Best Sedans Under $30k for 2024
The best sedans under $30k based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best small and compact car under $30k is the MINI Hardtop 2 Door (7.6 quality rating), with the Honda Accord being the best midsize car under $30k (9.3 quality rating). The Ford Taurus ranks #1 for the best large cars under $30k (8.4 quality rating).
The best hybrid car under $30k is the Toyota Prius (hatchback) (9.2 quality rating), which is also the best plug-in hybrid car under $30k (PHEV). The Chevrolet Bolt EV ranks #1 for the best electric cars under $30k (8.0 quality rating).
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Cars Under $30k Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
