2025's Top 15 Cars Under $30,000

While prices seem to be moving north across the board, a number of cut-price hatchbacks, sedans, utes and even SUV packages are priced under $30,000 - you just need to know where to look.

Bargain hunters and first-time car buyers rejoice - we’ve put together a list of the top car options in Australia priced under $30,000 on sale in 2025.

Kia Picanto Sport Manual

Sitting as Australia’s cheapest new car in 2025, the Kia Picanto Sport is a must-have on any bargain hunter’s radar.

It’s a fun-loving little package that sips fuel responsibly and comes backed by a seven year warranty, making it hard to ignore if you’re after a first car or reliable, user-friendly little daily driver, with both manual and automatic variants priced under $20,000.

• Price: $18,290

• Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 5.4L/100km

• Boot Space: 255 - 1,010L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-km

Hyundai Venue Manual

The Venue is Hyundai’s smallest and most affordable compact SUV package, providing buyers exceptional value for money.

With a decent equipment list and a notable interior space and practicality premium over a number of its small SUV rivals, the Venue is a great option for price-conscious Aussie buyers in 2025.

• Price: $22,750

• Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 7.0L/100km

• Boot Space: 355L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Four-star (tested 2019) 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro range stands as one of the best-equipped small SUV packages at this end of the price spectrum and comes wearing a seven-year warranty.

It comes powered by a spritely little turbocharged engine while the Tiggo 4 Pro Urban’s cabin impresses with a number of soft touchpoints, a decent amount of boot space and great technology package headlined by two 10.25-inch displays.

• Price: $23,990

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 7.3L/100km

• Boot Space: 380L

• Infotainment Display Size: 10.25-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2023) 

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-km

MG MG 3 Excite

MG’s updated MG 3 range remains one of the most impressive and affordable hatchbacks on the market, proving hard to ignore for buyers looking for a well-equipped, more mature package over previous year models - all backed by a game-changing ten-year warranty.

What’s more, you can get behind the wheel of the MG3 Hybrid range $27,990 which sips just 4.3L/100km on a combined cycle, making it the most affordable hybrid vehicle currently on sale in Australia in 2025.

• Price: $23,990

• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy:

• 6.0L/100km

• Boot Space: 293 - 983L

• Infotainment Display Size: 10.25-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Three-star (tested 2024) 

• Warranty: Ten-year/250,000km

Suzuki Swift Hybrid

The Suzuki Swift has been a focal point of the small, cheerful and affordable hatchback segment since its introduction, with the latest range picking up a fuel-efficient mild-hybrid system that only adds to its appeal.

With some sleek new looks and an updated technology list, the Swift remains a great option for first-time car-buyers and those looking for a cheap and cheerful little hatchback that sips fuel responsibly.

• Price: $24,490

• Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 3.8L/100km

• Boot Space: 265 - 980LInfotainment Display Size: 9.0-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: One-star (tested 2024) 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

MG 5 Vibe

Sitting as one of the most affordable sedan packages on the market, the MG 5 provides buyers with some serious value and a compelling ten-year warranty program.

The MG 5 confidently tackles a run around town and country roads alike, making it a versatile and practical option for bargain hunters and fans of the sedan body shape alike.

• Price: $24,990

• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 6.6L/100km

• Boot Space: 401L

• Infotainment Display Size: 10.0-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Zero-star (tested 2023) 

• Warranty: Ten-year/250,000km

Kia Stonic S

Kia’s smallest SUV in the range provides buyers with some serious food for thought, even more so in 2025 thanks to some key upgrades.

The Stonic hits the market with turbocharged power across the range and an updated safety equipment list that makes it both more fun and confidence-inspiring behind the wheel, with Kia’s seven-year warranty remaining a lovely cherry on top of the cake.

• Price: $25,460

• Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder

• Fuel Economy: 5.4L/100km

• Boot Space: 352 - 1,155L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-km

MG ZS Excite

If you’re after generous equipment lists and extremely sharp pricing, MG’s updated ZS range would like to say hello.

Fresh off a major styling overhaul, the ZS is a more modern-looking package that receives a lengthy equipment list and a sleek and new interior layout that makes a far better impression than its predecessor.

• Price: $25,990

• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 6.7L/100km

• Boot Space: 443 - 1,457L

• Infotainment Display Size: 10.25-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Four-star (tested 2024) 

• Warranty: Ten-year/250,000km

Mazda 2 G15 Evolve

The Mazda 2 has been a long-time favourite for price-conscious buyers and continues to impress in 2025 with a choice of hatchbacks and sedans both priced under $30k.

With exceptional fuel economy and a great handling package, the Mazda 2 is a lovely car to drive around town and can squeeze into virtually any park thanks to its stout wheelbase, making for one of the most charming little city car packages.

