Top New Automobiles Under $20,000 Best Budget Friendly Cars for 2024

It’s hard to locate a trustworthy, affordable new automobile with rising prices. Those who need a great car but want to pay less have several options. New vehicles under $20,000 offer new features, good gas mileage, and safety. They suit first-time buyers, students, and budget drivers. My dad gave me my first automobile. He bought a cheap automobile with all the newest amenities to keep me safe at college. That automobile got me through college and taught me the value of a reliable, affordable car.

We’ll discuss the best new cars under $20,000. We’ll cover their features to help you decide. You may buy a small, fuel-efficient vehicle or an entry-level SUV in this price range.

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Top 10 Best New Cars Under $20,000

Good news for drivers who want to save money! The 2024 Hyundai Venue and Nissan Versa are both solid and fast. They cost about $20,000 each. The cars in this price range are modern and reliable. These 10 superb cars that cost less than $20,000 are great for going around town or to work. These cheap options will help you find the right vehicle without breaking the bank.

#1. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage

• Price: $17,000
• Engine: 1.2-liter three-cylinder
• Horsepower: 78
• Torque: 74 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT
• Drive Type: FWD

The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage sticks out in the market total of cars. This small, cheap car is powerful for $17,000-$20,000. The engine has three cylinders and doesn’t use much gas. It works well in towns and on the highway. The Mirage is small, but it fits five and a bag. It has a 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Front crash avoidance and lane exit warnings keep you safe. The handling is quick, which makes parking easy. First-time buyers and people on a budget will like how cheap, durable, and valuable the Mirage is. These days, this little car is worth a lot in today’s market.

2024 Mitsubishi Mirage engine updates

In 2024, they changed the engine. It gets faster with the Mitsubishi Mirage but gets the same gas economy. Mitsubishi’s 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine is now faster and more fuel-efficient. This is due to recent changes. The faster the throttle moves, the more fun it is to drive this little car in the city. These engine changes to the Mirage make it better for daily driving. It is more stable and uses less gas. Even though its speed hasn’t changed, it stands out in the small car market.

#2. 2024 Nissan Versa

• Price: Starting at around $17,000
• Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 122
• Torque: 114 lb-ft
• Transmission: CVT
• Drive Type: FWD

The 2024 Nissan Versa combines style and utility at a low price. Starting at $17,000, this urban wonder is sleek and small but mighty. Its small size hides a large interior. The smooth ride and high-tech features make driving more enjoyable. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is quick. It drives well. So, it is easy to get around the city. The interior looks great. This device features intelligent storage solutions and an intuitive entertainment interface. With the help of new technologies, cars are better and easier to use. Anyone who wants to save money without giving up anything should get the Versa. It has a lot of great features.

2024 Nissan Versa engine updates

The new engine in Nissan’s 2024 Versa is a good mix of speed and economy. This small car’s new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine makes it go faster without using a lot of gas. Drivers will like the Versa’s better fuel efficiency and speed. This new engine has improved fuel flow and a new burn method. It makes the engine more powerful and cleaner. The new engine in the Versa makes it faster and smoother. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious, spirited driving. The 2024 Versa’s engine makes driving in cities and on long trips safe and fun.

#3. 2024 Hyundai Venue

• Price: Starting at around $20,000
• Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 121
• Torque: 113 lb-ft
• Transmission: CVT
• Drive Type: FWD

The 2024 Hyundai Venue is stylish and does not break the bank. The lines of this small SUV are smooth, and it looks modern with its oversized hood. It costs about $20,000. It has good looks and useful features for budget-minded people who want a modern ride. The big cabin has comfy seats and an 8-inch tablet that works with smartphones. Better gas mileage lowers costs. Auto emergency braking gives you peace of mind. The Venue is great for town drives or weekend trips. It looks good, is affordable, and is functional. It’s a class winner because of how well it works and how cheap it is, offering city users a safe and fun ride.

2024 Hyundai Venue engine updates

The 2024 Hyundai Venue thrills drivers as it speeds through city streets. The new 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine has 121 horsepower. It performs well and uses little gas. This little crossover shows that being safe on the road and having fun can go together. This updated engine works well with a CVT to make speeding up smooth and save gas. This engine is fast and valuable. It suits city commutes and weekend trips. The Venue’s engine performs well and gets good gas mileage on city streets and highways. This makes it a good choice for budget-conscious customers who like power and savings.

#4. 2024 Kia Forte

• Price: Starts at around $21,000
• Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147
• Torque: 132 lb-ft
• Transmission: CVT or a 6-speed manual
• Drive Type: FWD

The 2024 Kia Forte has a sleek look and is very fuel-efficient. Its new look and slimmer body catch the eye. Its two engines balance speed and gas mileage. Suitable materials and intelligent technology inside make the area big and comfy. You can feel safe with standard features. They include a front impact warning and lane-keeping assist. The Forte has a smooth ride whether you’re zipping through city streets or going on the highway. This compact car offers a thoughtful, affordable financial choice. It has current features and is dependable. It comes with a full guarantee.

2024 Kia Forte Engine Updates

The 2.0-liter engine in the 2024 Kia Forte is solid and intelligent. This new basic engine has 147 hp and uses very little gas. It has better gas economy and smoother moves thanks to its advanced CVT. The better engine makes the car easier to handle, faster, and more fun to drive. These updates show that Kia cares about speed and utility. So, the Forte is the best small hatchback on the market.

