Best Sedans under $30,000
Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best sedans under $30,000 based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in. Some of the sedans listed here are also offered as hatchbacks if you're looking for an extra measure of practicality.
Top Ranked Sedans under $30,000 at a glance
1
2026 Honda Accord
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$29,590
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Accord continues to offer loads of passenger space, superb ride-and-handling, and impressive fuel economy, making it a standout among mid-size sedans. Learn More
2
2026 Honda Civic / Civic Hybrid
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$25,890
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: Available in sedan or hatchback form, with or without a hybrid powertrain, the 2026 Honda Civic caters to just about everyone. Learn More
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3
2026 Toyota Prius
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$29,745
EPA MPG
49–57 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Toyota Prius hatchback is out to save the planet and look good while doing it. Learn More
4
2026 Kia K5
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$28,735
EPA MPG
27–30 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Kia K5 family sedan stands out from staid-looking segment competitors while delivering good value and a bit of fun. Learn More
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5
2026 Mazda 3
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$25,785
EPA MPG
26–29 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback are luxury-adjacent entries in the mainstream compact-car class. Learn More
6
2026 Hyundai Elantra
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$23,870
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is an edgy-looking, well-equipped, reasonably priced option in the compact sedan class. Learn More
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7
2026 Hyundai Sonata
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$28,695
EPA MPG
27–47 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Sonata is affordable, soft-riding, and feature-heavy—just what people want out of a mid-size family sedan. Learn More
8
2026 Kia K4
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$23,535
EPA MPG
29–34 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Kia K4 isn’t the mini sports sedan its aggressive styling suggests but it promises to be satisfying for its affordability, good looks, and roominess. Learn More
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9
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$25,270
EPA MPG
33–34 combined
C/D SAYS: Blending spaciousness, affordability, and impressive fuel efficiency in a compact four-door package, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta brings plenty of value. Learn More
10
2026 Nissan Altima
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$28,825
EPA MPG
28–32 combined
C/D SAYS: The Nissan Altima family sedan sticks around for the 2026 model year, retaining its signature traits: affordability, roominess, frugality, and comfort. Learn More
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