• Price: $26,990


• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol

• Fuel Economy: 5.0L/100km

• Boot Space: 250 - 440L (hatch v sedan)

• Infotainment Display Size: 7.0-inches


• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

GWM Haval Jolion Premium

The Haval Jolion is a small SUV that packs a seriously impressive amount of interior space for the segment, while its value proposition cannot be denied.

With a relatively spacious second row, healthy boot and a lengthy equipment list, the Haval Jolion range remains one of the best options for price-conscious buyers looking for a practical little SUV package.

• Price: $26,990

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 8.1L/100km

• Boot Space: 337 - 1,133L

• Infotainment Display Size: 10.25-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2022) 

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-km

Toyota HiLux Workmate 4x2

Working Aussies looking for a bargain in the ute segment should have the Toyota HiLux Workmate at the top of their shortlist.

Famed for its honesty and reliability, the Workmate takes a no-frills approach to motoring, though has received some active safety tech in recent years that makes it impossible to ignore if you’re after a relatively cheap, dependable work ute.

• Price: $27,730

• Engine: 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 11.1L/100km

• Boot Space: N/A

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2019, expires December 2025) 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km (up to seven years for driveline)

Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport Hybrid

While Toyota’s little Yaris hatchback isn’t quite the bargain it used to be, it remains a fantastic little city car that is offered with the company’s super fuel-efficient hybrid engine tech across the range, promising fuel economy figures of just 3.3L/100km.

• Price: $28,500

• Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder + electric motor hybrid 

• Fuel Economy: 3.3L/100km

• Boot Space: 270L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2020) 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km (up to seven-years for driveline)

Hyundai i30 Sedan

The Hyundai i30 Sedan is another fantastic small car option priced under $30k here in Australia.

Don’t be fooled by its small car classification, either, because the i30 offers a great cabin with practical, mature touches up front and generous legroom for those seated in the rear of the cabin, while smooth on-road manners and a lengthy equipment list makes it one of the best pound-for-pound options on the market.

• Price: $29,000

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Fuel Economy: 6.1L/100km

• Boot Space: 474L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Three-star (tested 2024) 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Nissan Juke ST

Nissan’s updated Juke range touches down on Australian shores in 2025 fresh off a styling overhaul and significant technology update, while Nissan’s updated ten-year warranty makes it impossible to ignore in the segment.

In base form, the Juke ST now comes packaged with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, while the active safety tech suite has also grown to incorporate adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

• Price: $29,265

• Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder

• Fuel Economy: 5.8L/100km

• Boot Space: 422 - 1,305L

• Infotainment Display Size: 12.3-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2019, expires December 2025) 

• Warranty: Ten-year/300,000km (when serviced in network)

BYD Dolphin Essential

Our list wraps up with Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle currently on sale in 2025, the BYD Dolphin.

It’s a pint-sized electric hatchback that provides exceptional energy efficiency figures, promising up to 340km of range from a 45kWh battery pack, with BYD’s clever interior designers maximising every ounce of space inside the cabin that makes it a practical little package, too.

• Price: $29,990

• Engine: Single electric motor 

• Energy Efficiency: 13.2kWh/100km 

• Boot Space: 345 - 1,310L

• Infotainment Display Size: 12.8-inches

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2023) 

• Warranty: Six-year/150,000km (eight-year/160,000km for battery)

FAQ: What is the Best Car to Buy in 2025?

The question of which is the best car to buy in 2025 comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re not fussed about space and you’re simply looking for the best price and fuel efficiency, a micro hatch like the Suzuki Swift, Kia Picanto or Toyota Yaris are great options. If you’re looking for an SUV with a bit more space, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Haval Jolion and MG ZS Hybrid provide outstanding value for money in 2025, while the Hyundai i30 Sedan and MG 5 are hard to beat if you’re after an affordable sedan.

FAQ: What is the Fastest Car Under $30,000?

While Australia’s most affordable cars aren’t built for speed, if you’re looking for the fastest car priced under $30,000, you’ll want to take a closer look at vehicles like the Suzuki Swift or MG 3 Hybrid. These have a relatively low kerb weight and some added electrical assistance that offers a comparatively solid power-to-weight ratio, compared to their rivals and makes them some of the faster cars priced under $30,000.

FAQ: Which Car is the Best to Buy at a Low Price?

When it comes to outright value, MG’s latest vehicles like the ZS Hybrid SUV and the MG 3 hatchback provide outstanding options to buy a feature-packed and fuel-efficient car at a low price. The same applies to vehicles like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, BYD Dolphin, Hyundai i30 Sedan, Mazda 2, Nissan Juke and the Kia Picanto, all of which have very solid value propositions and some warranty programs that extend out to ten years.

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