Best New Cars for Under $20,000

Contrary to what many people think, a great, dependable car doesn’t have to cost you half the price of a home. You can find plenty of vehicles for under $20,000 that provide superior fuel economy and plenty of features to keep you both entertained and informed on the road. Here are five of the best cars you can score for under $20k that will leave you wanting for nothing.

1. Subaru Impreza

This modern-looking car starts at a mere $19,795, and it will definitely feel like a party while you’re driving it. It’s also one of the best cars for new drivers! You can purchase this car in either the sporty hatchback version or elegant sedan version, and with both, you can enjoy up to 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The Impreza is quite a deal, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on technology. You can enjoy an infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, USB port, and four-speaker audio.

(Image via Subaru)

2. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa offers a luxurious interior for your money and incredible handling. While it doesn’t have as much engine power as we would like, it’s a terrific commuter nonetheless, in part thanks to its stellar fuel economy. It gets 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Versa has features such as 7-inch touchscreen, four-speaker audio, and Bluetooth. It even includes driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Its price point is also well under $20,000, which gives it another advantage as one of the top subcompact cars on the market. The Nissan Versa starts at just $15,830!

(Image via Nissan)

3. Mistubishi Mirage

This car starts at only $16,245. The new 2023 model offers up to 36 mpg city and 43 mpg highway fuel economy. The Mirage also features a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four-speaker audio, and Bluetooth. It even includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration features.

(Image via Mistubishi)

4. Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Hyundai Venue SE starts at $19,650, making it one of the most affordable and best subcompact SUVs on the market. Standard features with this model include an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and HD Radio – just to name a few. Fuel economy estimates are at 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

(Image via Hyundai)

5. Kia Rio

The 2023 Kia Rio LX is well under $20K at $16,750. The subcompact vehicle makes a reliable commuter with plenty of features for the price. You’ll get an infotainment system with 8-inch touch display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and six-speaker audio. The Rio gets a decent 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

(Image via Kia)

6. Kia Soul

The 2023 Kia Soul LX has a starting price of $19,890. It features a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio, and  rearview camera. It gets 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

(Image via Kia)

7. Kia Forte

The 2023 Kia Forte FE is the last on our list, starting at $19,690. The Forte is one of the best new compacts you can get for your money. It has a spacious, comfortable interior, complete with an 8-inch display infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assistance features are standard here as well, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. With the base FE trim, you’ll enjoy an estimated 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

(Image via Kia)