10 of the Best Family Vehicles Under $30,000
Rising prices everywhere are forcing a lot of people to make some hard choices in order to save money. Most families know this very well.
Many are delaying the purchase of a new vehicle and taking better care of the one they already have so that it can last longer. Others are turning to alternative mobility solutions when possible.
Are there still good new vehicles for families under $30,000? The answer is yes. Here are ten…
Toyota RAV4
2022 MSRP starting at $28,990
The Car Guide’s Best Buy award winner among compact SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 offers a spacious interior and a large trunk along with a smooth ride. It’s the kind of SUV most people are looking for. The base 203-horsepower engine is more potent than the competition, but for less than $30,000, you’ll have to make do with FWD.
Subaru Forester
2022 MSRP starting at $29,495
The Subaru Forester is a safe pick—also one of the most affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles with AWD. Most of Subaru’s EyeSight safety features and driver assistance technologies are included as standard, while visibility is unbeatable.
Kia Sportage
2022 MSRP starting at $28,395
If AWD is not a priority, Kia has multiple options under $30,000. The Soul hatchback is one, with impressive interior room, but have you seen the brand new 2023 Sportage? Stunning from the inside out, it offers more space than its predecessor, great value for the price, and a 187-horsepower engine that can tow up to 2,500 pounds.
Subaru Crosstrek
2022 MSRP starting at $23,995
The Car Guide’s Best Buy award winner among subcompact SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek is safe and durable. Blessed with generous ground clearance and an excellent AWD system as standard equipment, it shines on most terrains and in most conditions. The smooth ride is another thing Canadian families will like about it. The base 2.0-litre engine is a decent performer, too.
Toyota Corolla Cross
2022 MSRP starting at $24,890
Those who miss the Toyota Matrix and its optional AWD system can rejoice as the brand new Corolla Cross is exactly what they need, combining all of the four-door Corolla’s strengths into a more practical and versatile package. The trunk can fit more than 700 litres of cargo, while the 169 horsepower are good enough for most daily driving situations and allow towing up to 1,500 pounds.
Kia Seltos
2022 MSRP starting at $23,595
The Kia Seltos is larger than most small SUVs, which results in more interior room for passengers and cargo. For under $30,000, you can forget the 175-horsepower turbo engine and stick with the naturally aspirated four-pot that delivers 146 horsepower. AWD is available, though, and the Seltos has great bang for your buck.
Honda Civic Hatchaback
2022 MSRP starting at $28,650
The second-generation Honda Civic Hatchback is more affordable than the first thanks to the addition of an entry-level LX model featuring a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 158 horsepower. It’s a solidly built, high-quality compact car with pleasant driving dynamics and a large, 693-litre cargo area. The optional CVT comes at no extra cost.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
2022 MSRP starting at $28,598
The redesigned Eclipse Cross is 14 centimetres longer than before, which results in more room for passengers and cargo. A turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine lies under the hood of this small SUV, generating 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard along with many safety technologies. And don’t forget Mitsubishi’s awesome warranty.
Volkswagen Taos
2022 MSRP starting at $26,695
The Golf is no more and the Tiguan now exceeds $30,000, but the all-new Taos beautifully takes over for families on a budget. It’s actually larger and more spacious than most competitors. For example, cargo capacity with the rear seats up is 705-790 litres depending on the configuration. The Taos uses a new turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
Mazda CX-30
2022 MSRP starting at $26,800
The Mazda CX-30 boasts great build quality, a refined interior and best-in-class handling. Even moms and dads are entitled to have some fun behind the wheel, you know. The CX-30’s AWD system, while not quite as competent as the Crosstrek’s, remains one of the best in the segment. On the flip side, trunk capacity is limited at 572 litres.