Best New Sedans Under $20,000

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Rich Taber

Rich Taber

Rich Taber has nearly three decades of professional writing experience, including eight years as an automotive columnist for The Standard-Times newspaper, seven years on staff at WheelsTV as a scriptwriter, production manager, and editorial vice-president, and five years as CEO of RPM News Weekly. He has written extensively for numerous regional and local publications and developed public relations products for many non-profit organizations. Having studied both engineering and liberal arts at the University of Notre Dame and worked in audio/visual services, electronic sales, graphic design, and event and entertainment production, he brings a well-balanced skill set to his automotive writing.

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Any listing of the best sedans priced under $20,000 presumes that car shoppers looking here have already resigned themselves to foregoing a host of luxuries for the sake of economy.

Unfortunately, inflation being what it is, a couple of models that might have made the list in previous years have inched past the $20K mark – the 2022 Toyota Corolla being the most regretful loss to the category.

Another point is that the sedan marketplace has shrunk considerably over the past decade, and with it, the choices have whittled down as well.

• Check out our picks for the best sedans for families >>

Read about how we rank our vehicles >>

Best New Sedans Under $20K Comparison

1. Subaru Impreza (4-Door) - $18,795

The Subaru Impreza 4-door with a 5-speed manual transmission tops our list because it’s the only one of this group of economy cars offered with all-wheel drive. Safety is a hallmark of the brand and the Impreza doesn’t disappoint. Just take a look at all its high marks for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

It is worth noting that only the base manual transmission model technically makes our list since the CVT-equipped version just crosses over the top at $20,095. Unfortunately, the much awarded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard with the CVT models only.

Not that technology is lacking in the manual transmission model. Even at this entry-level, there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and a convenient 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system to enjoy. Plus, its performance is the most robust of the group with Subaru’s horizontal Boxer engine producing a bit more horsepower than the Volkswagen Jetta’s turbocharged inline four.

Current Subaru Impreza Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Subaru deals and average prices paid.

2. Volkswagen Jetta - $18,995

Whether the Jetta will be able to remain in this under $20K group for 2022 is questionable. For now, the 2021 Jetta S squeaks under the money bar in both manual and automatic transmission models.

For Volkswagen, the Jetta is its bread and butter vehicle. Over three decades it has led sales for the brand. Not only does it make new car ownership affordable, but it does so without making one feel totally second rate.

Standard infotainment features are on par with the Impreza, and both are the only sedans on the list that benefit from 16-inch wheels. An optional Driver Assist Package with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert is certainly worth the extra $500, even if it puts you over the budget threshold.

Then again, if you hold out for the 2022 model, Driver Assist comes standard and you’ll be rewarded with refreshed styling as well as upgrades under the hood that further improve its highway mileage rating. But will it come in under $20,000?

Current Volkswagen Jetta Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's VW deals and average prices paid.

3. Hyundai Accent - $16,645

For a couple grand less than the Jetta or Impreza, there’s the Hyundai Accent. For the most part, the Accent and its corporate sister the Kia Rio sedan are twins that offer superb fuel economy for the money. In fact, go all the way up the three-trim roster of the Accent and you’ll still stay under the $20K threshold.

No question, there are some sacrifices going downmarket. While front legroom remains competitive, overall interior space is a bit cramped, especially for rear-seat passengers. Plus, the 5-inch infotainment touchscreen in the base SE is a bit small by current standards. It’s well worth the move up to the SEL just for the 7-inch display and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto integration.

In general, if you’re looking for a bit more cabin luxuries, safety tech, and curb appeal, definitely seek out the higher trims. At the top-of-the-line, the Limited, which checks in at $19,600, brings lots more with it including heated front seats, forward collision avoidance, 17-inch wheels and LED headlights.

Current Hyundai Accent Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Hyundai deals and average prices paid.

4. Kia Forte - $19,090

The Forte is a definitive step up in the Kia lineup from the humble Rio. Not only does it offer a considerable bump up in performance from the Rio but it is clearly more spacious.

Of all the models in this comparison, the Forte offers the best mix of interior space and trunk volume, and the most standard advanced safety technologies such as forward collision avoidance and lane keeping assist. Plus, its standard infotainment package features an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto integration.

For 2022, the rock-bottom-priced manual transmission FE trim is no longer available. The good news is that the FE with the CVT saw only a modest $300 price bump going into the new model year, thus keeping it under $20,000.

Overall performance is more than adequate for this price point, while its outstanding 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty puts it on par with the Hyundai Accent and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 in that department.

Current Kia Forte Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Kia deals and average prices paid.

5. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 - $15,645

Some might consider the Mirage G4 the oddball in this group of sedans. It generally gets the least admiration in the realm of econo-cars. Nevertheless, it stands as a viable, affordable alternative to other small sedans provided you’re fine with a three-cylinder engine under the hood.

Viscously underpowered, the Mirage takes a good 12 seconds to move its featherweight 2,100+ pounds from zero to 60 mph. If there’s a reward in that, it can only be in fuel efficiency. Of all the vehicles in this comparison, the Mirage G4 with the CVT garners the best fuel economy, boasting a combined city/highway rating of 37 mpg. You can expect to get 41 mpg on the highway.

There are other rewards, too, for those who choose to be so economy-minded. Certainly finding a 7-inch infotainment display inside with Apple Carplay and Android Auto to boot is uncommon at this price point, as is forward collision mitigation technology.

Ultimately, having a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the tipping point that makes the Mirage G4 relevant to this category.

Current Mitsubishi Mirage Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Mitsubishi deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sedan has the lowest MSRP?

In this group, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has the lowest MSRP. If you need to go lower, check out the Nissan Versa, which comes in at $14,980 for a 2021 model with a manual transmission.

What’s the lowest-priced all-wheel drive sedan?

The Subaru Impreza – in the under $20K group of sedans, it is the only one with AWD.

Which is the best econo-box sedan?

For this comparison, the Impreza topped the list because of its AWD. If it’s the best performance you crave, turn to the Volkswagen Jetta.

What’s the most fuel-efficient cheap sedan?

The combined EPA numbers tell one story, but you really have to understand your own driving habits. If you do a lot of city driving and are heavy on the pedal at takeoff, then study the city ratings. On the other hand, if you commute long distances on interstate highways for most of your driving, check the highway ratings to better determine the car that will give you the most economy. As far as numbers go, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 with the CVT scored the highest ratings.