Best Cars Under $20K

We sifted through the data to select the best cars and trucks in every category.

1

2021 Nissan Versa

Overview

This subcompact car offers a nicely trimmed interior, a smooth ride, and key standard safety features for a low starting price. Other than slow acceleration and cramped rear seats, the Nissan Versa is an excellent entry-level car. The Nissan Versa is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the S CVT, which starts at $17,600 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Versa is estimated to deliver 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Low price
  • Solid fuel economy
  • Comfortable front seats

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Rear seats are cramped

Overall Assessment

The Nissan Versa is an affordable subcompact car aimed at first-time buyers or those looking for a fuel-efficient commuter car. Despite its low price, it has attractive styling that gives it plenty of curb appeal. The front seats are comfortable and provide good support. Rear seats have room for three, but it's a tight squeeze that's not suited to everyday use. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. There's also a standard 7-inch touchscreen user interface. The Versa might be a bargain, but it has the looks, comfort, and features of many pricier competitors. The Hyundai Accent falls short on standard safety and has a smaller standard touchscreen. The Kia Rio offers a larger touchscreen but lacks standard safety features.
2021 Nissan Versa

$19,340 as shown

Starting MSRP
$15,930
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$16,303
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Remote Engine Start
Lane Keep Assist
Blind Spot System
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
Fog Lamps
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Nissan Versa. All reviews

Pros

  • Low price
  • Solid fuel economy
  • Comfortable front seats

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Rear seats are cramped

Overall Assessment

The Nissan Versa is an affordable subcompact car aimed at first-time buyers or those looking for a fuel-efficient commuter car. Despite its low price, it has attractive styling that gives it plenty of curb appeal. The front seats are comfortable and provide good support. Rear seats have room for three, but it's a tight squeeze that's not suited to everyday use. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. There's also a standard 7-inch touchscreen user interface. The Versa might be a bargain, but it has the looks, comfort, and features of many pricier competitors. The Hyundai Accent falls short on standard safety and has a smaller standard touchscreen. The Kia Rio offers a larger touchscreen but lacks standard safety features.
2

2021 Kia Forte

Overview

In this crowded segment, the Kia Forte competes well with its smart touches and sharp interior. It doesn't match the class leaders' sheer refinement and performance, but it offers plenty of value and an extended warranty that makes it worth considering. The Kia Forte is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the FE IVT, which starts at $19,785 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Forte is estimated to deliver 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Zippy performance
  • Intuitive infotainment
  • Excellent driver-assist tech

Cons

  • Some cheap plastics
  • Weak base engine

Overall Assessment

The Kia Forte is a solid-if-unremarkable sedan that drives with assured confidence and competence. It does everything well at a price that undercuts many of its competitors. The standard engine is one of its few weak spots as it delivers average performance at best, but the optional engine in the GT trim goes a long way toward making the Forte feel fun to drive. A no-nonsense interior design and quality materials make the cabin a pleasant environment, while the infotainment system is one of the best in the class. There's even a spacious trunk.

This segment has a number of appealing competitors. At the top is the unmatched excellence of the Honda Civic, followed by the quality-durability-reliability of the Toyota Corolla, upscale interior of the Mazda 3, intriguingly styled Hyundai Elantra, standard all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza, value-packaged Nissan Sentra, and Germanic elegance of the Volkswagen Jetta.

2021 Kia Forte

$19,785 as shown

Starting MSRP
$18,885
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$19,394
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Lane Keep Assist
Alarm
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Remote Keyless Entry
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Kia Forte. All reviews

Pros

  • Zippy performance
  • Intuitive infotainment
  • Excellent driver-assist tech

Cons

  • Some cheap plastics
  • Weak base engine

Overall Assessment

The Kia Forte is a solid-if-unremarkable sedan that drives with assured confidence and competence. It does everything well at a price that undercuts many of its competitors. The standard engine is one of its few weak spots as it delivers average performance at best, but the optional engine in the GT trim goes a long way toward making the Forte feel fun to drive. A no-nonsense interior design and quality materials make the cabin a pleasant environment, while the infotainment system is one of the best in the class. There's even a spacious trunk.

