Last Updated on 4 months
Affordable Cars for 2024: Best New Cars Under $30K
You might be surprised to hear that the average price for a new car in 2024 was over $47,000. This means that in just five years, the average price of a new car rose from $11,000 to $36,000 (in 2019). Today, we will showcase 10 of the best cars for under $30,000, which combine attractive designs, modern technology, and low monthly payments. We compiled this list not just based on MSRP values but to show you that although the market prices have increased over the years, there are still many great options under $30,000.
Below, we explore pickups, SUVs, compact hatchbacks, and sedans, all within the reach of most customers. You’ll find the best new cars under $30K on our list:
Best New Cars Under $30K
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Ford Maverick
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- Base Price: $22,595
- OEM Tire Choice: Michelin Primacy A/S
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Ford Maverick comes standard with a 2.5L full hybrid engine, delivering 191 horsepower with a combined fuel economy of 37 MPG, making it one of the most fuel-efficient trucks on the market.
- Interior: Despite its compact size, the Maverick offers a spacious interior with modern technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Utility: A 4.5-foot bed with a Flexbed storage system with adjustable tie-downs and available 110V outlets makes it practical for various needs.
- Driving Experience: The Maverick’s unibody construction provides a smooth ride that is more akin to a crossover than a traditional truck.
Honda Civic
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- Base Price: $24,650
- OEM Tire Choice: Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Civic is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower or an optional 1.5L turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower.
- Interior: The cabin features high-quality materials, a digital instrument cluster, and a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.
- Safety: Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, is standard across all trims.
- Driving Experience: The Civic offers a balanced ride with responsive handling, making it enjoyable for both city and highway driving.
Toyota Corolla
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- Base Price: $22,645
- OEM Tire Choice: Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The base model has a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 139 horsepower. A 2.0L engine with 169 horsepower is available on higher trims.
- Interior: The Corolla boasts a refined interior with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, soft-touch materials, and supportive seats.
- Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert, is standard.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Corolla offers up to 40 MPG on the highway, making it a very economical choice.
Mazda CX5
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- Base Price: $28,570
- OEM Tire Choice: Bridgestone Turanza EL440
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Mazda3 has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Interior: The upscale interior features an 8.8-inch infotainment display, premium materials, and available leather upholstery.
- Driving Dynamics: Mazda’s commitment to curating a functional design is evident in the Mazda3’s sharp handling and responsive steering.
- Safety: The i-Activsense safety suite includes advanced features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
Kia K5
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- Base Price: $25,390
- OEM Tire Choice: Kumho Solus TA31
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The K5 features a 1.6L turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower, offering a great blend of performance and efficiency.
- Interior: Its modern, driver-focused interior features a standard 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Design: The K5 stands out with its sleek, fastback-inspired design, giving it a sporty and upscale appearance.
- Comfort: The K5 offers a smooth and quiet ride, with available heated and ventilated seats.
Hyundai Elantra
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- Base Price: $21,315
- OEM Tire Choice: Hankook Kinergy GT
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Elantra’s base engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower, while a turbocharged 1.6L engine with more power is available on the N Line.
- Technology: The Elantra has an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Design: The Elantra’s bold design, featuring sharp lines and a wide stance, makes it stand out in the compact sedan segment.
- Safety: Hyundai SmartSense, which includes forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, is standard.
Subaru Impreza
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- Base Price: $23,595
- OEM Tire Choice: Yokohama Avid S34
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Impreza has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower, paired with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive.
- Versatility: The Impreza is practical and versatile for various lifestyles. It is available as both a sedan and a hatchback.
- Safety: Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, is standard.
- Interior: The Impreza features a user-friendly infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and available premium audio.
Nissan Sentra
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- Base Price: $21,305
- OEM Tire Choice: Continental ProContact TX
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Sentra is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that produces 149 horsepower and a CVT for smooth acceleration.
- Interior: It offers a comfortable interior with Zero Gravity seats, an available 8-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Design: The Sentra’s bold V-motion grille, floating roofline, and sharp character lines give it a dynamic presence.
- Safety: Nissan Safety Shield 360, including blind-spot warning and rear automatic braking, is standard on all trims.
Chevrolet Malibu
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- Base Price: $25,795
- OEM Tire Choice: Firestone Firehawk GT
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Malibu’s 1.5L turbocharged engine produces 160 horsepower, delivering a good balance of power and efficiency.
- Interior: The Malibu’s interior is spacious, with supportive seating, an 8-inch touchscreen, and available leather upholstery.
- Technology: Standard features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Ride Quality: The Malibu offers a comfortable ride with a suspension tuned for smooth driving on various road conditions.
Volkswagen Jetta
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- Base Price: $21,625
- OEM Tire Choice: Continental ProContact TX
Key Features:
- Powertrain: The Jetta’s 1.5L turbocharged engine generates 158 horsepower and is mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Jetta boasts impressive fuel economy, with up to 41 MPG on the highway.
- Interior: The interior is refined, with available digital cockpit, leatherette seating, and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen.
- Safety: Volkswagen’s IQ. A DRIVE suite with safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane assist, is available.
Conclusion
The $30k price cap is not a limit for buying your next vehicle. Even at this price point, these options are far from outdated, ill-equipped, or impractical—quite the opposite. The options at this price range are surprisingly versatile. Our offers various choices that combine safety, dependability, reliability, and efficiency—all without breaking the bank.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) options are always worth considering when browsing for tires. These tires are tailored to meet the exact specifications of your vehicle, ensuring a precise fit and optimized performance. For drivers looking for reliability and peace of mind, shop OEM tires here to discover options that deliver dependable performance, making them an excellent investment for the long run.