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  • Cars
  • Most Reliable New Cars and SUVs Under $30,000

Most Reliable New Cars and SUVs Under $30,000

None of these high-scoring models will break your budget

2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid
Ford Maverick Hybrid
Photo: Ford

A less expensive vehicle that’s less than reliable isn’t good for your budget, even if it’s under warranty. That’s because when the warranty ends, repair costs come out of your wallet. And that’s why we ranked the most reliable new cars and SUVs you can buy for less than $30,000. These models won’t bleed you dry at the mechanic’s shop.

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The vehicles are ranked in order of their Overall Score and are recommended by CR. That means they scored well in our road tests, which comprise more than 50 objective and subjective evaluations.

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They all come standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB), AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW). We note when they’re optional without pushing the price above $30,000. That’s why some models don’t make the list, such as the Honda Accord. Other models, like the Toyota Camry and Kia K5, have reliability ratings that aren’t high enough for them to qualify. Most compact SUVs cost more than $30,000, and you can find them here.

Though we’ve tested more expensive all-wheel-drive versions of some of these, we also recommend the less costly front-wheel-drive versions.

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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.