The 5 Best Cars Under $30K You Can Buy Right Now

The list of great new cars over $30,000 is a long one, but it’s the surprisingly fantastic quality of what’s below that benchmark that shows off the state of today’s new-car market. What follows is our ranking of the best new vehicles you can buy right now for under 30 grand.  The average price of new cars is getting increasingly expensive, but there are plenty of great options under $30K.  Here are our picks.

5. Mazda CX-5

Price: $21,795

Mazda’s CX-5 proves that you don’t have to sacrifice driving fun when owning a crossover thanks to its agile handling and responsive steering. Compared to others in its segment, the CX-5 is geared more toward sporty driving dynamics but remains practical thanks to its relatively spacious interior.  If you must have a crossover but want one that’s great to drive, the CX-5 should be on your list.  The Mazda CX-5 isn’t offered with a V-6 or a high-powered turbo-four engine-upgrade option. Some of the CX-5’s rivals also have infotainment systems that are more advanced and have features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

4. Hyundai Sonata

Price: $21,950

The Hyundai Sonata is a bit of a sleeper in the midsize sedan market. The Sonata offers plenty of space in its well-appointed cabin, and comes wrapped in elegant sheet metal. It may not be a class-leader, but in a market segment as competitive as this, even this mid-pack player is a solid choice. Even the base Sonata SE model features a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

3. Honda Accord

Price: $22,455

One of the longest-running vehicles in the midsize class, the Honda Accord is also one of the best selling cars in the U.S.  The 2018 Honda Accord isn’t the least expensive model, but it’s one of the best. Prices start at $22,455, and unless you opt for the V6-equipped Touring model, all Accord models are priced under $30,000.  If space, practicality, and excellent visibility matter to you, the Honda Accord will be a great choice. If you’re looking for a mainstream midsize car that still offers a slick manual transmission, the Accord is one of the few available that also happens to be affordable.

2. MINI Hardtop 4-Door

Price: $21,950

The Mini Hardtop brings plenty of character and a fun driving experience all wrapped in a city-friendly package. The base model edges the sportier S model because the large percentage bump in power was offset by the cost. With its nimble handling, funky looks and small dimensions, the Mini Hardtop comes with plenty of fun and charm all in one package. The car is also highly customizable, allowing owners to personalize their Hardtops to their liking.

1. Ford Fusion Hybrid

Price: $27,095

The best thing we can say about a hybrid is that it feels like a normal car. More energy efficient than a standard Ford Fusion while retaining its roomy midsize interior. With its lusty sheet metal, generous people space front and rear, high-tech powertrain, and engaging road manners, the Fusion hybrid doesn’t feel like a normal car. It feels like a great one.

Conclusion

Overall, is this list perfect? Not even close, but then again, no list can be. There are many factors that go into the car-buying process, and many of them are deeply personal, nuanced reasons, to which buyers adhere with an almost religious fervor. Cars are becoming increasingly expensive to buy and own, with the average price for a new car hovering around $34,000. The good news is that there are top-performing cars available for less than $30,000.