification plans.
Sedan
$16,307
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a simple, affordable, and efficient commuter will appreciate the humble 2022 Hyundai Accent subcompact sedan.
Wagon
$17,368
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With a huge interior, good fuel economy, and nice tech features, the funky 2022 Kia Soul is a practical choice for a wide range of drivers.
Sedan
$18,851
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The fine 2022 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan is fresh, looks sharp, offers tons of tech, packs plenty of space, and doesn’t cost a fortune.
Sedan
$18,942
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Corolla is not just a compact sedan, but a pillar of the automotive establishment. It is a safe buy in many ways.
Sedan
$20,222
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is stylish, high-tech, and super fuel-efficient. This practical midsize sedan is capable of up to 54 highway mpg.
SUV
$20,602
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
275 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a practical and compelling electric SUV with respectable range, advanced tech features, and a roomy interior.
Sedan
$21,139
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is an excellent and impressively fuel-efficient compact sedan capable of 52 mpg.
Hatchback
$21,774
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Prius is a highly efficient hybrid hatchback. Despite its higher price for a compact car, the Prius is an excellent value.
SUV
$21,920
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.7
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Rogue improves on the 2021 model, which was all-new, with an innovative new engine and a reworked transmission.
Pickup
$23,515
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck is strong, capable, relatively good on gas, and offers a nice choice of variants.
Coupe
$23,776
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With added horsepower and torque, plus refined styling and an improved interior, the BRZ has become an even better lightweight sports coupe.
SUV
$24,410
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.5
Consumer
303 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The radical 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-new, all-electric vehicle. It’s roomy, has a max range of 303 miles, and charges really fast.
SUV
$27,556
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3-row midsize SUV is a fine family vehicle with good on-road manners, offering adept 4-wheel-drive systems.
Pickup
$27,749
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck is strong, capable, relatively good on gas, and offers a nice choice of variants.
SUV
$27,968
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.6
Consumer
39 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
If the RAV4 is too small and the Highlander too big, consider the Venza: It brings great fuel economy into the world of the midsize SUV.
Van/Minivan
$29,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2022 Kia Carnival succeeds the Sedona MPV, bringing interior space, engine power and a warranty that are all class-leading.
Sedan
$14,321
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.8
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
It has a modest list of standard features, but the 2022 Kia Rio is a humble, affordable, and fuel-efficient car with a great warranty.
Hatchback
$18,582
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
59 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a compact hatchback with exceptional fuel economy. Blue trim is capable of 60 mpg on the highway.
SUV
$19,377
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a good value on a small SUV should consider the Chevy Trailblazer. It’s roomy for its size and has nice tech features.
- Best Cars
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- Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
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- Best Compact SUVs
- Best Luxury Compact SUVs
- Best Vans and Minivans
- Most Fuel Efficient SUVs
- Best Hybrid Vehicles
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
- Best Electric Vehicles
- Best Midsize Trucks
- Best Luxury Fullsize SUVs
- Best Fullsize Trucks
- Best Compact Cars
- Best Midsize Cars
- Most Fuel Efficient Trucks
- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize Cars
- 2026 Nissan Sentra
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- 2026 Lexus ES
- 2026 Kia EV4
- 2026 Subaru Outback
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
- 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback
- 2026 Nissan LEAF
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade
- 2027 Slate Truck
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
- 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9
- 2026 Kia EV9
- 2027 Scout Traveler
- 2027 Scout Terra
- 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9
- 2025 Audi S6 e-tron
- 2025 Hyundai NEXO
- 2025 Audi A6 e-tron
- 2025 Kia EV3
- 2026 AFEELA Sedan
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV
- 2025 Volvo EC40
- 2027 Rivian R3