Best Cars Under $30K

Kia continues to refresh its lineup and sedan naming convention with the all-new K4. Replacing the Kia Forte, the K4 slots into the lineup below the K5. With the subcompact Rio ending production, the K4 is now the entry point into Kia's sedan lineup.

The K4 compact sedan is longer and wider than its predecessor. Vertically oriented LED headlights and taillights give the K4 a new look that aligns with the updates to the 2025 Kia K5. Up front is the signature Tiger Nose grille and updated fascia that gets a distinctive look on the GT-line trims. The K4 has the look of a fastback, but, like the K5, it features a conventional trunk. Kia says a five-door K4 hatchback will join the lineup by the end of 2025.

Significant updates are found in the K4's cabin, where a new display screen, measuring almost 30 inches, houses the digital driver's display, updated infotainment system, and climate function display. The increased dimensions translate to a roomier interior, giving rear-seat passengers more legroom and headroom than in the outgoing Forte.

The fresh styling inside and out, excellent driving dynamics, and an available turbocharged engine make the K4 a strong competitor in a crowded compact car segment that includes such heavy hitters as the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla.

Think of the 2025 Subaru Impreza like you would a waterproof jacket from Columbia Sportswear. It’s good in the rain thanks to standard all-wheel drive. It’s comfortable and straightforward. There aren’t really any frills, and the price is low considering its capability. Would you call it highly fashionable, however? Probably not. Like a Columbia jacket, the Impreza will get the job done — and there’s a good chance they’ll be found together considering their brands tend to be popular in the exact same places.

Let’s talk about the pros. All-wheel drive is not only standard, but it’s a rarity in the compact car class. The Impreza’s safety scores are also excellent, earning a perfect five stars in every category from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. There’s also a lot to be said for its no-nonsense interior with its familiar controls, durable materials, and lack of trying-too-hard doo-dads.

Now, the drawbacks. That no-nonsense interior could just as easily be seen as dowdy or dated. The Impreza is pretty boring to drive (yes, even the kinda-sporty-ish RS), which you may not care about, but there’s still a good chance you’ll find the base engine’s acceleration to be underwhelming. Its fuel economy also leaves something to be desired, and there’s no Impreza Hybrid. The Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Corolla all offer hybrids, though only the Civic is available as a hatchback model.

Being a hatchback can be considered a plus. But if you’ve got a little more budget, the Subaru Crosstrek is really just an Impreza with a lifted suspension, more rugged looks, roof rails, and greater capability. It also doesn’t have the same sensible-shoes vibe, while boasting the same list of pros. There’s definitely a reason it’s more popular, but if you don’t care about automotive fashion, have no intention of taking your car off-road (or even appearing like you will), and just want your car to work well and be easy to use, the 2025 Subaru Impreza is a trusty, no-nonsense companion.

While it may seem like SUVs have taken over the automotive landscape, offering maximum utility to families of all sizes, there are still several midsize sedans available with style, value, and plenty of comfort. The 2025 Honda Accord is one such sedan, a stalwart of the segment that’s stayed at or near the top of its class for decades.

The current Honda Accord is offered in two main configurations, each using a different powertrain. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that’s economical and peppy enough for most daily driving needs. The Accord hybrid uses a 2.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor and provides a big increase in fuel economy – as high as 48 mpg combined, according to the EPA. Regardless of which powertrain you choose, the Accord has a spacious interior, plenty of trunk space, and a quiet, refined ride. It also has top safety scores from government agencies, along with a long list of standard driver aids.

The Accord isn’t the only appealing midsize sedan, though. The Toyota Camry has recently gone all-hybrid, offering a number of trims with impressive fuel economy and Toyota’s built-in reputation for reliability. The Camry is also offered with all-wheel drive, unlike the Accord. Other rivals worth considering include the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, which both offer powerful optional engines, and the Nissan Altima, which has competitive pricing and some of the most comfortable seats in the class.

