Some things feel nearly impossible: getting Red Sox and Yankees fans to agree on anything, running a three-minute mile, or shedding pounds without giving up good food. These days, you can add “finding an affordable car” to that list. New-vehicle prices keep climbing, and it won’t be long before the average new-car transaction cost pushes past $55,000—or even $60,000.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cars Under $30000
Making matters worse, most people don’t have access to dependable public transportation, meaning a car is practically essential for getting to work, buying groceries, or taking the kids to school. The good news is that there are still some relatively affordable options out there. We’ve rounded up the best vehicles with starting prices Under $30000.
Keep in mind that our scores may shift as new information becomes available, so the ratings in this article might differ from those on our individual review pages.
- HARJA Rating: 9.6/10
- $28,700
The 2025 Toyota Camry arrives with a full redesign, and the headline change is that every trim now comes exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. Front-wheel-drive models pair a four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, while all-wheel-drive versions add a third motor for extra traction. Fuel economy is impressive, reaching up to 53 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.
Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start. Available upgrades include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a panoramic glass roof.
- HARJA Rating: 9.4/10
- $28,295
The 2025 Honda Accord remains a perennial favorite in our midsize car rankings, thanks to its refined ride quality and elegant, roomy cabin. Power comes from a 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with front-wheel drive, delivering 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway—excellent numbers for a nonhybrid midsize sedan.
Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote start. Available features include an eight-speaker audio system, a moonroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
- HARJA Rating: 9.1/10
- $20,490
The 2025 Kia Soul may not win everyone over with its boxy styling—though that shape delivers generous headroom in both rows and surprisingly strong cargo space—but don’t let appearances fool you. This small crossover offers excellent value for the money. It’s not the most powerful vehicle on the road, and it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, but it still stands out in its segment. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.
We suggest upgrading to the S trim, which remains highly affordable yet adds meaningful improvements such as a larger touchscreen, an upgraded driver’s seat, navigation, dual-zone climate control, wireless device charging, and blind-spot monitoring.
- HARJA Rating: 9.3/10
- $29,295
After a decade-long absence following its 2015 departure, the Honda Civic Hybrid has returned—and it once again slips in under the $30,000 mark. It delivers many of the same strengths as the standard Civic but wraps them in a far more efficient package, achieving 50 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway. The hybrid powertrain is lively, offering a fun and engaging driving experience.
Only the base Sport trim is priced below $30,000, but it’s well equipped. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, an eight-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition.
- HARJA Rating: 9.1/10
- $21,990
The 2025 Kia K4 is the only completely new model on our list. This sedan replaces the outgoing Forte and arrives larger, more refined, and more highly rated than the car it succeeds. Even better, every K4 trim comes in under the $30,000 threshold. Buyers can choose between two engines: a solid 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a more spirited 1.6-liter turbocharged engine offered in the GT-Line Turbo trim.
We suggest opting for the EX trim, which delivers a noticeable step up in comfort and convenience. It adds premium interior materials, two additional speakers, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, wireless device charging, and dual-zone climate control.
2025 Honda Civic
- HARJA Rating: 9.5/10
- $24,250
The 2025 Honda Civic comes standard with front-wheel drive. Its base engine can feel a bit underpowered, but the available turbocharged option delivers noticeably stronger performance. Regardless of engine choice, the Civic offers engaging handling and achieves excellent fuel economy, topping out at 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Inside, this compact car feels both upscale and impressively spacious. Adults will find ample head- and legroom in both rows, and the trunk offers a generous 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic climate control. Optional upgrades include a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a moonroof.
2025 Mazda3
- HARJA Rating: 9.3/10
- $24,150
If driving enjoyment is a priority, the 2025 Mazda3 should be high on your shortlist. Few vehicles outside the sports car segment deliver handling as sharp and engaging as this Mazda. Lower trims are powered by a lively 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine, while an optional turbocharged powertrain offers even more punch. Fuel economy is solid, returning 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Inside, the Mazda3 feels modern and upscale, with premium materials that elevate the cabin. The one drawback is that taller passengers may find the rear seats a bit tight. Standard features include an 8.8-inch display, six-speaker audio system, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- HARJA Rating: 9.3/10
- $29,530
No, you’re not imagining things—there is still a true sports car with a starting price Under $30000. It barely qualifies, but a win is a win. The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata remains one of the most agile cars on the road, delivering an exhilarating driving experience on twisty backroads. Every MX-5 features a responsive four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels.
