Skip to main content

When it comes to car shopping in this era, affordability is almost nonexistent. Many people are forced to shop the used car market. However, all hope is not lost for those who want that new car smell and the experience of buying a genuine brand new car! There are still a handful of 2022 model year sedans one can buy for less than $20,000. Though the pickings are relatively slim, here are five excellent choices courtesy of TrueCar.

2022 Nissan Versa

Side angle view of a black 2022 Nissan Versa sedan, the cheapest and one of the best new cars under $20,000
2022 Nissan Versa | Nissan

The Nissan Versa is the epitome of no-frills transportation. It doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t. It’s just the perfect A to B car that won’t blow your budget when it comes to buying it or filling it up!

With fuel economy ratings of 32 mpg city and up to 40 mpg on the highway, the Versa is a steal with its starting MSRP of just $16,205.

The one downside you’ll find, though, is that the rear seats are not exceptionally roomy. So, while it’s OK for children, if you’re consistently hauling adults or teens around, you might want to look elsewhere.

2022 Kia Rio

2022 Kia Rio subcompact sedan in silver gray
2022 Kia Rio | Kia America

Seeing a Kia Rio sedan on a list of affordable cars is entirely unsurprising. For good reason, though. The Rio is an inexpensive staple to a lineup of cheap cars in the first place.

The 2022 Kia Rio sees fuel economy ratings as high as 41 mpg on the highway. Furthermore, with its base price of $17,305, there’s a little wiggle room for options while staying within the budget of $20,000.

2022 Hyundai Accent

Side angle view of a red 2022 Hyundai Accent, one of the best new cars under $20,000
2022 Hyundai Accent | Hyundai

Of course, you’ll rarely see a mention of affordable cars where Hyundai doesn’t accompany Kia. It only makes sense, too, because the Hyundai Accent sedan and the Kia Rio are nearly identical. It’s just a cheap car that gets the job done and has a little bit of spirit in it.

So, all the benefits of the Rio are found in the accent, too. Though, the Accent does see a bit of an increase in starting price with its base MSRP of $17,690.

2022 Subaru Impreza

Side view of a black 2022 Subaru Impreza, one of the best and most reliable new cars under $20,000
2022 Subaru Impreza | Subaru

The Subaru Impreza sedan offers something unique that none of these other affordable sedan offerings can; all-wheel drive. So, this might be a great vehicle to consider in a climate that faces a lot of snow through the winter!

The Subaru’s boxer four-cylinder engine doesn’t quite meet the same fuel economy standards, though, with ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. You’re also all but maxing out the $20,000 budget, too. The Impreza’s starting MSRP is $19,790.

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan is so insanely affordable that it almost doesn’t seem real. That sentiment gets even more prominent when you discover its warranty. Mitsubishi offers the Mirage with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

It’s a bit loud and unrefined on the inside, and it’s far from fast. However, the Mirage sees fuel economy ratings up to 33 mpg city and 40 mpg highway thanks to its three-cylinder engine and manual transmission. All for an unbeatable price of $15,840.

Honorable Mention: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

Platinum Gray Metallic 2022 VW Jetta driving by office buildings
Platinum Gray Metallic 2022 VW Jetta | Volkswagen

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta just barely tips the scales with this budget at $20,365. However, it features a turbocharged engined and still manages 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. So, if your budget is a little bit flexible and you can go a hair over $20,000, it’s definitely worth considering.

Overall, any of these vehicles will make an excellent choice for those looking to buy a brand new car with a very tight budget. You won’t get all the bells and whistles you find on higher trim levels, but you’ll have a fresh set of wheels with a warranty!

Related

Five Awesome Used Midsize Cars Under $15K According to U.S. News