2025 Car Buying Guide

Best New Cars Under $30,000

The $30k price point is the sweet spot for car buyers. You get real SUVs, loaded sedans, and serious value without breaking the bank.

The $30k Sweet Spot

Avg. Monthly Payment

$450-$540

60 mo @ 7% APR

Compact SUVs Available

20+

models under $30k

Features You Get

AWD

+ safety tech standard

Top 10 New Cars Under $30,000

At this price point, compact SUVs dominate—and for good reason. They offer the practicality families need while still being affordable. Here are the best picks.

#1

Honda CR-V LX

Compact SUV
✓ Best-in-class cargo✓ Excellent resale✓ Refined ride

MPG: 28/34 (city/highway)

$29,500

Starting MSRP

#2

Toyota RAV4 LE

Compact SUV
✓ Bulletproof reliability✓ Good off-road✓ TSS 3.0 safety

MPG: 27/35 (city/highway)

$29,825

Starting MSRP

#3

Mazda CX-50 2.5 S

Compact SUV
✓ Premium feel✓ AWD standard✓ Rugged styling

MPG: 27/34 (city/highway)

$29,300

Starting MSRP

#4

Hyundai Tucson SEL

Compact SUV
✓ Modern design✓ Spacious interior✓ 10-year warranty

MPG: 26/33 (city/highway)

$29,850

Starting MSRP

#5

Kia Sportage LX

Compact SUV
✓ Huge cargo space✓ Great warranty✓ AWD available

MPG: 26/32 (city/highway)

$29,990

Starting MSRP

#6

Honda Civic Sport

Sedan
✓ Sporty handling✓ Great looks✓ Manual available

MPG: 30/37 (city/highway)

$27,500

Starting MSRP

#7

Mazda3 Turbo Hatch

Hatchback
✓ Turbocharged✓ Luxury interior✓ AWD standard

MPG: 25/33 (city/highway)

$29,900

Starting MSRP

#8

Subaru Forester Base

Compact SUV
✓ Standard AWD✓ Great visibility✓ Huge cargo

MPG: 26/33 (city/highway)

$29,695

Starting MSRP

#9

Volkswagen Taos SE

Subcompact SUV
✓ German engineering✓ Spacious for class✓ Good tech

MPG: 28/36 (city/highway)

$28,995

Starting MSRP

#10

Toyota Camry LE

Sedan
✓ Legendary reliability✓ Spacious✓ Great resale

MPG: 28/39 (city/highway)

$28,225

Starting MSRP

Best Overall: Honda CR-V

The CR-V has been the best-selling SUV for years, and the reason is simple: it does everything well. Class-leading cargo space, Honda reliability, excellent fuel economy, and a comfortable ride. It's the SUV that makes sense.

Best Value: Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai's dramatic redesign made the Tucson a head-turner. Add in a 10-year powertrain warranty, modern tech, and aggressive pricing, and you have an SUV that punches well above its weight class.

Best for Enthusiasts: Mazda3 Turbo

Want something that's actually fun to drive? The Mazda3 Turbo packs 250hp, AWD, and a luxury-grade interior into a hatchback that costs less than a base German car. It's the enthusiast's choice.

Price Watch

Many compact SUVs have destination fees of $1,200-1,400. A vehicle listed at $29,500 MSRP may cost $30,700+ before taxes. Always ask for the out-the-door price before negotiating.

Compact SUV Comparison

Here's how the top compact SUVs compare in key metrics:

ModelCargo (cu ft)MPG CombinedStandard AWD
Honda CR-V36.330No
Toyota RAV437.630No
Mazda CX-5031.430Yes
Subaru Forester28.929Yes

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