A key component of the post-COVID and post-recession recovery has been the recent surge in sales of compact sedans from mainstream automakers. Since its major redesign for the 2021 model year, the Hyundai Elantra has been a strong player in that segment. A refresh last year saw the Elantra gain a stylish shark-nose front-end design as well as updated safety, driver-assistance, and infotainment tech. The mostly carryover 2025 model adds several new trims that make it easier for value-seeking buyers to select the combination of features, performance, and technology they want in Hyundai's surprisingly roomy and affordable Elantra, whether they are seeking a daily driver, fuel-sipping gas-electric hybrid, or sporty performance model .

Buyers in the small-sedan space have some new tires to kick this year. Replacing the Kia Forte is an all-new Kia K4 sedan. Honda has refreshed the ever-popular Civic with an all-new hybrid model and an enlivened Si for 2025. Also updated this year is a refreshed Volkswagen Jetta with crisper exterior styling and a larger infotainment screen. The Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda3 remain solid competitive choices in this segment as well.

In addition to its competitive price, expressive styling, and roomy cabin, the Elantra's unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and its extensive, fee-free portfolio of Bluelink connected services stand out as solid reasons for buyers to consider purchasing Hyundai's excellent small sedan.

Small sedans may not be as popular as they once were, but if an economical compact suits your needs, the 2025 Toyota Corolla is one of the best available. Especially popular among young drivers and those with long commutes, the Corolla has a winning combination of fuel efficiency, comfort, and value.

Two powertrains are available: The standard 2.0-liter engine model with front-wheel drive makes 169 horsepower and returns up to 40 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive Corolla hybrid is rated at 138 hp and 53 mpg in city driving. Choose the optional all-wheel drive, and the hybrid model's fuel economy drops by 1 to 2 mpg.

With its high-quality, spacious interior, the Corolla doesn't feel like a punishment. Even the entry-level LE trim comes with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen (a 10.5-inch screen is newly optional), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Corolla sedan doesn't have the largest trunk in the segment, but it is available in a hatchback model (reviewed separately) that bumps cargo space from 13.1 cubic feet to 17.8 cubic feet.

Some spirited drivers might not find the Corolla the most entertaining compact sedan available, but buyers looking for reliable, comfortable transportation won't be disappointed. A Honda Civic or Mazda 3 might be more engaging to drive, and the Hyundai Elantra and Civic offer more trunk space, but the Corolla is well-rounded enough to appeal to the typical driver, and Toyota's track record for build quality can't be beat.

Time, inflation, and the general cost of doing business in a global economy means we're unlikely to see new cars sell for less than $20,000 much longer. An influx of Chinese EVs may tip that calculus someday, but for now, the 2025 Nissan Versa holds the line as the most affordable new car for sale in the U.S. In the Versa's case, "most affordable" isn't simply code for "cheap." Starting at around $18,400, the Versa looks reasonably stylish, with its early-2000s VW Jetta outline, and comes with a big trunk, plenty of essential features, and an interior that's nicer than anything you'd expect at this price, especially in the top SR trim.

The lethargic four-cylinder engine gives a heroic effort, but is only so capable. Maneuvers in swiftly moving traffic require plenty of space and forethought, but on the upside, the Versa gets excellent mileage at 35 mpg in combined city and highway driving. You can even get the Versa with a five-speed manual if you prefer shifting yourself, although you're limited to the base trim and lower fuel economy. The Versa's rear seat is tight and not ideal if you're planning to regularly drive other adults. But it works in a pinch, and optional 60/40-split folding seats expand capacity and versatility.

Buyers once had a selection of subcompact cars to choose from, ranging from the Kia Rio to the Mitsubishi Mirage. Both have been discontinued and some reports suggest the Versa itself may not continue past 2025. While that means a farewell (for now) to sub-$20K cars, there are a few worthy contenders that start just a bit higher, including the Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4. Even the Nissan Sentra delivers similar Versa value in a larger package that starts for just a shade more than the top-trim Versa SR.

