Every New 2022 Car for Sale in the U.S. Under $20,000

Nissan doesn’t give Sentra buyers much wiggle room when it comes to adding options under $20,000, but I guess that’s a moot point. Destination fees will put this thing over $20K anyway, but it’s slim pickins’ these days when it comes to cheap transport. We do the best we can.

If you’re looking for a cheap car, but you want a little more personality, look no further than the Kia Soul. It’s got heaps of character at a price that’s really hard to beat. Plus, do you remember those hamster commercials? Those were so fun. I miss those days.

The Subaru Impreza doesn’t give buyers much wiggle room when it comes to adding optional features, moving up a trim, or absorbing any dealership fees while still staying in our $20,000 bracket — but you may find it worth it for the added bit of power its larger engine provides over the competition. With standard all-wheel drive, you can also guarantee you’ll have a little fun, making this a compelling choice for enthusiasts on a budget.

Is the new Hyundai Elantra’s styling a bit much for you? The company has you covered with the far more conventionally styled (and slightly cheaper) Forte. Destination fees will unfortunately put it over the $20,000, but again, that’s the world we live in these days.

This is literally the only way to get a CUV for under $20,000. So, if that’s what you want, this is what you gotta get. It’s a funky little thing. You probably won’t hate it. I mean, it’s better than a Kia Rio.

Oh look! It’s a Kia Rio. I don’t know the last time I saw one of these little guys toodling around, but if you’re looking for cheap transportation it’ll surely do the job well enough. It’s also a hatchback, which gives it extra points in my book.

The Hyundai Accent may cost a little more than some of its competition in this list, but those extra dollars were well-spent on handsome styling, simple but functional interior equipment, and an enjoyable drive. If you’re looking for a car that carries the dignified air of something far more expensive, the Accent is it.

Get behind the wheel of the Kia Rio and you might find yourself thinking it’s a more expensive car. It’s not handsome, but it’ll get the job done, and you’ll actually enjoy driving it. An added bonus is the fact that smartphone-mirroring features come standard on the Rio, which is more than offered by its competition. That said, moving from the base trim to a one with keyless entry, adjustable headrests, and cruise control will only cost you $640.

We have several staunch Mitsubishi Mirage defenders here at Jalopnik, and that comes down to its solid blend of excellent fuel mileage and manual transmission. If you’re looking for a fun, high-quality ride, though, the Mirage isn’t it. Instead, you’re going to be buying this bad boy because of its delightful fuel mileage, its heaps of cargo space, and its long warranty. If you want an automatic transmission, you’ll have to move up a trim — a $1,950 jump.

What the Mirage G4 lacks in hatchback-ness, it makes up for in price. It’s the car for you if you feel the Mirage hatchback is a bit too bougie. It’ll get the job done if all you care about is getting from point-A to point-B

The sleek Nissan Versa has some exceptional safety standards for a cheap car, but if you want any extra features, you’re going to have to spend at least $2,810 to move up a trim level. That said, you may not feel like you need it. The Versa is a comfortable drive through and through, which makes it a great option for daily drivers.

The cheapest vehicle on our list is the inimitable Chevy Spark. This little workhorse benefits from Chevy’s solid infotainment system and its use of decent interior materials to prevent the whole driving experience from feeling cheap. You’re probably not going to love it on the highway, and the rear seat is cramped, but it’s the most bang for your buck that you can get for under $15,000. You even have room to move up a few trims if you want keyless entry or add the automatic transmission package (the latter of which is a whopping $1,100).