We get it: Cars are expensive, especially on a tight budget. Once you start adding must-haves like a sunroof or premium audio, prices can escalate quickly. But the good news is that even with a full suite of driver assist features, a decent stereo, and all wheel drive, it isn’t as hard as it used to be to find a car under $30,000.
To keep the retail price (before taxes and the like) under that mark, we looked at budget-friendly SUVs with a base price under $27K. The good news? There are 15 budget models on our list, including one pickup truck.
Keep in mind, most have bare-bones features, cloth seating, and may lack basics like power seats, additional USB ports, and may have a smaller touch screen in the entry-level model. Most are compact or sub-compact in size and are powered by smaller gas-only engines but get good fuel economy. All are great starter cars or down-sizers.
Time to go shopping? We think so!
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
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Buick Envista: The Chicest Starter Car on the Market
Priced from $23,800, the Buick Envista packages some nice technology and leatherette seating, even at the entry level, with a spacious interior and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Onstar is included for 8 years, though all wheel drive is not an option. Buyers can upgrade to Sport Touring and still keep the price under $25K.
Read: 2025 Buick Envista Review: This High Style, Low Budget Hatchback Will Have You Smitten
Hyundai Kona: Bigger, Better But Still Budget-Friendly
Hyundai gave the Kona, priced from $24,550, a full makeover last year and it’s stunning; it now looks more like its electric counterparts, but the better news is it has a flat screen multimedia system that spans the front dash, more standard features, a much roomier rear seat —hello kids cars seats! —and overall, it just looks better. AWD is available for $1,500 if you really need it.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Kona SUV: A Future-Forward Design for Gas or Electric Driving
Subaru Crosstrek: This Cutie Can Do it All
We’ve been fans of the Subaru Crosstrek, priced from $25,810, since it made its debut. It’s a mini-me version of the Subaru Outback, nimble and fun to drive, and like all of Subaru’s cars and SUVs, all wheel drive is standard.
And, each year, Subaru releases the Crosstrek in an exclusive color that quickly becomes iconic; if you like the color, get it while you can because once the model year is sold out, it’s sold out.
Read: 10 Things My Family Loved About the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Mazda CX-30: All the Mazda Design In a Diminutive Package
There’s so much to love in the Mazda CX-30, priced from $25,195: more space than the Mazda CX-3 and more plush details. That’s thanks to Mazda’s elegant and minimalist design and commitment to giving you more for your money.
Still, this is a small SUV, better for a solo driver or a couple who want a smart-looking SUV in the driveway.
Read: Mazda is Making Cars More Human-Centric: The First Ever Mazda CX-30
Nissan Kicks: Athletic Design To Keep You Going
Nissan just redesigned the 2025 Nissan Kicks, priced from $21,830, and gave it even more reasons to say yes: it features the new look of Nissan on the front grille, has sporty new details inside and out, comes standard with adaptive cruise control and buyers can opt for AWD for an extra $1,500 option.
Read: 2025 Nissan Kicks First Drive: Why This Sneaker-Inspired SUV Charmed Us
Chevy Trax: Roomy, Sporty and Nicely Equipped
When Chevrolet redesigned the Chevy Trax, priced from $20,500, we were floored: They gave it a lot more space, a really lovely interior, and lots of great standard features. While it lacks an all wheel drive option and is powered by a 3-cylinder turbo engine, it will tick nearly every other box. And you can upgrade to the mid-level and STILL come in well under $27K.
Read: 2024 Chevrolet Trax: This Could Possibly Be Your Ideal First (or Last) Car
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Will Have You Ballin’ on a Budget
We love the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, priced from $26,545, for its long warranty, reputation for reliability, standard AWD, and nice array of driver assist and safety features. The Eclipse Cross is due for a makeover soon, so the 2025 model might just present the best time to buy before features are added and the price goes up.
Read: The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: This Value Brand Delivers Even More for the Money
Buick Encore GX: A Luxury Gem Hiding In Plain Sight
We’ve long loved the Buick Encore GX, priced from a budget-friendly $25,940 for all the luxe features it offers in an under-the-radar package. The Encore GX got a makeover in 2024 and for all the better: It has the chiseled new face of Buick, the new logo, leatherette seating, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a new linear multimedia screen, but it still comes in under $26K.