The Sonata has been part of the Hyundai line for more than 30 years, and while some may think the sedan is a thing of the past, the Korean automaker continues to improve this midsize four-door car. The Sonata was completely redesigned last year and still benefits from distinct styling with an updated cabin featuring a clean, high-tech vibe.

Fitting in Hyundai’s lineup between the recently refreshed Elantra and the fully electric Ioniq 6, the Sonata features a comfortable cabin with good space for front and rear seat passengers. Hyundai has always offered excellent value in its vehicles, and the Sonata is no exception. All trim levels come with an extensive list of standard features, including LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Adding to its appeal, the Sonata is offered with three powertrains, including a fuel-efficient hybrid rated at 51 mpg for city driving, and a powerful turbocharged engine that delivers quick acceleration in the N Line model. While we wouldn’t call the Sonata's performance sporty, it handles well with more than adequate power.

The Sonata isn’t the best seller in the Hyundai lineup, but last year's redesign has been well received. Sales of this eye-catching sedan have increased by more than 26% over last year. That’s impressive, as the Sonata has some tough competition in the midsize sedan market, going up against perennial favorites such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima.

The 2025 Nissan Sentra is one of the least expensive new vehicles you can purchase today. It offers a bit of style and a robust list of standard safety features for the money. The Sentra offers a comfortable ride and impressive seats, making it a good companion during long commutes. Tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and extras like a premium sound system and dual-zone climate control are included on the upper trim levels. The Sentra was refreshed last year, so its modern exterior provides a sleek vibe.

The Sentra appeals to budget shoppers who only require basic transportation, but we recommend that buyers consider the following: It offers just one engine — a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out a meager 149 horsepower. Not only is the power output below average for the class, but the 2.0-liter also falls behind in fuel economy. Rated near 35 mpg for combined city and highway driving, it’s respectable but not a class leader. The 2025 Sentra has to compete against the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra, which have models rated near 50 mpg, as well as high-performance variants. Even with its comparatively low price, it’s a bit of an uphill battle for the Nissan Sentra.

An early entry into the subcompact SUV class, the Kia Soul is a small but surprisingly practical vehicle that also boasts distinctive styling and a low price. Its attractive bundle of attributes is one of the reasons that Kia has continued to refine the Soul since its introduction in 2009. The boxy styling remains its most notable trademark, making it stand out in a class of unremarkable competitors. However, there's more to it than looks, as the tall roof makes for a spacious interior that can easily accommodate four adults. The cargo room is also impressive, especially with the rear seats folded down. All the controls are well laid out, and the central touchscreen is large and easily accessible. A wide array of feature content is available, like heated seats, a head-up display, and ambient cabin lighting. In fact, the Soul offers several interior color schemes that give it a customized look.

There are no such options regarding what's under the hood, as a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine powers all Soul models. Rated at 147 horsepower, the engine's output is average for the segment. Acceleration is predictably modest, but the Soul feels adequately powered around town. Unlike some of its competitors, the front-wheel-drive Soul does not offer the option of all-wheel drive, so it's not as well suited for handling harsh weather. Light steering and a compliant suspension give it an easy-to-drive feel on tight city streets, although the boxy shape does create some wind noise at highway speeds.

Competitors in this segment include the Chevrolet Trax, which offers similar performance in an attractively styled package; the Mazda CX-30, another good-looking vehicle with solid performance; and the Volkswagen Taos, a more traditionally styled SUV with a higher base price.

The Legacy is Subaru’s midsize family sedan and its longest-running vehicle nameplate — it’s reasonably priced, comfortable, and well-equipped. All of these virtues make it pretty appealing, especially among the increasingly short list of available sedans.

The Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, a rarity among sedans and a strong selling point if you live in an area with inclement weather. It also has a long list of standard and optional safety features. Inside, the Subaru is refined, with a well-built interior and much of the tech you’d expect, such as smartphone connectivity and an available 11.6-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics. On the highway, the Legacy has a smooth and quiet ride, and on curving back roads, it feels relatively athletic.