This segment has a number of appealing competitors. At the top is the unmatched excellence of the Honda Civic, followed by the quality-durability-reliability of the Toyota Corolla, upscale interior of the Mazda 3, intriguingly styled Hyundai Elantra, standard all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza, value-packaged Nissan Sentra, and Germanic elegance of the Volkswagen Jetta.

3

2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Overview

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a great choice for buyers seeking a bargain-priced, fuel-efficient European sedan with room for five. The Jetta GLI ups the fun factor considerably with a zippy 2.0-liter turbo engine and entertaining driving dynamics. The Volkswagen Jetta is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 7 trim levels. The most popular style is the S Manual, which starts at $19,990 and comes with a 1.4L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Jetta is estimated to deliver 30 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Roomy backseat
  • Engaging ride and handling
  • Base 1
  • 4-liter is fuel-efficient; GLI 2
  • 0-liter is quick

Cons

  • Lower trims lack interior refinement and driver-assistance features
  • Base 1
  • 4-liter short on passing power

Overall Assessment

Volkswagen announced that it will discontinue production of the midsize Volkswagen Passat sedan in the U.S. to make room to produce the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover SUV. Thus, the compact Jetta has become the sole remaining sedan in the German automaker's lineup. Even with the rapid rise in SUV sales, the Jetta has been the best-selling Volkswagen sedan for years.

The current version of the Jetta was introduced for the 2019 model year. It doesn't possess the evocative styling of the Hyundai Elantra, the uplevel interior materials and all-wheel-drive content of the Mazda3, or the Toyota Prius-like fuel economy of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. However, it offers a uniquely European-flavored driving experience in a roomy-on-the-inside, tidy-on-the-outside front-wheel-drive sedan. Its small size also makes it easy to park and maneuver in congested urban settings.

It's also easy to purchase. In base trim, it's the least expensive Volkswagen you can buy as well as the least expensive offering in the compact-sedan segment. Higher trims offer up-to-date infotainment and driver-assistive technology. And the GLI versions are some of the most fun-to-drive entries among compact sport sedans that include the Honda Civic Si, Elantra N Line, and Subaru WRX.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting MSRP
$19,990
Starting MktMarket Avg.
Avg. savings of $6
off MSRP
$19,984
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

In-Car WiFi
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Remote Keyless Entry
Backup Camera
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Volkswagen Jetta. All reviews

Pros

  • Roomy backseat
  • Engaging ride and handling
  • Base 1
  • 4-liter is fuel-efficient; GLI 2
  • 0-liter is quick

Cons

  • Lower trims lack interior refinement and driver-assistance features
  • Base 1
  • 4-liter short on passing power

Overall Assessment

Volkswagen announced that it will discontinue production of the midsize Volkswagen Passat sedan in the U.S. to make room to produce the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover SUV. Thus, the compact Jetta has become the sole remaining sedan in the German automaker's lineup. Even with the rapid rise in SUV sales, the Jetta has been the best-selling Volkswagen sedan for years.

The current version of the Jetta was introduced for the 2019 model year. It doesn't possess the evocative styling of the Hyundai Elantra, the uplevel interior materials and all-wheel-drive content of the Mazda3, or the Toyota Prius-like fuel economy of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. However, it offers a uniquely European-flavored driving experience in a roomy-on-the-inside, tidy-on-the-outside front-wheel-drive sedan. Its small size also makes it easy to park and maneuver in congested urban settings.

It's also easy to purchase. In base trim, it's the least expensive Volkswagen you can buy as well as the least expensive offering in the compact-sedan segment. Higher trims offer up-to-date infotainment and driver-assistive technology. And the GLI versions are some of the most fun-to-drive entries among compact sport sedans that include the Honda Civic Si, Elantra N Line, and Subaru WRX.

4

2021 Kia Soul

Overview

Those looking for a compact crossover with a roomy interior, great cargo capacity, and unique styling will find what they seek in the 2021 Kia Soul. Its boxy, upright appearance is a large part of the Soul's appeal, as is its responsive turbocharged engine. The Kia Soul is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 6 trim levels. The most popular style is the LX Manual, which starts at $18,765 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Soul is estimated to deliver 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Good cargo room
  • Great handling
  • Roomy interior

