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SUVs are immensely popular these days. While the sales of sedans continue to go down, the list of best-selling vehicles in the United States is dominated by SUVs and trucks. SUVs tend to be more expensive than sedans, though. However, there are some SUVs available that won’t obliterate your bank account. Here are the three best bargain SUVs that you can buy for under $20,000 in 2022.

2022 Hyundai Venue SE ($19,000) is the best bargain SUV to buy for under $20,000 in 2022

Front view of red 2022 Hyundai Venue, the best bargain SUV to buy for under $20,000 in 2022
2022 Hyundai Venue | Hyundai

With a starting price of $19,000, the 2022 Hyundai Venue SE is the best bargain SUV that you can buy for under $20,000 in 2022, according to CarBuzz. Highlights of the 2022 Venue SE include its many safety features, a practical cabin, and generous warranty coverage, with the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, the Venue has an estimated fuel economy of 31 combined mpg. 

The biggest drawback of the Venue is its relatively weak 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates only 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 9.5 seconds, passing other cars will require some patience. Also, the Venue doesn’t offer much storage space, with a cargo capacity of 18.7 cu-ft with the rear seat upright and 31.9 cu-ft with them folded flat. However, if you can deal with these sacrifices, the Venue SE offers much value.

2022 Kia Soul LX ($19,290) is one of the best SUVs at a reasonable price 

The second best bargain SUV that you can buy for under $20,000 in 2022 is the 2022 Kia Soul LX, which has a starting price of $19,290. Relative to the Venue SE, the Soul LX provides 26 more horsepower, quicker acceleration, considerably more storage space (24.2 cu-ft seats up/64.1 cu-ft seats down), and a nearly identical fuel economy

Notable features of the Soul LX include forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, and an eight-inch touchscreen. Depending on your tastes, the unique design of the Soul is either an advantage or a disadvantage. 

2022 Nissan Kicks S ($19,800) is a good SUV for the money

Front angle view of gray 2022 Nissan Kicks, one of the best bargain SUVs to buy for under $20,000
2022 Nissan Kicks | Nissan

The 2022 Nissan Kicks S, which has a starting price of $19,800, is the third best bargain SUV that you can buy for under $20,000 in 2022. Like the Venue SE, the Kicks S has a weak engine and slow acceleration. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces 122 hp and 114 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds. Also, while the SUV provides a respectable 25.3 cu-ft of rear cargo space, it has a maximum cargo capacity of only 32.3 cu-ft. 

However, the Kicks is efficient, with an estimated fuel economy of 33 combined mpg. Also, it comes standard with many driving assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 

The price of vehicles, including SUVs, is very high with rising inflation. However, with these three bargains — the 2022 Hyundai Venue SE, the 2022 Kia Soul LX, and the 2022 Nissan Kicks S, you can buy an SUV that’s reasonably priced for under $20,000.

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