Top 10 Best Cars Under $30k
For 2022 there are some incredible deals on brand new vehicles for under $30K. That's important since the average price paid for new cars in America is $35,000 or more. Here we have a collection of hot hatchbacks, an all-new crossover, sleek family sedans, even two fuel-efficient hybrids, two sports cars, and a station wagon/SUV that all come in with a base model suggested retail price that won't break the bank.
There are over 30 vehicles manufactured today that are under 30K, but these are our pick for the top 10 best for 2022. They are listed here from highest to lowest base MSRP. You'll find all these and more at your local Lithia Auto dealer. Find the dealer closest to you here.
Volkswagen Golf
You’ll find two versions of the ever-faithful Golf hot hatchback that come in close to the $30,000 mark. Both offer great driving characteristics, and top-quality interiors for the money. The base model Golf comes with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 147-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Keyless entry, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof as well as Wi-Fi and jazzy 16-inch alloy wheels all come as standard. You can also buy the more performance-oriented Golf GTI that pushes 241 horsepower for just over the mark at $30,540.
Base MSRP = $29,545.Shop VW Golf
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The fourth generation Miata Roadster is more comfortable and powerful than its predecessors, still capturing pure top down bliss and high revving exhilaration. Powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder motor, this nimble rear-wheel drive two-seater sports car offers 181-horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque as well as a 6-speed manual transmission. This little go-kart only weighs 2,400 pounds, is awesome in the corners and offers white-knuckle acceleration thrills on the straight-aways.
Base MSRP = $27,525Shop Mazda MX-5 Miata
Subaru Outback
The awesome Outback has been with us for 25 years, evolving from an all-wheel drive station wagon, into a more robust crossover SUV. Subaru practically invented the rugged, off-road capable family wagon niche. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor produces 182-adventure-ready horses. A Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, the Outback includes Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist tech as standard. We think the Outback is a great buy offering a mix of functionality, cargo space, great traction in snow and ice, and comfort for you and yours.
Base MSRP = $26,945Shop Subaru Outback
Honda Accord
A great family sedan for the price, Honda’s Accord is now in its tenth generation. For 2022 this mid-size, four-door is great fun to drive with its 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horses is also available, providing remarkable performance and spry handling. A great car for family road trips, the Accord has plenty of room for bags in the trunk and will get you there in comfort. The base LX trim as well as a Hybrid model and Sport model can all be had for under $30,000.
Base MSRP = $25,470Shop Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Known for its reliability and comfort, the Camry is America’s best-selling mid-size sedan. You’ll find enough space for the family in this four-door that offers two motors to choose from. There’s a four-cylinder or an optional V6 with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available as an option. All six Camry trim levels come with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of driver assist features including automatic emergency braking and ten airbags.
Base MSRP = $25,295Shop Toyota Camry
Honda Insight Hybrid
Imagine a four-door sedan similar to the Honda Civic that can take you 50 miles on a gallon of gas. The Honda Insight Hybrid is that and more providing a comfortable interior and great ride, plus a hybrid gas-electric powertrain. With 151 combined horsepower, the Insight can take you from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The ride is solid and the handling refined. Inside, you’ll discover a more upscale cabin than offered by the Civic with an 8-inch touchscreen and built-in navigation. The Insight includes Honda Sensing Driver Assist features and the upscale Touring trim model comes in just over the mark at $30,255.
Base MSRP = $25,210Shop Honda Insight Hybrid
Chevrolet Camaro
Originally built in 1967 to be a Ford Mustang beater, the venerable Camaro edges out the ‘Stang this year in our Top Ten list. That’s because the Ford in its Ecoboost trim might only just barely make it to an MSRP of 30K while the Chevy thrill machine offers a base 1LS Camaro for 25K. This rear-wheel drive muscle car is the best deal going if you have a need for speed. You’ll get a superb chassis married to a standard 2-liter turbocharged 275-horsepower engine and six-speed tranny for zero to 60 mph times of 5.5 seconds. You’ll find eight trim levels, two of which are under our magic money amount.
Base MSRP = $25,000Shop Chevrolet Camaro
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
This attractive hybrid hatchback has a 139-horsepower motor with an EPA rating of 59 miles per gallon and its plug-in hybrid variant gives you 29 miles of all-electric driving range before the gas engine kicks in. The Ioniq Hybrid looks like a standard four-door hatchback with a handsome interior but it is more efficient than a Toyota Prius. Of the seven trim levels offered, four are under 30K. The SEL version includes adaptive cruise control, blind-sport monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, and a sunroof, all for $29,825.
Base MSRP = $23,600Shop Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Toyota Corolla Cross
The all-new 2022 Corolla Cross brings Toyota’s strong suit of reliability and efficiency to a crossover that is smaller than the RAV4 but offers optional all-wheel drive. A 2-liter inline-four engine gets you 169-horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque and all three trim levels come in under $30,000. The Corolla Cross’ dashboard is similar to its sedan or hatchback siblings with a 7-inch infotainment screen and Toyota Safety Sense suite of such safety tech as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, road sign assist and more at a killer price.
Base MSRP = $22,195Shop Toyota Corolla Cross
Honda Civic
The all-new Civic rolls into 2022 with an upscale look, refined cabin design and clever new features. Of its eight trim levels only the top-tier Sport Touring hatchback is over 30K. Base models come with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine pushing 158-horses, EPA rated a combined 36 miles per gallon. An upgrade to the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gives you 180-horsepower. The Civic includes a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and such standard driver assist tech as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It’s a great car at a great price!
Base MSRP = $21,900Shop Honda Civic