Cons

  • Somewhat cheap interior materials
  • Lots of wind noise

Overall Assessment

The 2021 Kia Soul combines personality with substance. While other compact crossovers go for sleek and stylish or bold and rugged, the Soul carves its own path. It's not a sports car, but it is sporty — especially with the optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its boxy shape creates ample space and headroom for five passengers. Although comfortable, the Soul's cabin materials feel a bit cheap. There's plenty of room for cargo and a large tailgate opening that makes it easy to load bulky items. The Hyundai Venue provides far less cargo room, and the Nissan Kicks has a better overall interior than the Soul, but with a higher starting price.
2021 Kia Soul
Starting MSRP
$18,765
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$18,981
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Backup Camera
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Kia Soul. All reviews

Pros

  • Good cargo room
  • Great handling
  • Roomy interior

Cons

  • Somewhat cheap interior materials
  • Lots of wind noise

Overall Assessment

The 2021 Kia Soul combines personality with substance. While other compact crossovers go for sleek and stylish or bold and rugged, the Soul carves its own path. It's not a sports car, but it is sporty — especially with the optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its boxy shape creates ample space and headroom for five passengers. Although comfortable, the Soul's cabin materials feel a bit cheap. There's plenty of room for cargo and a large tailgate opening that makes it easy to load bulky items. The Hyundai Venue provides far less cargo room, and the Nissan Kicks has a better overall interior than the Soul, but with a higher starting price.
5

2021 Hyundai Veloster

Overview

This compact hatchback is perfectly sized for city driving with a unique three-door design and powerful engine options. It's a fun and engaging car that will make you look forward to the daily commute despite some low-quality interior elements. The Hyundai Veloster is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 6 trim levels. The most popular style is the 2.0 Manual, which starts at $19,905 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Veloster is estimated to deliver 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Powerful turbocharged engines
  • Affordable starting price
  • Good standard safety

Cons

  • Snug rear seats
  • Subpar interior quality

Overall Assessment

The Hyundai Veloster is a compact hatchback with plenty of personality. It offers a choice of powerful turbocharged engines that make it exhilarating and fun. There's seating for four, but the rear seats aren't suited for anything more than quick trips. This car is great for singles or couples who want an affordable, performance-focused hatchback. The hatchback design lets it hold a surprising amount of cargo, and the third door makes it easier to stow items in the rear seats. The infotainment system includes key connectivity features, and the standard safety technology is impressive. Middling fuel economy and a low-quality interior are its downsides. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback has less cargo room, less rear-seat legroom, and no turbocharged engines. The Honda Civic Hatchback has less powerful turbocharged engines but more room for cargo and more rear legroom.
2021 Hyundai Veloster
Starting MSRP
$19,905
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$20,121
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Lane Keep Assist
Alarm
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Remote Keyless Entry
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Hyundai Veloster. All reviews

Pros

  • Powerful turbocharged engines
  • Affordable starting price
  • Good standard safety

Cons

  • Snug rear seats
  • Subpar interior quality

Overall Assessment

The Hyundai Veloster is a compact hatchback with plenty of personality. It offers a choice of powerful turbocharged engines that make it exhilarating and fun. There's seating for four, but the rear seats aren't suited for anything more than quick trips. This car is great for singles or couples who want an affordable, performance-focused hatchback. The hatchback design lets it hold a surprising amount of cargo, and the third door makes it easier to stow items in the rear seats. The infotainment system includes key connectivity features, and the standard safety technology is impressive. Middling fuel economy and a low-quality interior are its downsides. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback has less cargo room, less rear-seat legroom, and no turbocharged engines. The Honda Civic Hatchback has less powerful turbocharged engines but more room for cargo and more rear legroom.
6

2021 Kia Rio

Overview

One of the least-expensive new cars on the market, the Kia Rio offers impressive quality and features for the price. Available as a sporty sedan or hatchback, it blends a smooth ride and agile handling to provide a refined driving experience. The Rio's cabin is sporty and user-friendly, and commuters will appreciate its EPA-estimated 41 mpg highway. The back seat is not as roomy as some, but the Rio's strengths make it a serious value. The Kia Rio is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the S Sedan IVT, which starts at $17,685 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Rio is estimated to deliver 33 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Upscale cabin with high-quality materials
  • City-friendly proportions and handling
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Driver-assistance features are optional
  • Limited rear-seat legroom

