10 Cars Under $30K With a Perfect Safety Rating (2024)

You don’t have to sacrifice safety for affordability when it comes to cars. Several new models priced under $30,000 have received a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Here’s a look at some of the best options if you are looking for a safe car that fits into your budget, with standout features to boot, as identified by Autotrader.

• Starting price: $27,995

Autotrader selected the Equinox as a top option for safe cars under $30,000 thanks to its large interior space — 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row of seating.

• Starting price: $25,045

You can’t go wrong with either the sedan or hatchback version of the Civic, a car known for its dependability and durability.

• Starting price: $28,275

The Santa Cruz is one of the most affordable — and safest — pickup trucks available. One notable feature is a concealed under-bed storage compartment that can be used as a cooler — ideal for tailgates.

• Starting price: $28,315

A hybrid with impressive mileage for an SUV, the Niro Hybrid boasts 53 mpg city/54 mpg highway/53 mpg combined. It also has a sleek, modern look that makes it appear much more expensive than it is.

• Starting price: $25,355

The Mazda3 is available as both a sedan and a hatchback. Autotrader declared that it is the “best-handling and driving car you can buy for under $30,000.”

• Starting price: $17,820

The base model Versa is priced under $20,000 but still comes with an impressive array of standard features, including a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist and rear automatic braking. It’s worth noting that the base model features a manual transmission, so you may want to upgrade to automatic for a starting price of $19,490.

• Starting price: $28,440

If you’re planning for some offroad adventures, the Forester is a great choice for a safe, affordable car that can handle unpaved terrain.

• Starting price: $24,115

All-wheel drive comes standard with the Impreza, so you’ll stay safe when roads are hilly or slick.

• Starting price: $29,950

The Camry Hybrid gets high marks for its fuel efficiency with an EPA-reported estimate of up to 51 mpg city/53 mpg highway/52 mpg combined. Autotrader also reports that it’s “comfortable, roomy, dependable and pleasant to drive.”

• Starting price: $29,045

The Prius got a new design last year and it’s looking better than ever. Plus, it’s “fun to drive,” according to Autotrader.

All information is sourced from Autotrader and is accurate as of May 13, 2024. Starting prices include destination fees.

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