[Epoch Times, November 16, 2025] (Epoch Times reporter Xia Yu comprehensive report) With car prices continuing to rise, the United States will soon see an era where the average price of a new car exceeds $55,000, or even $60,000. Even so, it is not impossible to buy an affordable car.

U.S. News & World Report has selected several high-quality and affordable car models, all priced under $30,000.

Among cars under $30,000, the 2025 Toyota Camry is undoubtedly the best choice. This sedan is safe, reliable, and affordable. With an overall rating of 9.6/10, the Camry rightfully earns the title of "best choice."

The 2025 Honda Accord has been a highly regarded model for years, earning a U.S. News & World Report "Editor's Choice" designation. This midsize sedan boasts a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy.

The "Best Economy Choice" is the 2025 Kia Soul, the lowest-priced model on the list (and one of the lowest-priced models overall on the market). This car also topped the publication's list of best small SUVs thanks to its spacious interior and rich features.

The 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid is recognized as the "Best Fuel Economy Choice." It achieves up to 50 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway.

Vehicle reliability is also crucial. The 2025 Kia K4 rightfully earns the title of "Best Reliability Choice." According to JD Power's Predicted Reliability Score, the K4 scores a high 89 out of 100, making it the most reliable car in the under-$30,000 price range.

Here are 12 of the best cars under $30,000.

1. Best car under $30,000: 2025 Toyota Camry

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.6/10

Starting price: $28,700

The 2025 Toyota Camry has undergone a complete redesign, with the biggest change being the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain across all models. The standard front-wheel-drive model features a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, while the all-wheel-drive model is equipped with a third electric motor. City fuel economy can reach up to 53 mpg, and highway fuel economy can reach up to 50 mpg.

Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start. Optional features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, nine-speaker JBL sound system, and panoramic sunroof.

The Toyota Camry has been shortlisted for the 2025 Best Car in North America. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times)

2. Editor's Choice: 2025 Honda Accord

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.4/10

Starting price: $28,295

The 2025 Honda Accord offers a smooth driving experience and an elegant, spacious interior. It features a 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, achieving city/highway fuel consumption of 29/37 mpg. For a non-hybrid mid-size sedan, these fuel economy figures are excellent.

Standard features on this vehicle include a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote start. Optional features include an eight-speaker sound system, a sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

2025 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring. (Leo/The Epoch Times)

3. Best Budget Choice: 2025 Kia Soul

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.1/10

Starting price: $20,490

The 2025 Kia Soul's boxy shape might not be to everyone's taste, but it's an excellent small crossover. It offers ample headroom for both front and rear passengers, and its cargo capacity is impressive.

While this car doesn't boast the most powerful engine in its class and lacks a four-wheel drive version, it offers exceptional value for money compared to other vehicles in its segment. It comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, and lane departure warning.

A Kia Soul is displayed in Houston, Texas on September 28, 2024. (Shutterstock)

4. Best fuel economy model: 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid

U.S. News & World Report: Rating: 9.3/10

Starting price: $29,295

The Honda Civic Hybrid, discontinued for ten years after 2015, is making a strong comeback, priced under $30,000. It shares many of the same advantages as the non-hybrid version, but boasts improved fuel efficiency, achieving 50/47 mpg city/highway fuel economy. The standard powertrain delivers ample power and a fun driving experience.

Only the entry-level Sport version of this car starts at under $30,000, and it comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, an 8-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.

The image shows a 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times)

5. The Best Choice for Reliability: 2025 Kia K4

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.1/10

Starting price: $21,990

The 2025 Kia K4 is the only entirely new model on the list. This sedan replaces the discontinued Forte in Kia's lineup, featuring a longer and wider body and higher ratings than its predecessor. The entire K4 lineup is priced under $30,000 and offers two engine options. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides sufficient power, while those seeking a sportier driving experience can opt for the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in the GT-Line Turbo model.

Kia K4. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times)

6. 2025 Honda Civic

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.5/10

Starting price: $24,250

The 2025 Honda Civic is front-wheel drive. The base engine is slightly underpowered, but the turbocharged engine offers more power. The Civic handles well and achieves fuel economy of 32/41 mpg in the city/highway.

This compact sedan boasts a sophisticated and upscale interior, and its spaciousness is surprisingly generous. Both front and rear seats offer ample headroom and legroom for adults, and the trunk offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic climate control.

7. 2025 Mazda 3

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.3/10

Starting price: $24,150

If you're looking for a car that's fun to drive, the 2025 Mazda3 is a good option. The base model comes with a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine, offering plenty of power; of course, a more powerful turbocharged engine is also available. Fuel economy is quite good, with city/highway fuel consumption of 27/37 mpg respectively.

The Mazda3's interior is modern and upscale, using a large amount of high-quality materials to create a comfortable driving and riding environment. However, taller adults may find the second-row space slightly cramped. Standard features include an 8.8-inch display screen, a six-speaker audio system, adaptive cruise control, and a blind spot monitoring system.

8. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.3/10

Starting price: $29,530

This is a sports car with a starting price of less than $30,000, and one of the most agile on the market, offering a thrilling driving experience on winding roads. The MX-5 features a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission, with power transmitted to the rear wheels.

Only the entry-level Sport version is priced below $30,000. It features a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel (but fabric seats), an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club. (Leo/The Epoch Times)

9. 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.2/10

Starting price: $25,450

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrid vehicles on the market. While this Hyundai doesn't offer exceptional handling, it boasts impressive acceleration from a standstill and excellent fuel economy, achieving 49-51 mpg in the city and 52-58 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim level.

10. 2025 Hyundai Tucson

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.2/10

Price: $28,705

The new Tucson's updates include a redesigned interior and exterior, as well as a wider range of features. Only the front-wheel-drive entry-level model is priced below $30,000, but it comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and adaptive cruise control.

The entry-level model features a four-cylinder engine, with the front-wheel-drive version achieving 25/33 mpg in the city/highway. The all-wheel-drive version reduces fuel consumption to 24/30 mpg.

Hyundai Tucson (by Dai Bing/The Epoch Times)

11. 2025 Mazda CX-5

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.2/10

Starting price: $28,770

SUVs starting at under $30,000 are rare, but the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is definitely one of the best, boasting an elegant interior, a dynamic driving experience, and standard all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is also quite good, with 26/31 mpg city/highway. The base engine is powerful, but an optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers even more power.

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus. (Leo/The Epoch Times)

12. 2025 Hyundai Sonata

U.S. News & World Report rating: 9.1/10

Starting price: $26,900

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata offers a smooth ride, a wealth of safety features, and Hyundai's industry-leading warranty. Two models are priced under $30,000, both equipped with a four-cylinder engine and achieving city/highway fuel consumption of 28/38 mpg.

Editor in charge: Li Lin #