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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Pickup
$25,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup truck is extremely capable and can be wonderfully luxurious.
SUV
$26,600
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.3
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The plug-in hybrid version of the new 2024 Mazda CX-90 3-row midsize SUV is just as stylish, similarly powerful, and can travel on electricity alone.
Pickup
$27,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a sturdy choice of full-size pickup, with the ability to get jobs done and entertain on the weekends.
SUV
$27,700
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB luxury subcompact SUV makes an even stronger case for itself with revised looks and more equipment, along with the rare ability to be a 7-seater.
Pickup
$28,200
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline combines refined, SUV-like driving manners with midsize truck capability. A rugged TrailSport model is new.
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Coupe
$29,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota GR86 is a compact coupe made exclusively to entertain a driving enthusiast.
Sedan
$29,200
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA luxury subcompact sedan receives a significant revamp, adding more equipment and updating engines.
Pickup
$29,800
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a sturdy choice of full-size pickup, with the ability to get jobs done and entertain on the weekends.
Sedan
$30,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Audi A5 is an intriguing approach to the compact luxury car format, shunning the typical sedan for something more rarefied.
Sedan
$14,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Nissan Versa is the least-expensive new car you can buy. Yet it still offers impressive safety features and good road manners.
SUV
$17,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Small and nimble, the 2024 Nissan Kicks does a great job of delivering solid fuel economy, decent interior space for its segment, and a wide array of advanced safety technologies.
SUV
$17,150
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Venue is an affordable small SUV with the lowest ownership costs and the best warranty in its class.
Sedan
$17,350
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Kia Forte is the bargain among compact sedans, offering loads of room, impressive fuel economy, and solid resale value.
SUV
$19,550
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer is a good value in subcompact SUVs because of its roomy interior and many standard features at an affordable price point.
SUV
$20,800
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2024 Buick Envista is a stylish subcompact SUV aimed at young city dwellers, with big screens included as standard. It’s also the cheapest new Buick.
Pickup
$22,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a flexible small pickup that combines car-like driving dynamics with truck-like utility and a class-leading warranty.
Hatchback
Save
$22,500
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
320 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Polestar 2 electric vehicle offers understated luxury and a generous amount of standard equipment. For 2024 it gains in range, power, and equipment.
SUV
$26,400
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is a 3-row midsize SUV with impressive road manners, standard AWD, and a family-friendly interior.
SUV
$26,500
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can go 38 miles on electricity alone, has a small third row of seats to provide room for seven, and includes all-wheel drive as standard.
Sedan
$27,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Capable of filling the roles of family hauler and track-day performer, the 2024 Subaru WRX is a versatile compact sedan at an affordable price.
SUV
$29,500
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
2.7
Consumer
251 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The stylish Mercedes-EQ EQB is a luxurious electric SUV with available 3-row seating, three powertrain options, and modern tech features.
Sedan
$17,950
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that comes with loads of advanced safety tech, solid fuel economy, and a comfy cabin at an affordable price.
SUV
$18,550
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is an all-new subcompact luxury SUV that’s also a plug-in hybrid and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Hatchback
$19,250
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
149 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2024 Fiat 500e is an all-new, all-electric subcompact car with a maximum range of 149 miles.
SUV
$19,300
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The totally redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a stylish subcompact SUV with affordable pricing, modern technology, and more interior space than many others.
Sedan
$19,700
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mazda3 is one the best-looking, most fun-to-drive compact cars of all time.
SUV
$19,800
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.6
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos brings outsized cargo room and European driving manners to the subcompact SUV class.
SUV
$24,100
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Nissan Pathfinder is among the more rugged entries in the 3-row midsize SUV segment, and boasts class-leading max towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.
SUV
$25,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The updated 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2-row midsize SUV boasts a roomy, high-tech interior, new turbo engine, and unique styling.
Coupe
$26,600
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Chevy Camaro continues to be a value-conscious choice in American muscle cars. It’s more affordable than the Mustang, and it offers up iconic styling, a robust range of engines, and some nice tech features for the money.
Sedan
$14,400
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.3
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The California-only Toyota Mirai is a comfortable and appealing midsize sedan that you fill up with hydrogen.
Sedan
$17,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.9
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Nissan Sentra compact sedan is one of those cars that simply do the job without fuss or fanfare. The 2024 model year brings a handful of styling and hardware upgrades.
SUV
$19,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.4
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The stylish Dodge Hornet delivers class-leading performance in subcompact SUVs, and the new plug-in hybrid R/T model electrifies the excitement.
SUV
$19,300
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan sets itself apart in the compact SUV segment with its available third row and European feel.
SUV
Save
$19,500
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2024 Ford Escape is a practical compact SUV with a spacious interior, efficient hybrid options, and the latest tech features.