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
$29,379
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
Consumer (N/A)
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback and the higher-performance 2022 SQ5 Sportback models are compact luxury SUVs with sloping roofs.
Sedan
$17,148
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
37 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The spacious and safe 2022 Hyundai Elantra has shaken up the compact sedan class with bold styling, generous equipment, and affordability.
Hatchback
$17,815
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
259 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV has fresh new looks to go along with other improvements, but the respectable range of 259 miles hasn’t increased.
SUV
$19,234
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With bold styling, cutting-edge tech, and a roomy interior, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is a serious rival for the CR-V, RAV4, and Rogue.
Hatchback
$19,574
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
247 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a better new Bolt with a larger back seat. But it isn’t really a utility vehicle.
SUV
$20,917
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Powerful, efficient, and priced only slightly higher than a comparable standard Tucson, the new Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is the model we’d get.
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Sedan
$22,027
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A good sign of the 2022 Toyota Camry midsize sedan’s enduring strength is that it’s still around. Engaging, yet with the same core values.
SUV
$22,040
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The between-the-genres 2022 Subaru Outback is kind of a midsize crossover, kind of a station wagon with SUV camouflage. Yet always popular.
SUV
$22,240
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Ford Bronco Sport has the personality of the Bronco, but in the form of a subcompact SUV with AWD that’s practical for daily driving.
Sedan
$23,293
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Audi A3 premium compact sedan is all-new for this model year, bringing typical Audi style, tech, and refinement in a small package.
SUV
$24,137
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
With 33 miles of electric range, lots of power, and all the inherent goodness of the new Tucson, the PHEV is poised to make a big splash.
SUV
$24,456
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Palisade is one of the most competitive midsize 3-row crossovers with a roomy, upscale interior and excellent safety features.
Hatchback
$24,547
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.8
Consumer
25 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is the outstandingly economical version of the well-known Prius hybrid, achieving the equivalent of 133 mpg.
Pickup
$24,954
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck has a reputation for being tough and reliable, and for class-leading resale values.
SUV
$25,258
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
312 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The high-tech Ford Mustang Mach-E is a compelling electric SUV that lives up to its name with exciting performance and a striking design.
SUV
$25,970
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy 2022 Audi Q3 subcompact SUV/crossover is a quality machine that’s tech-rich, user-friendly, and arguably stylish.
Sedan
$26,383
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a fine midsize sedan with low emissions and low fuel bills. It can achieve an average of 52 mpg.
Van/Minivan
$27,018
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Honda Odyssey is a top minivan choice. With seating for up to eight, it’s a superb package: practical, user-friendly, and classy.
SUV
$27,393
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.
Coupe
$27,554
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
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
Save
$19,084
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
$19,532
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.
SUV
Save
$21,629
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.
SUV
$22,366
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
$22,551
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
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
$23,212
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
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.
Pickup
$23,752
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
$24,213
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.6
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.
Coupe
$24,583
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.
Van/Minivan
$25,218
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
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
$25,825
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.
SUV
$25,978
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
$26,838
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.
Pickup
$27,719
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.
Sedan
$28,031
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
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.
SUV
$29,214
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2022 Acura RDX premium compact SUV/crossover has great reliability. It’s also engaging to drive and packed with standard equipment.