This might sound close to mission impossible: being able to find an economical yet reliable best new cars at a time of inflation. Similarly, however, there is an equal share of options for one who wants something great without spending too much. The best new cars, quite sensibly priced under $20,000, would come loaded with new features, good mileage, and some added safety to make them worthwhile competition to pricier options, though that would hardly matter anyway.
My father bought me my first car. He bought a very, very cheap car, but with all types of modern technologies to protect me because I went off to college. That was the car that got me through college, and it made me realize the value of having a really cheap but reliable car.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best new cars for less than $20,000. We compare those features you may want to know. For less than this price range, you could get a compact and fuel-efficient vehicle or even a basic SUV model.
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Top 10 Best New Cars Under $20,000
Sweet news for budget drivers: The 2024 Hyundai Venue and Nissan Versa are passably capable and quick. Not bad at $20,000 price levels, and at least the cheapest but the best new cars in the group are modern and reliable. Not bad within $20,000 price levels; at least the cheapest vehicles from each group are modern and reliable. These ten great vehicles will cost less than $20,000 and are exciting to drive around town or to work. Want to learn more about the inexpensive choices that will come to get you on the road with the right vehicle and at a good price? Keep reading.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
- Price: $17,000
- Engine: 1.2-liter three-cylinder
- Horsepower: 78
- Torque: 74 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT
- Drive Type: FWD
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage stands very strong in the market, selling amongst the majority of vehicles. This is a small, pretty inexpensive best new cars that shines, surprisingly, for $17,000 to $20,000. This is a three-cylinder vehicle that doesn’t guzzle a lot of gas, and it rides mightily fine in towns and on the highway. More than five bags are accommodated in the small Mirage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 7-inch touch-screen display, come fitted in it. When fitted with front crash avoidance and lane departure warnings, then you are safe. Very easy to park and quickly handles. This is a tough and cheap vehicle ideal for first-time buyers or even those on a budget. This small jewel offers the best value in the current market regarding its class. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage engine changes.
Engine changes for the 2024 so far model year.
Driving the Mitsubishi Mirage is faster but offers the same fuel economy in the wells. These minute changes are going to drive Mitsubishi’s 1.2-liter three-cylinder faster and more fuel economical on the road. That little best new cars—with quicker tip-in—will be that much more fun to drive around town. Finally, revisions to the Mirage engines inject these small vehicles more precisely, making them more stable at the stand and use less gas. It won’t rule the small-car roost, but it’s quick.
2024 Nissan Versa
- Price: Starting at around $17,000
- Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 122
- Torque: 114 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Drive Type: FWD
Is there something chic yet functional there, tariff-inducing at a low, low price?
Enter 2024 Nissan Versa, one of the best new cars. Not a surprise, the body is not large but the cabin has a huge and spacious interior. Ride quality is good, and technology boosts the pleasure for the drivers. What is under the hood of the pretty peppy, for compact-car standards, 1.6-liter four-cylinder drives well—easy to get around town. End.
From the clever storage solutions to the more user-friendly entertainment interface, the cabin of this best new cars have been interesting thanks to new technology that makes a car even better and easier to use. All those who want to save their money without having to compromise on anything should get a Versa; truly, it is loaded with excellent features.
Upcoming Changes The 2024 Nissan Versa
The new engine is to be mounted in the 2024 Nissan Versa. It’s relatively potent, tending to produce a rough mixture of velocity along with economy. This small and best new car will now carry more speed with this new 1.6-liter inline-four, while not sucking loads of gas. Improved fuel economy and a bit more in the quicks means the Versa will seem that much more appealing for drivers. Other than a new engine, the changes afoot are important ones for the 2024 Versa: it allows better flow of fuel to give a new burn method, offering it as more muscular and cleaner. A newer engine shall make the Versa quick and smooth. Perfect for those who are tight on a budget but would love to have spirited driving. Its engine is safe and a joy to use either in town or for long journeys.
2024 Hyundai Venue
- Price: Starting at around $20,000
- Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 121
- Torque: 113 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Drive Type: FWD
With funky style while not being too much light on the, the 2024 Hyundai Venue is.
It wears a small SUV with clean lines that, due to its oversized hood, has turned very modern. To this observer that comes at a price of some 20,000 dollars, packing some really useful features for the budget-minded person wanting to cruise in a modern ride. We have the big, airy cabin, the comfortable seats, the 8-inch-size tablet that can take your smartphone, better gas mileage, which will be forthcoming for the car, hence reducing overall cost, and auto emergency braking for peace of mind. This Hyundai Venue is the best city drive or a weekend touring as it looks appealing, is pocket soothing, and is practical. It is class-leading as it offers a thrusting and palatable price in solidly dishing out a friendly city drive for drivers.
2024 Hyundai Venue performance changes
The 2024 Hyundai Venue is thrown at the driving enthusiasts to begin racing on the city streets.
Making its way under the hood is the newest 1.6L four-cylinder engine uprated to churn out 121 horsepower. Performance from this new power plant would be swell, with very good fuel economy and, in fact, proving one could have fun while being out on the road.
