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
$27,898
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a family-friendly midsize 3-row SUV with a rugged look, roomy interior, and plenty of desirable features and technologies.
Sedan
$19,755
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mazda3 compact car offers choices of body styles, engines, and all-wheel drive. It’s one of the most enjoyable cars in its class.
Sedan
$19,765
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell sedan boasts a Lexus-like interior and is rated to travel up to 402 miles between (quick) fill-ups. It’s only sold new in California.
SUV
Save
$20,003
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The refreshed 2023 Ford Escape is a well-rounded compact SUV with a flexible interior, modern tech features, and some variety under the hood, including two hybrid options.
SUV
$20,510
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.3
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet is a small SUV with class-leading power. It drives as good as it looks.
SUV
$20,852
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is a competent compact SUV. That’s faint praise, but it’s tough out there with so many superb rivals.
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SUV
$21,543
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The family-friendly 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is a rare compact SUV offering three rows of seating to accommodate up to seven occupants.
Sedan
$22,800
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Legacy is the only midsize sedan with all-wheel drive as standard but keeps prices competitive against front-drive rivals.
SUV
$23,167
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
37 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The refreshed 2023 Ford Escape is a well-rounded compact SUV with a flexible interior, modern tech features, and some variety under the hood, including two hybrid options.
Pickup
$23,645
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Frontier is a great value for drivers looking for a midsize truck with modern tech features and muscular capabilities.
SUV
$24,934
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport midsize SUV takes a leaf from the luxury design book for extra panache, while still being spacious.
SUV
Save
$27,778
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is the 3-row SUV for buyers who appreciate driving and design as much as they do shuffling the kids to soccer practice.
Pickup
$28,090
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.5
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Frontier is a great value for drivers looking for a midsize truck with modern tech features and muscular capabilities.
SUV
$28,401
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse midsize 3-row SUV has space and an efficient 310-horsepower V6 on its side.
SUV
$29,036
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 is a well-rounded luxury SUV with a spacious interior, reasonable pricing, and an appealing complimentary maintenance plan.
SUV
$15,919
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With some newly standard safety tech and a stylish Nightfall model, the Kia Seltos subcompact SUV has become even more competitive for 2022.
Convertible
$23,746
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata follows its own thrilling path. This compact, 2-seater convertible isn’t practical, but it’s a lot of fun.
Sedan
$25,959
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the brand’s most affordable model, but it has the elegance and driving dynamics of a Mercedes-Benz.
SUV
$26,247
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Kia Telluride 3-row midsize SUV/crossover is indisputably a top choice in its class. It’s spacious, affordable, and well-equipped.
SUV
$26,437
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Spacious, safe and fuel-efficient, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 does everything most people need a compact SUV/crossover to do. And does it well.
SUV
$28,156
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
5.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Drivers looking for a luxury crossover that won’t break the bank should consider the stylish and fun to drive 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
SUV
$28,721
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
40 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid blends many Toyota qualities into a best-selling compact crossover that’s roomy and has great safety scores.
SUV
$18,954
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is a city-friendly crossover/SUV sized below the compact CX-5. It also has the goods to compete with luxury rivals.
SUV
$20,056
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With modern technology features at reasonable prices, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent value in midsize 2-row crossover SUVs.
Hatchback
$21,133
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A longtime KBB favorite, the Honda Civic is new for 2022. With its style, tech, and fun manners, the new Civic looks like another winner.
SUV
$21,887
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is an upscale midsize SUV with an efficient hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, all at an attainable price.
Sedan
$22,211
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy, refined 2022 Honda Accord is a high point of the midsize sedan class, enjoying excellent reliability and robust resale values.
SUV
$22,225
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With standard 3-row seating and plenty of luxurious options, the 2022 Kia Sorento is a compelling midsize SUV.
SUV
$23,567
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Honda CR-V is a class leader in one of the most competitive segments in the car world. This compact SUV is roomy, safe, and efficient.
SUV
$23,719
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
33 MPG | 76 MPGe
Combined
The new-for-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version of the company’s almost-midsize SUV/crossover.
Sedan
$24,557
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
47 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid midsize sedan performs well on the road and makes financial sense. It’s easy on gas and retains its value.
SUV
$24,939
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a fuel-sipping 3-row midsize SUV/crossover. It has seating for six and achieves an average of 37 mpg.
Pickup
$25,620
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford F-150 is a class leader in full-size pickups with an outstanding range of engines and unique available features.
SUV
$26,460
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
23 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Audi Q5 premium compact SUV/crossover seems to be everyone’s favorite Audi. The range includes a plug-in hybrid and a sporty SQ5.
SUV
$27,552
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
34 MPG | 79 MPGe
Combined
The new-for-2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is a well-equipped midsize 3-row crossover that seats six and achieves the equivalent of 79 mpg.
Pickup
$27,675
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford F-150 is a class leader in full-size pickups with an outstanding range of engines and unique available features.