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Reliable New Cars and SUVs Under $30,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports

Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports with their recommendations that showcases their list of the most reliable new cars, SUVs, and one pickup truck that you can find under $30,000.
Reliable Models Under $30,000

Reliable and Affordable

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, “An affordable vehicle that is less than reliable isn’t good for your budget, even if it’s under warranty. Because when the warranty ends, repair costs come out of your wallet.”

Which is why CR analysts have recently updated their ranking of the most reliable cars and SUVs available today to help narrow down your choices to only those that have the reliability, safety features, and pricing (under $30,000 in this review) tailored perfectly to suit you and your family car needs.

All of the vehicles listed (in ranked reliability order) scored well in CR’s road tests and come standard with automatic emergency braking. Some choices, however, may offer other safety features such as blind spot warning (BSW) and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) either as standard or as options, but were chosen only if they did not push the price above $30,000. Hence, some models known for reliability did not make the price cut and were passed over in CR’s latest list of the most reliable cars and SUVs.

That said, here is a summary of CR’s latest report.

THE BEST CARS AND SUVs UNDER $30K TODAY

1. Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $21,700 - $27,425

CR MPG:  Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg

#1 of 12 Small sedans

Predicted reliability score: 5/5

Safety features: AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, while BSW and RCTW are available in an options package that still keeps the price under $30,000.

2. Nissan Altima 2023

Price Range:  $25,630 - $35,330

CR MPG:  Overall 31 / City 20 / Hwy 45 mpg

#3 of 14 Midsized cars

Predicted reliability score: 4/5

Safety features: AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

3. Kia K5 2023

Price Range:  $25,290 - $31,690

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 20 / Hwy 52 mpg

#6 of 14 Midsized cars

Predicted reliability score: 4/5

Safety features: AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

4. Mini Cooper 2023

Price Range:  $27,400 - $40,650

CR MPG:  Overall 30 / City 23 / Hwy 38 mpg

#2 of 8 Sports/sporty cars under $40,000

Predicted reliability score: 5/5

Safety features: AEB with pedestrian detection is standard, but AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW aren’t offered.

5. Toyota Corolla 2023

Price Range:  $21,700 - $27,425

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg

#2 of 12 Small sedans

Predicted reliability score: 5/5

Safety features: AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, BSW and RCTW are optional on the base LE trim. But the Corolla is still under $24,000 even with the option package.

6. Honda Civic 2023

Price Range:  $23,750 - $43,795

CR MPG:  Overall 33 / City 23 / Hwy 44 mpg

#4 of 12 Small sedans

Predicted reliability score: 4/5

Safety features: While AEB with pedestrian detection is standard, BSW and RCTW aren’t available on the LX and Sport trims. They’re optional on the EX and standard on the Touring.

7. Toyota Corolla Cross 2023

Price Range:  $23,610 - $31,065

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 21 / Hwy 35 mpg

#3 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Predicted reliability score: 5/5

Safety features: Standard active safety and driver assist features include AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway, but BSW and RCTW are standard only on the midlevel LE and top XLE trims.

8. Honda HR-V 2023

Price Range:  $23,800 - $29,400

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 19 / Hwy 37 mpg

#4 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Predicted reliability score: 4/5

Safety features: Neither BSW nor RCTW are available on the base LX, a disappointment; they’re a $550 option on the Sport and EX-L.

9. Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2023

Price Range:  $22,100 - $27,700

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 19 / Hwy 37 mpg

#5 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Predicted reliability score: 4/5

Safety features: Both BSW and RCTW are optional, although AEB that operates at highway speed isn’t offered.

10. Ford Maverick Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $22,595 - $28,355

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 33 / Hwy 39 mpg

#1 of 3 Small pickup trucks

Predicted reliability score: 4/5

Safety features: AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway come standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional.

For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

For more CR-related car reviews, here are two useful ones with car shopping advice for consumers:

Bonus Video: 5 New SUVs You Should Buy Recommendations from a Popular Mechanic

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

COMING UP NEXT: Harbor Freight Tool Shop with This Mechanic

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