Currently trying to buy a Corolla Hybrid (base). The best out-the-door quote I got so far is $28.5k, the MSRP is $23k. So yes, you are looking at almost $30k for the most basic car.
Other brands surely have cheaper basic options, and although I might not recommend going all the way to a Stellantis/GM car, a Ford/Honda/Mazda might be available for less and still be acceptable for quality.
I wanted to buy a Corolla Hybrid, but the wait list was ridiculous, something like 9 months. Toyota has major supply chain issues.
I ended up getting a (non-hybrid) Honda Civic for under $30k. I still had to wait a month though.