One common theme in the automobile sector is that for each model year, the prices of cars are always on the upward trend. This can be pinned down to advancements in tech features, higher quality of materials, and the need for automakers to stay in business. Recently, the $20,000 car segment has grown exponentially, as it caters to a unique and ever-increasing demographic.As you would have known, the most luxurious cars cannot be found in this category, as buyers would have to trade luxury, handling, fuel efficiency, or space in exchange for cheaper alternatives. However, we can still get some really cool cars for $20,00, or less with that in mind. So here, we’ll look at the best cars you can purchase without breaking the bank.
10 2021 Nissan Versa ($14,980)
If you’re looking to spend less, and get your value’s worth, then the Versa is a good fit for you. Equipped with a nicely trimmed interior that makes its price tag look a bargain, the Versa can seat 5 passengers and comes in 3 trim levels; the S, SV, and SR, with the highest trim still below the $20,000 threshold.
Besides its comfy interior and relatively refined drive, the car offers a host of safety features and is largely fuel-efficient.
9 2021 Kia Soul ($17,490)
The 2021 Kia Soul is one compact crossover with a distinct personality as part of its appeal for years. What the Kia Soul offers at $17,490 is a roomy interior and enough room for cargo. The vehicle can comfortably seat five passengers and comes in six different trims.
Buyers are offered the choice of two four-cylinder motors; a 2.0 liter L4 and a potent turbocharged engine that delivers 201 hp. The Kia Soul is perfect for small families with lots of cargo.
8 2021 Kia Forte ($17,890)
The 2021 Kia Forte stands out from the competition with its smart looks and impressive cabin. The car is a five-seater with a spacious interior and an ultra-modern look that most of its competitors lack. Its lengthy warranty coverage, coupled with its relatively low price, makes it a good bargain.
Available in five unique trims, this sedan isn’t the most refined of cars. Still, its zippy performance, advanced driver-assist tech, and responsive infotainment features make up for the cheap build materials.
7 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer ($19,000)
Chevrolet brought back the Trailblazer for the 2021 model year, and this time, it returns as a subcompact crossover. Buyers can choose from two turbocharged three-cylinder motors; a 1.2-liter standard unit and a 1.3-liter engine that generates 155 horses.
Although the Trailblazer falls short in the acceleration department, its sporty exterior design and spacious interior are enticing if you’re not big on speed. A generous cargo area can be found behind the fold-flat rear seats, and the front passenger seat can also be folded to accommodate longer objects.
6 Hyundai Venue ($18,750)
Another car on this list perfectly suited for intra-city driving is the 2021 Hyundai Venue. At $18,750, this subcompact crossover offers a generous amount of interior space and agile handling. The downside of the Venue is its underpowered engine and clumsiness at highway speeds.
However, the car’s upscale interior and superb infotainment make it ideal for drivers who aren’t planning on long trips. Safety features like lane warning departure, automated emergency braking, and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA put it ahead of the competition.
5 2022 Subaru Impreza ($18,795)
Although there are many compacts out there with better road manners, if you’re looking for cars that focus on safety, the 2022 Subaru Impreza is a great pick. Offered at $18,795, the Impreza is fitted with standard safety, driver-assist technologies, and an impressive powertrain.
Available as a hatchback and sedan, all-wheel-drive is standard on all models, meaning it has great traction on different surfaces. The Impreza is an excellent choice for families on a budget, as it can comfortably seat five adults too.
4 2021 Hyundai Veloster ($18,900)
If you are looking for an affordable car with verve and style, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster is a good bet. The car has a four-cylinder engine with a performance of 147 horsepower. Perfect for the rigors of city driving, the Veloster features capable engines, a fun driving experience, and an unusual three-door design.
The Veloster can seat four passengers and comes in six different trims. Affordable and stylish, the hatchback’s powerful turbocharged engines promise enjoyable rides and great handling.
3 2021 Volkswagen Jetta ($18,995)
Affordability, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior; the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta ticks all of these boxes and a couple more. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine, the Jetta offers a fun-filled driving experience and impressive dynamics. Available in seven trims, the interior is spacious too as it can hold five persons.
Even though the VW Jetta lacks the refined styling of cars like the Hyundai Elantra, its appeal means that Volkswagen’s best selling sedan for a while now.
2 2021 Toyota Corolla ($19,825)
Toyota builds reliable cars, and this is evident with the 2021 Corolla. While the Toyota Corolla will struggle on highways, it is an ideal companion for cruising around the city. This vehicle has a relatively comfortable interior, with plenty of space and comfy seats.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wi-fi hotspot, and the company’s Entune infotainment system help to spice up the Corolla, in addition to the 7-inch touchscreen. The Corolla offers an interesting mix of advanced driver safety tech for a car in its price range.
1 2021 Mazda3 ($20,650)
Japanese automakers, Mazda, have a reputation for building cars that manage to combine affordability and luxury, and the 2021 Mazda 3 doesn’t disappoint. You would be forgiven for mistaking the Mazda 3 for one of those affordable entry-level luxury cars.
The Mazda 3 is perhaps the sportiest and most refined compact car on this list, and it offers three four-cylinder engines for buyers to choose from. Inside the 3, a generous mix of safety and high-tech infotainment features exist that seem to punch above the $20,000 weight category.