Overall Assessment

As affordable transportation, the Kia Rio excels, thanks to its smooth and efficient powertrain and modern interior. It outflanks many competitors with its polished ride and upscale styling. Some competitors offer more standard driver-assistance features. Yet, the Kia Rio's well-rounded driving dynamics and standard technology make it one of the segment's top choices.
2021 Kia Rio

$17,985 as shown

Starting MSRP
$17,045
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$17,351
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Remote Keyless Entry
Backup Camera
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Kia Rio. All reviews

Pros

  • Upscale cabin with high-quality materials
  • City-friendly proportions and handling
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Driver-assistance features are optional
  • Limited rear-seat legroom

Overall Assessment

As affordable transportation, the Kia Rio excels, thanks to its smooth and efficient powertrain and modern interior. It outflanks many competitors with its polished ride and upscale styling. Some competitors offer more standard driver-assistance features. Yet, the Kia Rio's well-rounded driving dynamics and standard technology make it one of the segment's top choices.
7

2021 Hyundai Accent

Overview

The Hyundai Accent offers surprising elegance and comfort for a subcompact sedan. Despite being Hyundai's most affordable car, its modern styling and comfortable interior exceed most budget-minded competitors. It still meets all the economy-car criteria, with city-friendly handling, a great warranty, and an EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway. Some rivals offer roomier back seats. Still, the Accent remains one of the best values in its class. The Hyundai Accent is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SE Automatic, which starts at $17,500 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Accent is estimated to deliver 33 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Smooth and straightforward to drive
  • Modern styling inside and out
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Limited rear-seat legroom
  • SE lacks some desirable features

Overall Assessment

The Hyundai Accent is one of the best values in the commuter car segment, a practical vehicle for small families, college students, and city dwellers. The Accent embodies Hyundai's commitment to style and premium features in its low starting price, along with the automaker's superb warranty coverage terms. It balances a smooth ride, agile handling, and competitive fuel economy at up to 41 mpg highway. Some rivals have more rear-seat legroom and available driver-assistance technologies. Still, the Accent's value and attention to detail make it one of the best choices in its class.
2021 Hyundai Accent

$17,500 as shown

Starting MSRP
$16,400
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$17,116
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Alarm
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Remote Keyless Entry
Backup Camera
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Hyundai Accent. All reviews

Pros

  • Smooth and straightforward to drive
  • Modern styling inside and out
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Limited rear-seat legroom
  • SE lacks some desirable features

Overall Assessment

The Hyundai Accent is one of the best values in the commuter car segment, a practical vehicle for small families, college students, and city dwellers. The Accent embodies Hyundai's commitment to style and premium features in its low starting price, along with the automaker's superb warranty coverage terms. It balances a smooth ride, agile handling, and competitive fuel economy at up to 41 mpg highway. Some rivals have more rear-seat legroom and available driver-assistance technologies. Still, the Accent's value and attention to detail make it one of the best choices in its class.
8

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

Overview

One of the cheapest cars on the market, the Mitsubishi Mirage is an attractive alternative to buying used. For under $15,000, you get a nimble, fuel-efficient hatchback with a long warranty and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A sedan is also available. The Mirage feels a bit outdated and underpowered compared to top cars in its class, but its low pricing and practical features make it a strong contender. The Mitsubishi Mirage is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the G4 ES Sedan CVT, which starts at $17,590 and comes with a 1.2L I3 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Mirage is estimated to deliver 35 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Low starting price
  • Superb fuel economy
  • Lengthy standard warranty
  • Hatchback has great cargo space

Cons

  • One of the slowest cars in its class
  • Cabin lacks refinement
  • Ready for a redesign

Overall Assessment

The Mitsubishi Mirage will entice shoppers looking to spend the minimum amount of money possible on a new vehicle. It comes with a 10-year powertrain warranty and modern smartphone features. The cabin is small and lacks the refinement of more recent rivals, but it's comfortable enough for short distances and errand-running. One of the Mirage's superpowers is fuel economy, though it pays for that with an underpowered engine. Its hatchback provides surprising cargo space, making the Mirage a great choice for city dwellers who occasionally bulk-buy groceries. Overall, the Mirage is not the most comfortable or tech-savvy car in its segment, but those things won't matter as much to buyers who believe simplicity and low cost never go out of style.
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