The uprated engine now paired with a CVT – can seamlessly accelerate better while promoting better fuel consumption. That’s a full-value, quick-running engine around town and out on the weekend trips. Venue does a fair rating in its engine and fuel economy for travel in-town and on-the-highways. It serves well, making it a swift pick for budget-powered customers who seek savings.
2024 Kia Forte Price
Price: Starts at around $21,000
- Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 147
- Torque: 132 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT or a 6-speed manual
- Drive Type: FWD
The new look of the 2024 Kia Forte is sleek, looking ever more fuel-efficient. There are two engines: one built for speed and fuel economy, and the other—well, it’s so hot. Huge interior space rightly fashions with matériel, smart tech on the inside decked to comfort. When features are standard, it makes one confident when onboard. Some of those features include forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. This is a value choice for a smart purchase of the compact car that gives a quiet ride after zipping around town or traveling in the open road. Current features and reliability are this car’s, all with full guarantee.
2024 Kia Forte Engine Changes
The 2024 Kia Forte will feature under its hood an intelligently built 2.0-liter engine.
This all-new base power plant allows up to 147 hp but is ultraconservative in sipping fuel. The new, more refined CVT here winds up the gears, hence the smoother moves, and that gives it better gas economy. This change in the engine is all the more aberrant and nimble, which makes this car a handful. Upgrades only reiterate Kia’s zeal for speed mixed with utility; hence, the Forte stands there as the best hatchback in the segment today.
2022 Chevrolet Spark
- Price: Starting at $13,600
- Engine: 1.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 98
- Torque: 94 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT automatic
- Drive Type: FWD
Glide right in the drive is smooth with this product from Spark as it gets long-range capabilities on one charge.
This car is just right for those routine commutes and for long trips. They definitely will, and eco-minded drivers have reason 94 miles of reach in the 2022 Chevrolet Spark virtually erases that range anxiety for regular commutes and long trips. It takes five passengers, but small in stature, finding its way as a street-savvy metropolitan runner. Coming to its safety features, the car is sure to provide you with a safe environment inside, apart from the automatic emergency brakes.
So, in total, there are much more: an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added to the 7-inch screen. Thus, such elements of safety and usability are the strong sides of the model. Now, with the tax breaks, electric driving brings it to the cheapest price ever with the Spark, so obviously a lot totally makes a whole lot of sense together.
Updates: 2022 Chevrolet Spark
Electric Powertrain: Changes to the 2022 Chevrolet Spark’s electric powertrain have led to better performance coupled with better economy. To a great extent, the most dramatic change is that of this powertrain’s battery pack, doing 294 miles in one charge. An electric motor was enabled, serving an enjoyable ride for the sake of smoother and more responsive acceleration. This model enabled fast-charging at a high rate, hence limiting time wastage while on the roads. Changes on this engine make the 2022 Spark a better bet compared to all things truly cheap but efficient EVs.
2022 Ford Maverick
- Price: Starts at around $20,000
- Engine: 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 191
- Torque: 155 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Drive Type: FWD or AWD
In addition, environmentally friendly features with a small size that make it easily be driven for the town’s traffic, a hybrid engine, and such innovative design put to use in the best possible manner.
It contains in it all the latest technologies that would work in tandem to provide a pretty comfortable and user-friendly experience. With auto-braking and adaptive cruise control, you would have no fear about driving peacefully. The Maverick saunters down busy thoroughfares, threads through the most tumultuous periods, and everybody should own it because it’s prettier and cheaper. The best bet for a multitasking driver, there’s nothing to doubt.
2022 Ford Maverick engine tuning
The power behind the new 2022 Ford Maverick: the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain is both strong and fuel-efficient.
It has a CVT system which helps and assists to drive aggressively but with less gas. Its blending design therefore makes it more eco-friendly. This also lessens pollution and the gas which is preserved. All-wheel drive gives front grip and movement to the Maverick. The updating of this engine makes it a leading small truck among all. It sells the idea of Ford’s commitment to new ideas and usefulness.
2019 Honda Fit
- Price: $20,650
- Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 130
- Torque: 114 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual / CVT
- Drive Type: FWD
Features and style; 2019 Honda Fit gives off a sipping gas with a sleek body.
Cosmetically, it is appealing with a refined cockpit and 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine responsiveness that folds speed with gas efficiency. They actually cost the value of the car as part of advanced entertainment and ample luggage space as well as comfortable seats. Other new safety features like the impact alarms and lane assist features put away fears. Young drivers or the new drivers in the driver’s seat can choose to use the Honda that brings comfort, tech, and pretty good driving at an affordable price.
2019 Honda Fit new engines
For whatever they do with their weekend fun or back and forth work commutes, with their 2019 Honda Fit, there is a drivetrain to fit every person’s particular taste.
The 2019 Honda Fit has only one available engine too – the 1.5L inline-4 cylinder powerplant which when all is said and done is rated at 130 horsepower. Both work well with the CVT–evidence of respectable fuel economy and performance. This will be the most flexible choice of power plant. This makes sure that one has a fast and decent ride with whichever driving style. Since, it is indicated, it is the best for whatever driver with the Honda because the company offers sturdy, very cheap engines with power as well as utility.
