The Best Cars Under $30K
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The car market has always been filled with best-in-class models that offer a premium driving experience or advanced tech, but sometimes you can find cars that stand out despite costing less than competitors. These are the best cars that provide exceptional value and a top-notch experience for a low price, whether you want to hit the highway in a sportscar or run around town in a family SUV.
If you’re looking for a sporty coupe with a great power-to-weight ratio, look no further than the Mazda Miata. This lightweight roadster might not be able to lap the Nurburgring in under seven minutes, but it’s an absolute blast to drive and offers a refreshing alternative to boring commuter sedans.
While the CR-rated 2021 Nissan Versa might not be the most exciting car to drive, it’s still one of the best values for a sedan on the market. It has a roomy interior, a good amount of cargo space, and a thrifty four-cylinder engine that’ll get you to work and back without using much gas. Plus, it’s loaded with comfort and convenience features that make the Versa a smart choice for parents.
A Honda Civic isn’t the most exciting car to drive, but it’s hard to beat a model with a great fuel economy rating, a spacious interior, and plenty of standard equipment. You can also find some pretty awesome Civic variants like the GR and Type R, both of which are more fun to drive than their more sedate counterparts and feature race-inspired exterior styling and high-performance options.
Toyota’s dependable RAV4 is the epitome of practicality and an excellent value in the SUV market. It’s comfortable, spacious, and easy to drive, and a hybrid version can even make it all the way to your office and back on a single tank of gas.
If you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV, it’s tough to go wrong with Volvo’s V60 Recharge. This comfy, quiet, and upscale crossover has an impressive 41 miles of EV range, and its 147-horsepower electric motor adds some extra kick to its surprisingly competent performance.
Among full-size SUVs, it’s difficult to find something more affordable than the CR-rated 2023 Kia Telluride. It has three-rows of seating, a huge cargo hold, and a comfortable ride that’s perfect for family duty. Plus, it’s a lot more stylish than most of its competition.
When it comes to best-in-class car brands, BMW has always been a favorite. The automaker landed the top spot in Consumer Reports’ latest rankings, which were determined by combining road test scores with reliability and owner satisfaction surveys. Followed by Subaru, Mini, Lexus, and Honda. If you’re in the market for resale, be sure to check out these cars that are worth more than their sticker price.