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 Accord Hybrid
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Pickup
$25,300
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
$27,400
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.3
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
$28,400
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.
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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
4.2
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
$21,200
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
$21,400
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
$21,900
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
$22,000
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.
SUV
Save
$22,000
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
$23,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
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.
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.
Van/Minivan
$24,300
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.
Wagon
$24,600
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.
Sedan
$25,000
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.
Hatchback
$25,300
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.
Pickup
$25,300
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.
Van/Minivan
$25,800
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
$25,800
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.
Coupe
$26,100
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
$26,500
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
$26,800
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
$27,100
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
$28,000
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.
SUV
$28,100
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.7
Consumer
265 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron all-electric compact luxury SUV touts substance and style for a sub-$50K starting price.
SUV
$28,100
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
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.
Pickup
$28,400
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
19 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
$16,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Practical and charming, the 2023 Kia Soul is a subcompact car with a twist, shunning run-of-the-mill design for a brazen boxiness, complemented by an almost-SUV ride height.
SUV
$18,450
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV offers a broad range of variants to please many types of buyers.
Sedan
$19,050
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata blends style with value to make itself an appealing midsize sedan. It also has great warranties and safety scores.
SUV
$20,200
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
275 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a value choice in electric SUVs. It has affordable pricing, a spacious, high-tech interior, and great safety scores.
SUV
$20,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The affordable 2023 Hyundai Tucson is a competitive, high-tech compact SUV with unique styling, excellent safety scores, and a roomy interior.
Sedan
$20,400
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.0
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Corolla is a safe and reliable compact car, updated with a revised look and updated safety and infotainment tech features.