Yahoo Autos Best new cars under $20,000
The list of cheap cars in America is shrinking fast. Granted, "cheap" means different things to different buyers, and we're setting our own bar at an even $20,000 because that's the lowest round number we can find new cars below. If you've got just a few more coins to pinch together each month, setting the limit at $23,000 would allow the addition of several solid options, including the Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta.
But here we are in the year 2024, and there are indeed still three new cars on dealer lots with window stickers showing an asking price that's less than $20,000.
So, what is the cheapest new car in America carrying a 2024 model year?
Best new car under $20,000: 2024 Nissan Versa
2024 Nissan Versa
Why it stands out: Very cheap; decent styling; efficient with the CVT; refined driving experience
Could be better: Sedan-only; disappointing fuel economy with the manual
Read our most recent Nissan Versa review
The Nissan Versa is an extremely strong budget offering. First off, it is officially the cheapest new car you can buy with a starting price of $17,405. It makes 122 horsepower, which in a car this size keeps it perky enough in traffic, and it's available with either a five-speed manual or CVT. The manual is a bit inefficient with a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg, but the CVT is good with 35 mpg. The Versa is impressively quiet and comfortable without diminishing handling capability too much. The exterior and interior styling are sharp and feel a bit more polished than other subcompacts. Every trim level comes in under $20,000, so you have room to add options. It's only available as a sedan, though, and the nearest hatchback offering from Nissan, the Kicks, starts above $20,000.
Other new cars under $20,000
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
Why it stands out: Very cheap; very efficient
Could be better: Terribly slow; unpleasant to drive
With an asking price of $18,110 (including a required "Welcome Kit" that includes floor mats and, oddly, a tonneau cover that's listed under accessories but apparently is also required), the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the second-cheapest new car we know for sure is badged as a 2024 model. Keen cheap-car observers will note that this price is quite a bit higher than it used to be (it was $15,690 in 2022, which is because the previously standard five-speed manual has been supplanted by a now-standard continuously variable automatic, and almost a grand cheaper in 2023). But if you're looking for a hatchback, the Mitsubishi Mirage is your cheapest option.
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan is slightly more expensive than its hatchback sibling with a starting price of $19,055, similarly now equipped solely with an automatic transmission and including the Welcome Kit.
Fuel economy from the Mirage is quite good, earning up to 39 miles per gallon combined depending on trim. Unfortunately, the Mirage is painfully slow, as it only makes 76 horsepower. It doesn't make up for it with handling, which is sloppy and disconnected. We would not recommend this car, especially since the Nissan Versa is now slightly cheaper.
2023 Kia Rio
Why it stands out: Affordable; choice of body styles; good handling; very efficient
Could be better: A bit slow; ride is a bit stiff
The Kia Rio — which is still listed on Kia's website and inventory list as a 2023 model — is basically the Kia version of the Hyundai Accent that is no longer available, and it starts at $17,905. It comes standard with a CVT. And, yes, that means there's no manual transmission available. However, you can get the Rio in hatchback form (dubbed the Rio 5-Door), which does net you a little extra space along with the hatchback versatility. It's not a fast car with its 121-horsepower engine, but it has nimble handling courtesy of it's rather stiff, but controlled suspension. The optional S trim for the sedan is also available for under $20,000, in case you want a few more features. It's also efficient with 36 mpg combined for both body styles.
And that's it. There are only expected to be three new vehicles in 2024 available to purchase for less than $20,000. But there are other options if you're willing to look at the used market.
Best Used Cars Buys to Buy Under $20,000
While the average price for used vehicles in America has been rising right along with new cars, there are still a number of good, gently used options worth considering. Here are a few of our favorites (including some that recently were available new under our $20,000 price cap):
2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt
Our top pick is the second-generation Chevy Volt. It's a plug-in hybrid, which means the first 50-plus miles will be on electricity (assuming it was plugged in the night before). Put simply, it's the most efficient way to travel for less than $20,000. It's also pretty nice to drive, with good handling, a comfortable ride, quiet operation and most of the modern technology you'd expect in a fairly new car. It's proven reliable over the years, though having separate gasoline and electric powertrains means pricey potential repairs like full battery replacements are a potential worry although they are quite uncommon.
2019-2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Any Toyota Corolla is likely to be a solidly reliable vehicle. We like the slightly smaller hatchback, which we think looks better than its sedan sibling. We also like the six-speed manual transmission, but honestly, the CVT in this application is pretty good. Being a Toyota, the Corolla ought to have strong resale value, which is a bonus if you think you might want to sell it and upgrade within a few years.
