10 Best Rated New Cars under $20,000

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Most latest cars in the market, when bought new, can easily set you back by a significant amount. This perhaps explains why several wishful buyers prefer to buy salvage cars for sale in the USA. If you are looking to buy a car but don’t want to spend a fortune, you have come to the right place. Read on as we present a list of four best rated cars available under $20,000 in the USA. Read on. 

Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is a compact SUV from Chevrolet, known for its roomy interior, a long list of standard features, and an intuitive infotainment system. Available in both FWD and AWD drivetrains, the Trailblazer comes in two engine options: a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that puts out 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque and 1.3-liter three-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. While the FWD models are equipped with a CVT transmission, the AWD models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Related: Click Here to browse Cars Under $2000

Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is an ideal choice if you are looking for a no frills daily driver, as it offers decent gas mileage, spacious cabin and trunk, and a comfortable ride quality. The Jetta comes with an easy-to-use infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic being the transmission options. 

Subaru Impreza

The Impreza is a compact car from Subaru known for its spacious cabin, intuitive infotainment system, and agile handling. The Subaru Impreza comes with AWD as a standard offering, which is rare among the compact car class. The impressive fuel economy is another aspect that works in the favour of Impreza. It comes equipped with a single engine option, which is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. 

Nissan Versa 

The Nissan Versa is a top-rated subcompact car known for its spacious cabin, roomy trunk, and plush ride quality. It also comes loaded with a long list of safety and driver assistance features. The Versa comes equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While the base version of the Versa comes with a five-speed manual or CVT, the higher trim levels come with CVT as the standard transmission offering. 

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV offering a great mix of features, all within an affordable price range. This model stands out for its design, safety tech, and ease of handling, ideal for city drivers who need a reliable car.

Under the hood, the Venue is powered by a 1.6-liter engine delivering 121 horsepower. It’s paired with an automatic transmission, providing a hassle-free driving experience. Its compact size makes parking easy, and the vehicle’s fuel efficiency is a bonus for saving money over time.

The Hyundai Venue also implements advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention monitoring. These systems are hard to find in a car at this price point, making the Venue an excellent value.

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte is a top-rated sedan under $20,000, known for its sleek design and tech-forward features. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 147 horsepower, giving this car enough power for both city and highway driving.

The Forte features an intelligent variable automatic transmission that ensures smooth shifts, contributing to its fuel efficiency. The car also includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a well-rounded tech package. The interior space is generous, offering comfort for both front and rear passengers, which is impressive for a sedan in this price category.

Another benefit is Kia’s warranty, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee. This adds long-term value, ensuring buyers get peace of mind with their car purchase.

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio is among the most affordable cars available, yet it offers strong quality and reliability. Starting at a low price, the Rio delivers outstanding fuel economy and a smooth driving experience. The 1.6-liter engine produces 120 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), allowing for seamless driving and better fuel efficiency. This engine and the automatic transmission are a perfect combo.

Though it’s not packed with high-end features, the Kia Rio delivers a straightforward experience. Inside, you’ll find an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering good tech integration at this price point. For buyers prioritizing a budget-friendly car without compromising reliability, the Kia Rio is a solid option.

Its affordability and low fuel costs make the Rio an ideal choice for drivers seeking a dependable car at a great price.

Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage stands out as one of the most affordable new cars on the market. It’s a compact car with a focus on efficiency, making it ideal for city drivers on a budget.

The Mirage is equipped with a small 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower. While not the most powerful option, its lightweight design allows it to zip through traffic and fit into tight parking spaces. The automatic transmission maximizes fuel economy, making this a budget-friendly car both for its low upfront price and its running costs.

While the Mirage doesn’t boast luxury features, its low price and excellent fuel efficiency make it a practical choice for those in need of a simple, affordable car.

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a hatchback known for its agile handling and affordable price. Powered by a 1.2-liter engine, the Swift delivers a nimble and responsive driving experience, especially suited to city driving.

The Swift is available with an automatic transmission, making it an easy-to-drive car for those who prefer convenience. Its fuel efficiency is also a strong point, which means long-term savings for those who need a budget-friendly daily driver.

Despite being compact, the Swift offers a surprisingly roomy interior, providing comfort for both passengers and cargo. With its sporty handling, the Suzuki Swift adds some fun to your drive, while keeping within an accessible price range.

Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax is a compact SUV with versatility and style, starting at under $20,000. It combines performance and features in a package that works well for both city and suburban driving. The 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 137 horsepower, giving this car more power than many other options at this price point.

The model is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission ensures smooth and efficient shifts during your drive. Although it’s a compact SUV, the interior is spacious, seating up to five passengers and offering ample cargo space.

With standard tech features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the Trax delivers on modern convenience. Its versatility, higher seating position, and price make the Chevrolet Trax an appealing choice for drivers who want an SUV without breaking the bank.

Overall, features such as the automatic transmission and the powerful turbocharged engine, and the incredible price, make the Chevy Trax one of the best deals out there.

Wrap Up  

What we have above are some of the most popular and highly rated cars under the $20,000 range. If you are looking to bring home a car without having to restrict your choice based on the budget, you may want to consider checking out used car auctions online. You can choose from several high-end cars sold for incredibly low prices when buying from online auto auctions. AutoBidMaster offers an extensive inventory of salvage cars for sale in the USA. If you have any questions or would like to know more about any of the vehicles featured in our auctions, simply call +1 (503) 298-4300, Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM (GMT-8:00).