There are some drawbacks worth noting, though, including the Legacy’s middling fuel economy and its uninspiring base engine. The base trim is powered by a 2.4-liter engine that only produces 182 horsepower. It’s sufficient, but not exciting. We’d recommend the optional 260-hp turbocharged engine if you want a bit of performance.

Finally, there’s the distinct absence of an available hybrid in the Legacy lineup. The Honda Accord offers both a traditional gas engine and a hybrid option, while the Toyota Camry is now only available as a hybrid — both cars offer significant fuel economy. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit sportier, we also recommend the sharply styled Kia K5.

Most car companies have forgone the sedan, replacing traditional cars with popular crossover SUVs. And while Volkswagen's SUV lineup includes the Taos, Tiguan, and Atlas, it is still investing in the compact Jetta sedan, giving the four-door car fresh styling and upgraded features for the 2025 model year.

The Jetta arrived in the U.S. more than 40 years ago, and the sedan is currently in its seventh generation with its last major redesign in 2019. With the demise of the larger Arteon last year, the Jetta and smaller Golf GTI hatchback are the last of VW’s passenger car offerings. For 2025, the Jetta gets fresh styling front and rear, giving the sedan a more modern look.

Volkswagen continues to offer the Jetta in a range of trim levels with a healthy set of standard features throughout the lineup. The interior is upgraded with a cleaner design, highlighted by a standard 8-inch touchscreen display and automatic dual-zone climate control with soft-touch haptic "buttons." All variants also come standard with a full suite of advanced driver-assist features.

Engine options carry over to the 2025 model year, with the standard 158-horsepower engine or the more powerful 228-hp powerplant exclusive to the sportier Jetta GLI. The GLI is also the only Jetta offered with a manual gearbox. The three-pedal version has been discontinued for the rest of the lineup.

The Jetta stands out with its overall comfortable ride and spacious interior, but the capacitive-touch controls can be frustrating to use. Rivals include the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3. We count the Civic as a class leader, while the Kia and Hyundai models stand out for their value. The Mazda3 is the sportiest choice, though its performance results in some sacrifices.

The 2025 VW Jetta is the outlier of the group; despite its new modern styling and more space for rear passengers, it's just about average for the class.

The 2025 Nissan Altima just made things a bit harder for itself in an already difficult battle for midsize-sedan supremacy. The Altima competes against impressive rivals such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Kia K5, and Subaru Legacy, all of which have distinctive appeal. From plush and refined interiors to ultra-efficient hybrid powertrains and engaging driving dynamics, the competitors have a lot to offer, and the Altima is behind the competition.

Now only available with a 188-horsepower 2.5-liter engine (the optional 2.0-liter turbo engine is eliminated for 2025), the Altima feels underpowered by class standards. It’s also relatively lackadaisical to drive on a daily basis, albeit inoffensive. The Altima’s interior isn’t as upscale or appealing to the eye as some rivals, lacking the quality materials to make the cabin feel special. Several rivals also offer available or standard hybrid powertrains, making them much more efficient than the Altima right out of the gate.

There are some upsides worth noting though. The cabin is well laid out, with easy-to-reach controls and decent interior storage. The 2025 Nissan Altima is also priced competitively, especially on lower trims. Despite the lack of an available hybrid powertrain, the 2.5-liter engine does return laudable fuel economy estimates – some trims are estimated to return as high as 39 mpg highway according to the EPA. It’s also spacious on the inside, with comfortable seats and it has a long list of standard safety features. The Altima isn’t our top choice in the class, but it is potentially appealing to buyers looking for an affordable and practical daily driver.

Mazda makes no secret of its upmarket aspirations, positioning its cars alongside Audi and BMW, blurring the lines between premium and economy. The 2025 Mazda3 is a fine example of the effort. Between its crisp interior design, impeccable fit-and-finish, and instinctual handling, the Mazda3 aims for something higher than mere transportation. An optional 227-horsepower turbo engine (or up to 250 hp on premium fuel), all-wheel drive, and available manual transmission all offer further evidence.