$18,440 as shown

Starting MSRP
$15,290
Starting MktMarket Avg.
Avg. savings of $149
off MSRP
$15,141
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Lane Keep Assist
Front Heated Seats
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
Fog Lamps
Keyless Ignition
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Mitsubishi Mirage. All reviews

Pros

  • Low starting price
  • Superb fuel economy
  • Lengthy standard warranty
  • Hatchback has great cargo space

Cons

  • One of the slowest cars in its class
  • Cabin lacks refinement
  • Ready for a redesign

Overall Assessment

The Mitsubishi Mirage will entice shoppers looking to spend the minimum amount of money possible on a new vehicle. It comes with a 10-year powertrain warranty and modern smartphone features. The cabin is small and lacks the refinement of more recent rivals, but it's comfortable enough for short distances and errand-running. One of the Mirage's superpowers is fuel economy, though it pays for that with an underpowered engine. Its hatchback provides surprising cargo space, making the Mirage a great choice for city dwellers who occasionally bulk-buy groceries. Overall, the Mirage is not the most comfortable or tech-savvy car in its segment, but those things won't matter as much to buyers who believe simplicity and low cost never go out of style.
9

2022 Chevrolet Spark

Overview

The Chevrolet Spark is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the 2LT Manual, which starts at $17,995 and comes with a 1.4L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Spark is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway.

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2022 Chevrolet Spark

$17,995 as shown

Starting MSRP
$14,595
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$14,664
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

In-Car WiFi
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Rear Parking Sensors
Front Heated Seats
Keyless Ignition
Alarm
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Chevrolet Spark. All reviews

10

2022 Subaru Impreza

Overview

The 2022 Subaru Impreza hangs its hat on all-wheel drive and standard safety features. Other compacts are more fun to drive, but if you seek safety above all, the Impreza is an excellent pick. The Subaru Impreza is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the Sedan Manual, which starts at $19,755 and comes with a 2.0L H4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This Impreza is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Standard all-wheel-drive
  • Proven powertrains
  • Good standard driver-assist technologies

Cons

  • No hybrid option
  • Lackluster acceleration

Overall Assessment

Subaru has built a strong reputation on safety, and that's exactly what the 2022 Subaru Impreza represents. While others in the segment might offer more style, verve, and sheer driving enjoyment, the Impreza is a solid choice. Standard all-wheel drive gives it good all-weather traction, and its array of driver aids is impressive.

Available in both sedan and hatchback models, the Impreza seats five adults, although four will be more comfortable. The sedan version is essentially the same length as the Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte, and Toyota Corolla. It also competes with the all-new 2022 Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra. The Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Golf are the only European brand competitors in the compact segment.

2022 Subaru Impreza
Starting MSRP
$19,755
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$19,874
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Alarm
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Remote Keyless Entry
Backup Camera
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Subaru Impreza. All reviews

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel-drive
  • Proven powertrains
  • Good standard driver-assist technologies

Cons

  • No hybrid option
  • Lackluster acceleration

Overall Assessment

Subaru has built a strong reputation on safety, and that's exactly what the 2022 Subaru Impreza represents. While others in the segment might offer more style, verve, and sheer driving enjoyment, the Impreza is a solid choice. Standard all-wheel drive gives it good all-weather traction, and its array of driver aids is impressive.

Available in both sedan and hatchback models, the Impreza seats five adults, although four will be more comfortable. The sedan version is essentially the same length as the Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte, and Toyota Corolla. It also competes with the all-new 2022 Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra. The Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Golf are the only European brand competitors in the compact segment.

Related Vehicle Rankings

Best Compact Cars Under $20K
Best Midsize Cars Under $30K
Best Fullsize Cars Under $40K
Best Cars
Best Cars Under $30K
Best Trucks Under $30K
Best SUVs Under $25K
Best Sedans Under $20K
Best Hatchbacks Under $20K
Best Coupes Under $40K
Best Convertibles Under $30K
Best Vans Under $30K

FAQ

TrueCar ranks the following vehicles as the best cars under $20k to buy:
New cars under $20k have an MSRP range from $14,595 to $19,990. The top 3 rated models, Nissan Versa, Kia Forte, and Volkswagen Jetta, have starting MSRPs of $15,930, $18,885, and $19,990, respectively.
When deciding the best cars under $20k, TrueCar considers factors such as comfort, amenities, price, efficiency, performance, utility, and tech features.