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.
Wagon
$19,706
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a small crossover that’s big on fuel economy. It’s also spacious, stylish and has a great warranty.
SUV
$19,966
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 BMW X2 is a sportier, more stylistic take on the X1 crossover SUV. It is distinctive, costs more and is less practical than rivals.
Sedan
$20,183
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Big, bold and kind of gangster, the 2021 Chrysler 300 is among the last of the large American sedans. It still offers a V8, though.
Sedan
Save
$20,536
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Acura ILX compact-luxury sedan offers unsurpassed value, along with abundant features, decent performance and strong resale values.
Pickup
$20,611
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Canyon, aided by the new AT4, an updated Denali, and an available diesel engine, continues to shine as a capable midsize truck.
SUV
$22,034
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse 3-row SUV is large and comfortable, but lags rivals like the Kia Telluride in standard safety systems.
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Sedan
$22,163
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru WRX and 2021 WRX STI prove that fun can be had in any weather. Even though they have trunks, they’re really hot hatches.
Pickup
$22,572
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Canyon, aided by the new AT4, an updated Denali, and an available diesel engine, continues to shine as a capable midsize truck.
Sedan
Save
$23,569
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Reborn for 2021 with more power and poise, the Acura TLX can go toe-to-toe with luxury sedans like the Audi A4. Its value remains high.
SUV
$24,051
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 5-seater 2021 Honda Passport SUV puts generous interior space, V6 power and off-road talent into a smartly sized package.
Pickup
$24,166
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Sierra full-size truck offers several engines including a diesel, and appealing trims like the premium Denali and rugged AT4.
Hatchback
$24,724
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.7
Consumer
233 Miles
Estimated EV Range
An all-new EV blending the utility of a small SUV with the manners of a sedan, the Polestar 2 has its sights set on the Tesla Model 3.
Sedan
$25,138
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
353 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is one of the most advanced electric luxury sedans on the market, with cutting-edge features and impressive range.
Pickup
$25,812
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.0
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 GMC Sierra full-size truck offers several engines including a diesel, and appealing trims like the premium Denali and rugged AT4.
SUV
$26,886
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and hybrid NX 300h luxury compact SUVs emphasize comfort, luxury, quality, reliability and value.
Sedan
$14,075
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Sentra, now in the second year of a new generation, holds its own in a compact sedan class full of great contenders.
SUV
$14,488
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer affords excellent standard tech, sporty design and a compelling base price for a small-crossover SUV.
SUV
$15,718
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Sportage compact crossover is comfy, classy, well equipped, and keenly priced. Pity about the fuel economy and cargo space.
Sedan
$15,928
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nissan has adjusted the lineup, but the Altima remains a stylish midsize sedan with comfortable seats, tidy handling, and optional AWD.
Pickup
$18,570
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In the competitive midsize-truck segment, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado continues to shine as a comfortable, rugged, and versatile truck.
Sedan
$19,365
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda Insight is a compact hybrid sedan known for its efficiency, its easy everyday nature, and its advanced standard safety suite.
Sedan
$19,985
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The subtly restyled 2021 VW Arteon now has an interior with an Audi level of refinement, making this pretty German sedan even more enticing.
SUV
$20,783
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The roomy Volkswagen Atlas SUV has undergone a midcycle freshening that has broadened its appeal to families with added safety and style.
SUV
$20,867
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The aging 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee still cuts it as a plush midsize SUV, off-road champ or fast-lapping track rat.
Pickup
$21,445
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In the competitive midsize-truck segment, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado continues to shine as a comfortable, rugged, and versatile truck.
Coupe
$22,826
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro epitomizes bang for the buck and attitude for the dollar with this everyman’s sports car.
SUV
$25,690
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
Consumer
326 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Tesla Model Y small premium all-electric crossover now comes with seating for up to seven.
SUV
Save
$26,891
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.0
Consumer
18 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has all the style, space, tech, safety and hardware to be a major contender among luxury midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers.
Coupe
$29,157
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
5.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2021 BMW 4 Series brings plenty of driver appeal to luxury compact coupes and convertibles.
SUV
$13,070
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV delivers style, comfort and economy, plus some amazing safety features.
Sedan
$15,361
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A new base engine and a turbocharged 227-horsepower 4-cylinder bring more street cred to Mazda’s famed Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback.
SUV
$16,963
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 VW Tiguan continues in its role as a compact SUV with seating for up to seven and a sporty ride, all at a competitive price.
Sedan
$18,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With standard all-wheel drive, ample tech and safety features and excellent value, the 2021 Subaru Legacy is highly recommendable sedan.
SUV
$19,302
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.8
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a 2-row crossover SUV with a coupe-inspired roofline and generally sportier styling.
SUV
$21,929
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus UX small-crossover SUV is the cheapest way to own a brand-new Lexus. The hybrid UX 250h brings part-time all-wheel drive.
SUV
$23,746
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.4
Consumer
305 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric crossover SUV that offers a sporty drive and sleek design mixed with smart safety technology.