But if all you want is a lively and stylish car, the Mazda3 covers that, too. For 2025, all but one trim level is offered in both sedan and hatchback styles. With nearly 200 hp/200 lb-ft of torque, the base engine makes enough sauce to easily close gaps in traffic, and every Mazda3 comes with a bundle of driver aids and tech essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There are alternatives, though. The Honda Civic spans a similar range of sensible to sporty, and the Hyundai Elantra, while not quite as sharp in a turn, offers invigorating performance in its sport trims. The Subaru Impreza and WRX come standard with all-wheel drive, and the Toyota Corolla — another smart and practical choice — offers the uncharacteristically wild 300-hp Corolla GR. Many rivals also cost less than the Mazda3, while offering roomier interiors and more cargo space. Still, for the Mazda's more polished feel and crackling performance, we think it's a fair trade.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback remains one of the top choices in this small, but value-packed segment. Compact hatchbacks offer the efficiency and maneuverability of a compact sedan combined with the utility of an easy-to-access cargo area. It's a configuration that used to be part of most automakers' lineups, but with the popularity of small SUVs, compact hatchbacks like this one have become far less common.

Based on the popular Corolla sedan, the Corolla Hatchback features the same base engine and standard front-wheel drive. With 169 horsepower, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder packs a solid punch that gives the Corolla Hatchback plenty of pickup around town and usable power on the highway. The suspension delivers a well-composed ride that favors comfort over performance. Long drives are especially pleasant thanks to the comfortable seats, standard adaptive cruise control, and a 41-mpg highway fuel-efficiency rating.

There are just three trim levels for the Corolla Hatchback — SE, Nightshade, and XSE — so it's easy to choose your best fit. All are well-equipped with automatic climate control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with auxiliary controls, an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and selectable drive modes. The Nightshade version adds distinctive black exterior trim and 18-inch bronze wheels. Passenger room up front is plentiful although rear seat footroom is tight. Behind the rear seat is 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space, a nice bump up from the Corolla sedan's 13-cubic-foot trunk.

Although the hatchback category has shrunk over the years, there are still a few solid competitors. The Honda Civic continues to offer great value, a comfortable ride, and a wide range of trim levels. The Mazda3 is another great hatchback with a sporty ride, eye-catching styling, and solid value. For a slightly different take on the traditional hatch, there's the Kia Soul. It's sized and priced similar to the Corolla hatchback, but has more upright styling and a slightly lower starting price.

The 2025 Leaf is Nissan's low-cost effort to keep the nameplate alive while it develops a replacement.

Now entering its 14th year, the Leaf was redesigned for the 2018 model year and hasn't been fundamentally updated since significant safety system improvements were made in 2020. The five-seat compact hatchback is available in just two trims, and we think the base S version is the best value. The SV Plus costs almost as much as the base trim of the Nissan Ariya, which launched as a 2023 model and offers as much or more range, more modern tech, better battery management, and more performance and premium touches than either Leaf trim.

The base Leaf S is a bargain for buyers looking for an EV that can provide reliable, economical service as a grocery hauler and commuter car. Its closest competitors all cost more than the base Leaf. The rival Fiat 500e and Mini Electric Hardtop are substantially smaller and don't offer any more range. The Mini travels only two-thirds of the range delivered by the base Leaf but still starts at almost $3,000 more. A third potential competitor, the Hyundai Kona Electric, is nearly the same size as the base Leaf and offers substantially more range but at an almost $5,000 premium.

As far as the upper-trim Leaf SV Plus goes, it has slightly more than 200 miles of range but is outclassed in looks, range, and power by almost all of its compact EV competition. This group includes the Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4. The Leaf SV-Plus' saving grace is that it costs less than any of the others. That's until Chevrolet releases the promised $34,995 base version of the new Equinox EV, expected for sometime in 2025. It will likely qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit that cuts its real cost to $27,495 — almost $2,000 less than the base Leaf S.

Overall, the 2025 Nissan Leaf beats existing competitors on price and can be a good deal for EV shoppers who don't need to drive many miles between charging sessions.