Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2022 Chevy Equinox RS is shown from the front at an angle.

Ideal Chevy Models for Under $30K

One of the biggest parts of the vehicle shopping experience is finding something that’s not only practical but affordable as well. In the past, you might have had to sacrifice one or the other. Getting a vehicle that embraces both of these qualities isn’t impossible, and it shouldn’t be difficult, either. Look no further than Chevy to provide a wide variety of options that are inexpensive and have some of the best qualities that adhere to the needs of the average consumer. So, if you’re on a budget and are looking for an upgrade, these models that are available at any Chevy dealer can be had for a reasonable price and enrich your commute with unsurpassed quality.

2023 Chevy Equinox

We start with one of the most practical offerings that Chevy has in its fleet. The Equinox lives up to its name as it’s the ideal compromise between the spacious storage room that’s synonymous with many SUVs, yet it’s not so large that it can’t handle the rigors of city driving. Priced less than similar offerings from Mazda, Honda, and Volkswagen, the Equinox is ideal for family-oriented consumers who are trying to save money for their child’s education. Not to worry, though, if you’re still someone who wants to do some trailering and towing, the Equinox can pull up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. Now that’s some versatility that comes at a bargain. While it might not be the biggest SUV in the neighborhood, a total of 63.9 available cubic feet of storage capacity means you’ll have no problem accomplishing all your weekly errands, be it trips to the grocery store or after-school activities.

2023 Bolt EV

With gas prices being as unpredictable as they are, many have turned to EVs and hybrid vehicles to save money at the pump. Of course, the overriding feeling is that all-electric cars come with significant savings, but they also come with a larger-than-average price tag. Chevy has the optimal solution for this dilemma in the form of the Bolt EV. As one of the most affordable all-electric vehicles on the market, the Bolt EV provides an impressive range of up to 259 miles on a full charge. With its attractive interior styling that includes an infotainment screen that stretches out to 10.2 inches, you’ll have the best of everything at your fingertips while saving some much-needed money.

A red 2019 Chevy Malibu is shown from the rear at an angle.

2023 Chevy Malibu

While there’s no doubt that the SUV has had a massive upward trajectory when it comes to popularity and convenience, the four-door sedan remains one of the most cost-effective options for consumers. Be it lower insurance premiums or fuel costs, don’t count this cornerstone of the auto industry out just yet. For anyone familiar with Chevy’s colorful history, the name Malibu should be instantly recognizable. The 2023 edition of the Malibu offers a stylish exterior that’s further accentuated by its sophisticated interior and practical powertrain. Less expensive than other sedans from Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Honda, the Malibu is the living embodiment of quality at a lower price. Its 1.5L four-cylinder engine is paired with a CVT, making it ideal for city dwellers, and a fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway means fewer trips to the pump.

2023 Chevy Camaro

Much like the Malibu, the Camaro needs little discourse in the way of an introduction. The highly-coveted veteran who once rules the blacktop in the golden age of the muscle car, the Camaro is still going strong today, and remarkably, this mean street machine is affordable for those who might be on a budget but also have the desire to live out their dreams of high-octane performance. There are a variety of powertrains available depending on how much you want to live life in the fast lane. The base offering comes in the form of a four-cylinder, which still packs a punch with 275 horsepower. On the high end of the spectrum is Chevy’s small-block 6.2L V8, which pushes out an impressive 455 horsepower and generates 455 lb-ft of torque. The compromise between the two is a 335-horsepower V6. Because the debate between manual and automatic transmissions has been going on for years, Chevy allows you to choose between two different options; a ten-speed automatic and a six-speed manual are both available for you to live out your racer fantasies.

2023 Chevy Trailblazer

Smaller than its sibling, the Equinox, the Trailblazer is the subcompact SUV that provides versatility and value thanks to its low price and scaled-down powertrain. While the SUV has been heralded by many as the ideal choice of transportation for the family-oriented consumer, those who call the city home need something to help them combat their daily commutes with their stop-and-go traffic patterns. The Trailblazer accomplishes this task thanks to its CVT and three-cylinder engine options. This gives the Trailblazer an edge over the competition in fuel economy, with a rating of 29 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway with the more powerful 1.3L turbo. You will get pretty similar ratings from the base 1.2L turbo. The Trailblazer isn’t just exceptional at conservative fuel consumption. With 54.4 available cubic feet of storage space and the capability to tow up to 1,000 lbs, it’s the perfect cost-effective option for the modern family.

A silver Chevy Bolt EUV is shown from the front at an angle.

2023 Chevy Bolt EUV

We conclude our look at the economic side of Chevy with one of the best bargains to come around in quite some time. In recent years, more and more manufacturers have turned to the mass production of EVs to not only provide consumers with the chance to circumnavigate the pump altogether but take greater ecological responsibility by reducing the carbon footprint left by emissions. The 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV is an all-electric subcompact SUV that’s just as affordable as it is versatile. With a range of up to 247 miles on a full charge, the EPA estimates savings of well over $6,000 over a five-year period by avoiding trips to the pump. With 56.9 available cubic feet of storage space, you’ll be able to take it all with you and only have to stop for snacks.

Cutting Costs and Not Quality

One of the natural assumptions that accompany paying less for a vehicle is, well, you get what you pay for. Perhaps we just always assume that having anything of exceptional quality rarely comes at a low price. However, from what we’ve seen here today, the exact opposite appears to be true when it comes to Chevy. In an age where prices continue to inflate and are more unpredictable than ever, any company showing dedication to quality at a low price is a great relief.

Chevy, who has always had an impressive track record of adhering to customer needs, continues to exemplify quality year after year. Whether you’re looking for a family-oriented SUV such as the Equinox or Trailblazer, the high-end of performance in the form of the Chevy Camaro, or are looking to maximize fuel savings with the electric Bolt EV and EUV, Chevy provides you with a means of doing so at a price that’s well below the threshold of 30K, and that’s one offer that’s just too good to refuse.