The Best Used Cars Under $20,000

Don’t get stuck with a basic beater. Choose one of these if you want to buy a nice used car.

Whether it’s for their design, feel, or simplicity, many drivers still prefer cars over SUVs. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of good used cars out there for less than $20,000. These aren’t strictly sedans, either—some practical five-door hatchbacks are on the list among the four-doors. Regardless of model, these cars provide useful convenience features and modern safety tech, and there are also a few hybrid options that add value by improving fuel economy. Here are our picks for the best used cars under $20,000.

About MotorTrend's methodology: We consider many of the same factors in our new car rankings system. Our research focused on 3–5-year-old vehicles, which means we chose vehicles from the 2022–2024 model years. We use data from the residual value experts at Black Book to start our search, and any vehicle we recommend must have earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award or NHTSA five-star overall rating. An above-average J.D. Power quality and reliability rating is also a qualifying factor.

2023 Dodge Charger

Pros: Although a used Dodge Charger with a V-8 engine is hard to find for less than $20,000, V-6 Charger models have their own merits. Handling is good for a large sedan, and its overall ride is comfortable yet poised at the same time. The Charger also feels smaller than it is—but it’s still a big car, providing plenty of space in the cabin. Not to mention, its muscular design has a strong street presence.

Cons: Chargers with a V-6 look like their muscle car counterparts but don’t feel buff from behind the wheel. The V-6 gets the job done, but the engine could use more power, and its fuel economy isn’t great. Interior materials feel cheap, and the space looks basic and drab.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $16,000
• Fuel Economy: Up to 19/30 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: Up to 426 miles
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.4 seconds

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2023 Dodge Charger

2022–2024 Honda Civic

Pros: The Honda Civic is practically synonymous with affordable, straightforward, and reliable transportation. The 11th-generation model introduced for 2022 embodies those attributes—but it’s actually a nice little car, too. Connected handling adds driver engagement, and the ride quality is poised and well controlled. Interior design and ergonomics make it a comfortable, user-friendly space. Honda includes some useful active safety and driver assist features, as well.

Cons: Although it’s a well-executed car given how inexpensive as it is, the Civic is still inexpensive and feels so in some ways. The cabin can get noisy, especially when the engine and its CVT automatic transmission are working hard. In contrast to the nice front row, the second row is nearly devoid of features.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $16,000
• Fuel Economy: Up to 33/42 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: Up to 446 miles
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 8.0 seconds

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2024 Honda Civic

2022–2024 Hyundai Elantra

Pros: Sharp, attention-getting styling helps the compact Hyundai Elantra separate itself from the crowd. Likewise, the cabin has a modern look with some interesting attention to detail, and there’s a good amount of space in the back seat. Fuel economy is solid for a non-hybrid, and finding an Elantra Hybrid for less than $20,000 is very doable. Generous standard tech and multiple driver assist features add to the Elantra’s value appeal.

Cons: Although the interior looks decent in photos, materials quality feels cheap in places. Along those lines, there’s a lot of road noise at higher speeds. The base 2.0-liter engine is pretty gutless, and the suspension doesn’t cope well with large road impacts.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $13,000
• Fuel Economy: Up to 33/43 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: Up to 459 miles
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 8.4 seconds

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra

2022–2024 Hyundai Sonata

Pros: Among affordably priced mainstream sedans, the Hyundai Sonata exudes an unexpectedly upscale feeling. Its cabin is spacious and feels well assembled. On the move, its ride quality is cushy and relaxed, the brake pedal tuning inspires confidence, and the fuel economy from its optional hybrid engine is excellent. Additionally, its included driver assist and tech features make daily driving easier.

Cons: For as much relaxation as the Sonata provides, it’s very little fun to drive. The weak standard engine and transmission it’s joined to need to be coaxed into acceleration, and the steering feels numb. Swoopy sheetmetal and an enormous grille give the Sonata a distinctive design, but it may not be to everyone’s liking.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $15,000
• Fuel Economy: Up to 27/37 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: Up to 493 miles
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 7.9 seconds

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata

2022–2024 Nissan Altima

Pros: A crisp exterior design gives the Nissan Altima a somewhat sporty look. The handling is nice, with well-weighted steering and compliant, controlled suspension tuning. Look around, and AWD-equipped examples can be found. Total driving range on a full tank of gas is very long. The cabin layout benefits easy functionality, and there’s plenty of legroom in the front seats.

Cons: As a whole, how the Altima drives is mediocre. Its CVT automatic is slow to respond and inconsistent in how it affects engine rpms (an issue that’s especially true when mated to its available VC-Turbo engine), and the brake pedal action can feel abrupt. Although the infotainment screen is a generous size, the graphics and software behind it seem outdated.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $13,000
• Fuel Economy: Up to 28/39 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: Up to 518 miles
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 8.0 seconds

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2024 Nissan Altima

2022–2024 Subaru Impreza

Pros: Subaru’s acclaimed AWD system is standard on every Subaru Impreza. Even without a hybrid system, the fuel economy is pretty good. Crash safety scores are reassuring, and various Impreza models are equipped with the EyeSight suite of driver assist and active safety technology. The available hatchback body style makes this little car a lot more practical. A new generation of Impreza was introduced for 2024—it’s hatchback only, much improved from the previous generation, and easy to find used for under $20,000.

Cons: Impreza models from before 2024 show their age with basic features, especially those in entry-level trims. Regardless of model year, the interior quality is on the cheap side. With its relaxed acceleration, there won’t be any mistaking an Impreza for a WRX. On the newer version, the vertical infotainment system looks impressive, but its user interface seems behind the times.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $14,000
• Fuel Economy: Up to 28/36 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: Up to 422 miles
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 9.2 seconds

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2024 Subaru Impreza

2022–2023 Toyota Camry

Pros: The Toyota Camry earns its reputation as a default choice for basic transportation. It’s simple and straightforward yet offers peppy accelerator responses and balanced handling. The dashboard mixes an intuitive button layout into an attractive design. In Toyota’s way, standard tech and driver assist features are abundant. Used Camry Hybrid models push past $20,000 but seem worth it for their improved fuel economy.

Cons: Overall refinement isn’t high in the Camry. Its ride is slightly rough, and the engine can get gritty and loud. There’s just not much excitement or connection in the driving experience. Interior material quality suffices for the price point, nothing more. Back seat space trails some sedan rivals.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $16,000
• Fuel Economy: Up to 28/39 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: Up to 506 miles
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 7.5 seconds

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2023 Toyota Camry