Only the base Sport trim falls below the $30,000 mark, but it’s well equipped. Standard features include a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel (with cloth seats), an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
- HARJA Rating: 9.2/10
- $25,450
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the final hybrid on our list—and also one of the most affordable hybrids you can buy. Its handling won’t blow you away, but it delivers respectable acceleration and outstanding fuel economy, achieving 49–51 mpg in the city and 52–58 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim.
The cabin offers plenty of space, though the materials are a bit hit-or-miss. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Available upgrades include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, satellite radio, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, a sunroof, and an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
- HARJA Rating: 9.2/10
- $28,705
For years, the Hyundai Tucson has been a strong contender in our compact SUV rankings, and it gets even better for 2025 thanks to a midcycle refresh. The update brings revised exterior and interior styling along with a richer list of standard features. Only the front-wheel-drive base trim falls under the $30,000 mark, but it’s well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and adaptive cruise control.
The standard four-cylinder engine delivers 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Choosing all-wheel drive drops those estimates slightly to 24/30 mpg city/highway.
2025 Mazda CX-5
- HARJA Rating: 9.2/10
- $28,770
There aren’t many SUVs that start Under $30000, but the 2025 Mazda CX-5 stands out as one of the best. True to Mazda’s reputation, it delivers engaging driving dynamics and a refined, upscale cabin, and it even comes standard with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is solid at 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The base engine is perfectly adequate, but the available turbocharged four-cylinder brings noticeably more excitement.
Cargo space is only average, but both rows—especially the front seats—offer generous comfort. Standard features include a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and push-button start. Available upgrades include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, wireless device charging, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and a moonroof.
2025 Hyundai Sonata
- HARJA Rating: 9.1/10
- $26,900
There’s plenty to appreciate about the 2025 Hyundai Sonata. It delivers a smooth ride, offers a generous suite of safety features, and carries Hyundai’s outstanding warranty coverage. Two trims start below the $30,000 mark, both powered by a four-cylinder engine that achieves 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
The base SE trim includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, hands-free trunk lid, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control. Stepping up to the SEL adds 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, acoustic front door glass, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Top Features to Look for in Affordable New Cars
You may not get full luxury-car amenities in vehicles Under $30000, but many valuable features are still widely available—and worth considering when shopping for your next car:
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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360-degree (surround-view) camera systems
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Wireless smartphone connectivity
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Wireless device charging
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Adaptive cruise control
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Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
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Customizable digital instrument cluster
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Lane-keep assist
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Heated and ventilated seats
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Voice-activated controls
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Smartphone-as-a-key capability
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A large, easy-to-use touchscreen
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Blind-spot monitoring
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In-car Wi-Fi hotspot
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Rear cross-traffic alert
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Forward collision warning
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Heated seats
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Parking sensors
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Keyless entry with push-button start
FAQs
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More Shopping Tools From HARJA Report
Buying a car—even on a tight budget—doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A great place to begin is with our comprehensive new-car rankings and reviews, which are designed to answer the key questions shoppers face when searching for the right car, truck, or SUV.
Once you’ve identified the model that fits your needs, the next step is securing the best deal. Our new-car purchase deals page highlights the top financing and cash-back offers currently available, while our lease deals page showcases options with low monthly payments and minimal upfront costs.
Another smart way to save is through the U.S. News Best Price Program, which connects shoppers with local dealers and provides significant discounts through pre-negotiated pricing. Many participating dealers also offer home delivery and fully online purchase options.
Finally, no car purchase or lease is complete without proper insurance coverage. Our auto insurance guide helps you understand the protection you need, find the cheapest insurers in your state, and unlock valuable discounts to keep your premiums low.