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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2026 Honda Passport
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SUV
$22,700
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Outback looks set to continue its impressive run as a best-seller, with revised looks and enhanced safety features.
Sedan
$22,700
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Camry midsize sedan is a survivor. It keeps improving while retaining all the qualities for which it is renowned.
Sedan
$23,000
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.2
Consumer
361 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Making its debut for 2023, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a high-style electric sedan with solid range figures and ultra-fast charging.
Sedan
$23,200
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
5.0
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi A3 is a really good luxury subcompact sedan. The 2023 S3 is even better. And the RS 3 is remarkable.
SUV
$23,200
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.6
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV with a similar kind of rugged charm as its bigger Bronco sibling at a more affordable price.
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Pickup
$24,900
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.7
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck has been completely redesigned for this model year. It drives better, tows well, looks sharper, and comes with class-leading tech.
SUV
$25,300
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
26 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.
SUV
$25,300
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Palisade is a top choice in midsize 3-row SUVs. This family SUV has a roomy interior, great safety scores, and premium features.
Pickup
$25,600
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Toyota Tacoma is our Midsize Truck Best Buy of 2023. It’s tough, well-built, retains its value better than any rival, and it’s a rock star off-road.
SUV
$27,200
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
312 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric compact SUV with great tech and a maximum range of 312 miles.
SUV
$27,400
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a roomy and reliable compact SUV with many standard safety features and good fuel economy. For a lot of buyers, this formula has proven hard to beat.
SUV
$27,700
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.7
Consumer
34 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is our Best PHEV of 2023. On a full charge it can travel up to 34 miles on electricity alone, then operates like a traditional hybrid, delivering impressive combined fuel economy of 35 mpg. All-wheel drive is standard, along with many driver assistance features and plenty of cabin space.
Sedan
$28,900
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Audi A5 lineup covers coupes, cabriolets, and Sportback models. Some are just nice compact luxury cars, others are fearsomely fast.
Sedan
$20,700
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.
SUV
Save
$20,800
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.
Wagon
$21,000
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
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.
SUV
$22,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
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.
Wagon
Save
$22,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.5
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.
SUV
Save
$22,600
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
$23,500
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
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
$23,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
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
$24,100
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.
Pickup
$24,100
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
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.
Wagon
$24,500
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
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
$24,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
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.
Sedan
$24,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.4
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.
Van/Minivan
$25,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
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.
Pickup
$25,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ram HD comes in 2500 and 3500 forms. These are heavy-duty pickup trucks with excellent towing and payload abilities.
Hatchback
$25,500
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.
Coupe
$25,500
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.
SUV
$27,000
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.
SUV
$27,100
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
226 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The all-electric 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge small luxury SUV adds an extra degree of style with its sloping roofline.
SUV
$27,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
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
$27,600
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.6
Consumer
223 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge all-electric small luxury SUV is spacious, stylish, safe, and swift. It’s just a shame about the 223-mile range.
SUV
$27,800
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
5.0
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class luxury subcompact SUV packs prestige, plushness, and user-friendly tech into a modest, easily maneuverable footprint.