Top 10 Best Family Cars for Under $30,000
Although crossovers and SUVs are starting to dominate the market when it comes to family cars, there are still a few minivans available that deserve your attention.
It’s not easy shopping for a family car and keeping your budget under $30,000, but you might be surprised at how many options there are out there. Also, it’s worth noting that a couple great family cars miss the mark for costing more than $30,000 including destination – like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. They’re both worth a look if you’re willing to go slightly over the budget.
SEE ALSO: Best Three-Row Vehicles of 2017: Consumer Reports
Since most three-row crossovers and SUVs cost over $30,000, we decided to take a look at certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles as well. You can probably grab yourself a good deal on the used market for one of these family cars if you’re not adamant about getting a brand new model.
10. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (New)
Unfortunately, the larger Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $31,750, but if you don’t need the extra room, the Santa Fe Sport is a great option with a starting price of $26,245. That also makes it one of the most affordable vehicles on the list.
Read our Hyundai Santa Fe Review
9. Acura MDX (Used)
If you want to hop into a brand new Acura MDX, you’ll be shelling out around $45,000. But shop on Acura’s CPO website and you can find used ones for under $30,000. In fact, you might even manage to get your hands on a 2015 model year, although it will have around 50,000 miles.
8. Nissan Rogue
As one of the most popular crossovers available, the Nissan Rogue is priced from $25,380, making it the cheapest brand new car on the list. If you’re looking to add a third row, it is available on the Family Package for $1,190 additional, which still keeps it well under $30,000. There’s even a hybrid variant available with a starting price of $27,600.
7. Chrysler Pacifica* (New)
The Chrysler Pacifica cheats a little to get on the list. That’s because the minivan starts from $30,090 including destination, and while that barely puts it over the $30,000 threshold, the Pacifica is too good of a family car to leave off the list. It heralds from the same automaker that brought years of minivan expertise to the market with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, and it shows with how complete of a package the Pacifica is.
Read our Chrysler Pacifica Review
6. Chevrolet Tahoe (Used)
For decades, the full-sized Chevrolet Tahoe has transported families all across North America. A brand new model will set you back $48,510, which means your best bet is to search the used car market if you want one. There are plenty of 2013 model year units available for under $30,000 and if you’re lucky, you might be able to find a 2014 model.
Read our Chevrolet Tahoe Review
5. Kia Sedona (New)
Priced from $27,850, the Kia Sedona is one of the most affordable new minivans available in today’s market. The Korean automaker also has a variety of crossovers and SUVs available, including the Kia Sorento that starts from $26,740.
4. 2017 Chevrolet Traverse / 2017 GMC Acadia (New)
There’s a new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse getting ready to hit the market, which means you can likely find a good deal on a 2017 model year as dealers look to clear them off the lot. If you don’t absolutely need the latest and greatest, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse starts from $29,595. The new 2018 model year has a starting price of $30,875.
There’s also the GMC Acadia that’s all-new for the 2017 model year with a starting price of $29,995 – barely sneaking in.
3. Mazda CX-9 (Used)
A brand new Mazda CX-9 is a bit off the $30,000 mark with a starting price of $32,460. But that means it’s not too difficult to find a used or CPO model for under $30,000 or even in the low-$20,000 range.
2. Toyota Highlander (Used)
A brand new 2017 Toyota Highlander will set you back $31,590, but given that Toyota’s known for its reliability, it’s not a bad choice to purchase used. CPO models are available between $20,000 to $30,000 depending on model year and mileage.
Read our Toyota Highlander Review
1. Ford Expedition (Used)
A new 2017 Ford Expedition will set you back $48,320 (including destination), but there are quite a few gems on the used car market. You can even get yourself a 2016 model for under $30,000 through Ford’s CPO program by searching its website.