Even with lingering inflation, tariff uncertainty, relatively high interest rates, and several years of off-and-on supply chain issues all wreaking havoc on used car prices, there are some tremendous values to be found in the used car market, especially on a $20,000 budget. While you may not always get the latest in-car technology, you can still score a good 2- to 5-year-old vehicle, perhaps even with all-wheel drive or a hybrid drivetrain. If you’re looking for an efficient, comfortable, stylish sedan or hatchback with an eye toward value, you’re in the right place. If you’re looking for something fun to drive, there are a few here that fit that bill, too.
More used car picks: Under $5,000 | Under $10,000 | Under $15,000
Here are 10 of the best used cars under $20,000.
1. 2019 Honda Accord
A legend for good reason, the 2019 Honda Accord is an excellent standard-bearer for the nameplate, and not only because it was the winner of Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Award in the midsize category when new. It’s also well-equipped, spacious, comfortable, and great to drive. If you’d prefer a 48-mpg-combined hybrid, look for EX-L and Touring 2017 models to stay within our $20,000 budget.
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2. 2019 Toyota Camry
The 2019 Toyota Camry is perhaps even more well-known than the Accord, and for equally good reason. You’ll have your choice of a stout V6, efficient 4-cylinder, or even more efficient (40 mpg combined) hybrid, although as with the Accord, you’ll want to adjust the hunt for 2017 models to get the most for your money with the hybrid. Look for low-mile LE, SE, or perhaps even XLE models on our budget.
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3. 2018 Toyota Prius
The 2018 Toyota Prius is perhaps the most logical choice on this list, and logic is a great reason to buy a car. Why is it so logical? It’s efficient, reliable, and inexpensive to own. It’s good for up to 52 mpg combined, and spacious and practical, too.
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4. 2020 Honda Civic
Whether you’d prefer a sedan or a hatchback, the 2020 Honda Civic is a great choice, with lots of passenger and cargo room, plenty of features in the LX and EX trims at the sweet spot of our budget, and Honda’s reputation for reliability and longevity.
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5. 2021 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has served as a reliable, fuel-efficient commuter car for decades. For 2021, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite came standard, as did Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. On our budget, you can get the well-equipped LE, with a larger touchscreen and automatic climate control, or the sportier SE, which comes with a more powerful engine.
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6. 2021 Mazda3
For those with practical needs but impractical wants, the 2021 Mazda3 may scratch the itch. Its stylish exterior is matched by a near-luxury interior, excellent handling, and available all-wheel drive in either sedan or hatchback form. Pro tip: If you’re looking for a manual transmission, keep your eyes out for a hatchback in the Premium trim — that’s the only way to get it.
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7. 2022 Subaru Impreza
With standard all-wheel drive and your choice of a sedan or hatchback body style the 2022 Subaru Impreza is a versatile, flexible option that can behave like a crossover or SUV in a pinch (especially in hatchback form) while still being an efficient daily driver in normal conditions. It’s also a great choice for those who live in winter weather states.
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8. 2021 Nissan Altima
The 2021 Nissan Altima isn’t as exciting as some or as efficient as others, but it is a serious value, and very well-rounded. The standard 4-cylinder engine is strong at 188 horsepower, yet also scores up to 39 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is available if you need it, and the SV trim that best suits our budget comes with a moonroof, leather accents, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist advanced driver-assist suite.
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9. 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid isn’t the standout member of the Ioniq range, but it is the most affordable — and it’s still remarkable, with a 59 mpg combined EPA rating, including 60 mpg highway, making it a great choice for long-distance commuters.
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10. 2022 Kia Forte
Well-configured even in base form, the 2022 Kia Forte’s spacious cabin, sharp looks, and excellent safety ratings give you what you want, along with what you need. If you’re looking for maximum fuel economy without going hybrid, the FE trim scores up to 41 mpg highway. For those who’d prefer something sportier, the GT model may be within reach, offering a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (or a 6-speed manual) and a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine.
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10 Best Used Cars Under $20,000
- 2019 Honda Accord
- 2019 Toyota Camry
- 2018 Toyota Prius
- 2020 Honda Civic
- 2021 Toyota Corolla
- 2021 Mazda3
- 2022 Subaru Impreza
- 2021 Nissan Altima
- 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
- 2022 Kia Forte