2021 Mazda 3
- Price: $20,000
- Engine: 2.0 L or 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 155 – 250
- Torque: 150 – 320 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Drive Type: FWD or AWD
The 2021 Mazda3 is easy on the eyes and easier on the pocketbook.
And it’s even better to drive, with its numerous modern safety features. Great gas mileage, comfy as all get-out, and certainly not something you’d ever get tired of cramming into every day or take on a cross-country road trip. Not to mention all the other things the adjustable seats and storage space can do. Notwithstanding, all the while, you couldn’t hush the alarm bells about how terribly its appearance turned you on.
First-time car buyers, trading-up shoppers, and everyone else desiring the stylish hotrod in an automobile really enjoy this Mazda3. This 2021 Mazda3 is first-rate! Rugged and exhilarating to drive. This little jewel speaks volumes of how Mazda is scrambling to create cars which appear fun and dependable. It isn’t cheap, albeit it is rugged and certainly you will love driving it for decades to come. The Mazda3 has appeared to reveal the fact that the company really means that the joys of its customers and the life of the vehicle it manufactures are cherished.
Fresh from the 2021 creative works to the Mazda3’s engine
The Skyactiv-G 2.5 turbocharged this car to a muscle of 250 hp and 320 lb-ft.
This is an engine where you can ride rough, with minimal gas consumption. High-tech features make driving the Mazda easier in comparison to the rest and use less gas. In other words, with this change-around in the engine, zooming in and out is made very easy. This car is super efficient with the usage of gas. Even with the Boosted Brother, the increase in speed levels is quite high and the emissions are lowered. However, all tuning has worked well with the 2.0 and 2.5 Skyactiv-G engines, which would make them even much more responsive and quicker, without any fall in efficiency. These are highly efficient and powerful-tuned engines suitable for everyday activities.
2022 Kia Soul
- Price: $20,000
- Engine: 2.0 L or 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 147 – 201
- Torque: 132 – 195 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
- Drive Type: FWD
The 2022 Kia Soul offers a great way of getting loads of fun while driving without blowing your budget.
It is a bit boxy and a little bit brighter compared to all others in its class. All are powered by a 2.0L and the drive is easy. Make exuberance with a 1.6L Turbo if your taste is for power that thrills. A Soul is like a party of so much intuitive technology and cozy comfort amenities, making every drive fun. Advanced safety features promise to instill confidence behind the wheel. So in effect, it makes this little car perfect for weekend getaways. It has plenty of interior space in there, generally quite practical. Affordable, the Soul is an option for the man who likes to feel like he’s driving something different every day but that which looks good, functions, and is fast.
What’s new in 2022 Kia Soul engine
For this year, a 2022 Kia Soul is coming with a couple pretty great engine possibilities.
This turbocharged version puts out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft on a 1.6-liter engine for a car that really can’t be anything less than fun to drive. It is good for the thrifty consumer with a second variant of 2.0 liters, this time quickening and sipping up just a small quantity of gas. In that fashion, the turbocharging really takes it to a faster speed while consuming less gas in the process of a quick ride. CVT smooths the power delivery and increases gas mileage. Fun and value do come with the base and supercharged engines of the Soul which place it competitively for its class.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Price: $19,800
- Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 181
- Torque: 151 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Drive Type: RWD
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata will shake up the driving experience for drivers that love to get.
The pairing of excellent handling with the most endearing aesthetic makes this lightweight charmer a mate perfect for the kind of long drives. The velocity is abundant from its 2.0-liter power, and every turn is quite exhilarating. Inside the comfortable cabin of the Miata, everything looks sporty. It is constructed for city traffic and freeways with many turns. Quite a great look and quite great ability go hand in hand. By this, I mean in getting on the road, Miatas sure excel in this. It’s affordable – the racing car that makes driving very pleasurable and exhilarating.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Engine Updates
For as low as $19,800, the interesting 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata moves on the 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine.
The pleasure in driving took that legendary roadster to a whole new level of fun with the rest’ facelift that adds power up to 181 hp. On the other hand, the roadster shows that it is all brawn with 7,500 revolutions per minute and added punch into the swerving roads. The lighter engine components afford fuel efficiency while giving a more comfortable touch for the vehicle.
The latest Miata is a driving excitement on the freeway, keyed in with the tradition of Mazda’s pursuit trend in designs. So with the improved engine, this time around, the MX-5 definitely shall deliver more sophistication on the road and be easily handleable. With the further increase in its credibility rating as a proper driver’s car, it is well received. Drive Safe
Conclusion
Searching for a fresh set of wheels under $20,000?
Fear not! Within those, there are a few cheap quality and well-functioning solutions galore. Some other features other than this compact and good gas mileage, and a premium or stylish and less costly would be the 2024 Hyundai Venue. Other good models would be like the 2024 Kia Forte, which boasts a well-appointed cabin and agile handling. The 2024 Nissan Versa is for those who need more space; this is one fine choice for the budget in families. Safely baked into it are roomy cabins and family-compatible safety features.
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