Upgrade to AWD in the entry-level Preferred model, and the price is a hair under $30K.
Read: 2024 Buick Encore GX: A Small SUV With A Big New Feature
Jeep Compass: Start Your Jeep Journey Here; You Won’t Regret It
It’s amazing that there’s a Jeep, any Jeep, for under $30K. But the Jeep Compass, priced from $26,900, is designed to get you to become a Jeep person. It produces 200 HP, comes with 4WD standard, maintenance is included, and you get all the Jeep feels. Plus, there may be ducks.
Read: 2023 Jeep Compass Compact SUV Review: Live Your Best Life
Honda HR-V: Honda’s Cutest SUV Is Our Favorite, Hands Down
We were really smitten with the redesign of the Honda HR-V, priced from $25,400. It’s larger, it’s sharper, it has better technology, and it is fun to drive. We love the new look of the HR-V’s front face and rear taillights and that you can add AWD for $1,500. Or upgrade to a mid-grade AND add AWD and still stay under the $30K mark.
Read: The 2023 Honda HR-V Delivers on the Promise of a Go-Everywhere Vehicle
The Toyota Corolla Cross Cuts No Corners
There’s a reason Toyota has so many fans; they simply do the right thing. That’s the case with the Toyota Corolla Cross, which is priced from $24,035. Building on the popularity of the Toyota Corolla, they added a crossover SUV body with a higher ground clearance, all the same great features, and the result is a sportier, more capable SUV—for an astonishing price.
AWD can be added for $1,300, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid will take you over the $28K mark—still a great deal for those on a budget.
VW Taos: You’ll Be Charmed; We Were!
We love VW’s SUVs for the streamlined lineup that shares the family DNA; each is certainly cut from the same cloth. The VW Taos, priced from $24,995, is the smallest of the bunch but still ready and able to do the heavy lifting of city driving or dorm-moving. Plus, we love VW’s approach to spoiling you with more features for those with a tight budget. Add AWD for $1,700.
Read: 2025 VW Taos: Surprisingly Spacious and Tech-Forward—and Fun to Drive
Kia Seltos is the Hidden Gem of Bargain SUVs
The Kia Seltos, priced from $24,690, is an under-the-radar gem in the compact SUV segment. It’s cute, capable, spacious, and capable. The entry-level model is a true bargain: AWD is standard, and it has a different dash and controls than the other models. Still, you can upgrade, add AWD, and still stay under the $30K mark in all but the very top SX model.
Read: The 2024 Kia Seltos: an All-Rounder with Good Looks to Boot
Kia Soul: Still Rocking the Box After All These Years
You have to love the Kia Soul, priced from $20,490. In fact, you probably remember it from the hilarious hamster commercials. It made its debut 17 years ago and is still going strong, not only as one of the roomiest compact cars on the road but as one of the most affordable.
Not only does it have the best budget-friendly base price of all the SUVs on our list—and we realize, this isn’t really an SUV, but with the cargo space, we felt it needed consideration— but you can upgrade to the very top for an additional $4,300. So go for the leatherette seating and sunroof and still have money left over.
Read: The Antidote to the SUV: Top 10 Reasons Why I Love the Kia Soul GT
Ford Maverick: Pickup Trucks Can Be Fun And Not Cost a Fortune
This may be the one that wins the whole “Best under $30K” category: The Ford Maverick, priced from $23,920, isn’t just the best-priced pickup truck on the road; it’s the most affordable Ford on the road. But you can have more than just a fun, flexible interior: Add a hybrid engine option for $1,750 and all wheel drive for $2,200 and still keep the total tab under $29K. What’s not to love?
Read: The Ford Maverick Didn’t Need to Get Better, But It Did, Adding Hybrid AWD And Other Goodies
And there you have it: All the best SUVs, crossovers, and trucks priced well under $30,000. Which one do you want to test-drive first?