#5. 2022 Chevrolet Spark

• Price: Starting at $13,600
• Engine: 1.4 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 98
• Torque: 94 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT automatic
• Drive Type: FWD

The Spark has a smooth drive and a long-range on a charge. It’s great for daily commutes and longer trips. Eco-conscious drivers love the 2022 Chevrolet Spark for its mobility and economy. Its 94-mile range eliminates range worry for regular commuting and road vacations. Although tiny, it seats five and navigates metropolitan streets well. Automatic emergency brakes and other safety techs make people feel safe. A 7-inch screen connects users with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It combines safety and ease of use. Tax breaks now make the Spark cheaper than ever. So, electric driving is a wise choice. This Chevy stands out in the growing electric market for new and veteran Spark fans. Its affordable price, cutting-edge innovation, and high efficiency make it a strong candidate.

2022 Chevrolet Spark engine updates

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark electric powertrain received many upgrades, improving performance and economy. The most significant change is the updated battery system, which can go 294 miles on a full charge. The electric motor provides smoother, more responsive acceleration, making driving more pleasant. This model has faster charging, decreasing road downtime. The engine mods make the 2022 Spark better than cheap, efficient EVs.

#6. 2022 Ford Maverick

• Price: Starts at around $20,000
• Engine: 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 191
• Torque: 155 lb-ft
• Transmission: CVT
• Drive Type: FWD or AWD

We recommend the 2022 Ford Maverick as a small car. A hybrid engine makes it suitable for the environment and is small enough to drive in towns. Innovative design makes the most of the space. The latest tech makes it comfy and easy to use. You can drive with peace of mind thanks to auto-braking and adaptive cruise control. The Maverick glides past crowded streets, navigating chaotic periods with precision. Everyone should have it because it’s pretty and cheap. That is the best choice for a driver who can do many things.

2022 Ford Maverick engine updates

The 2022 Ford Maverick has a strong, fuel-efficient 2.5-liter hybrid engine. Its CVT lets you drive faster while using less gas. The blended design is better for the environment. It cuts pollution and saves gas. All-wheel drive gives the Maverick better grip and movement. The engine update makes the Maverick a top small truck. It shows Ford’s commitment to new ideas and usefulness.

#7. 2019 Honda Fit

• Price: $20,650
• Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 130
• Torque: 114 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / CVT
• Drive Type: FWD

The 2019 Honda Fit looks good and works well. It looks good and uses little gas. The elegant design and high-end interior stand out. The smooth 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine balances speed and fuel use. This car has a modern entertainment system, luggage space, and comfy seats. New safety features, including impact alarms and lane assist, provide peace of mind. New or improving drivers may choose the Honda. It offers comfort, tech, and good driving at a fair price.

2019 Honda Fit engine updates

For weekend drives or work commutes, the 2019 Honda Fit offers an engine for everyone. The standard 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 130 horsepower. The CVT and both engines work well together. They provide excellent fuel efficiency and performance. This power plant selection is versatile. It provides a quick, comfortable ride in any driving situation. The Honda is ideal for all drivers due to its robust, affordable engines, power, and utility.

#8. 2021 Mazda 3

• Price: $20,000
• Engine: 2.0 L or 2.5 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 155 – 250
• Torque: 150 – 320 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
• Drive Type: FWD or AWD

The 2021 Mazda3 looks good and is affordable. It’s a solid little car with a fast engine and quick handling. High-end designs use high-end materials and intelligent tech. Advanced safety features and a simple entertainment system make driving better. The Mazda3 gets good gas mileage and is comfortable for daily driving and road trips. Many uses exist for adjustable seats and storage space. Even though it is practical, its unique look makes it stand out. First-time car buyers or those upgrading will love the Mazda3’s speed and style. The 2021 Mazda3 is the best in its class! It’s durable and fun to drive. This small prize shows that Mazda wants to make cars that are fun to drive and dependable. It’s cheap and sturdy; you’ll enjoy driving it for years. The Mazda3 shows that the company cares about its customers’ happiness and the car’s life.

2021 Mazda3 engine updates

The Skyactiv-G 2.5 turbocharged engine gives it 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of power. You can go fast with this engine without using a lot of gas. Mazda cars have high-tech features that make them easier to drive and use less gas. This engine upgrade makes it easier to zoom in and out. It also uses less gas. The boosted brother goes faster and uses less gas. It was possible to tune the 2.0 and 2.5 Skyactiv-G engines. This would make them more responsive and quicker without lowering their efficiency. These well-tuned engines are powerful and efficient. So, they are great for everyday driving.

#9. 2022 Kia Soul

• Price: $20,000
• Engine: 2.0 L or 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147 – 201
• Torque: 132 – 195 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
• Drive Type: FWD

The 2022 Kia Soul is a fabulous pick for fun and low cost. Its bright and boxy design makes it stand out. It’s easy to drive because the 2.0L engine is smooth. You can add the 1.6L turbo if you want something more exciting. The Soul boasts intuitive technology and cozy amenities. They make every ride fun. The high-tech safety features will boost your confidence on the road. This small car is ideal for weekend trips. It has plenty of space and is very versatile. The Soul is a cheap option for people who want to drive something different. It looks good, works well, and is quick.

2022 Kia Soul engine updates

The 2022 Kia Soul has a lot of excellent engine options! With 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of power, the turbocharged 1.6L engine gives you a fun drive. For those who want to save money, the 2.0L version is a great pick. It is quick to speed up and uses little gas. This turbo engine makes the car go faster and uses less gas for a quick ride. The CVT smooths the power output and boosts gas mileage. The Soul’s base and supercharged engines are fun and valuable. They help it stay competitive in its class.

#10. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

• Price: $19,800
• Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 181
• Torque: 151 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
• Drive Type: RWD

People who like to drive will enjoy the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata. This beautiful racer’s lightweight design and excellent driving make it perfect for a road trip. The 2.0-liter engine gives it plenty of speed to make every turn exciting. The Miata’s comfortable cabin maintains the sporty look. This car is suitable for city traffic and freeways and has many turns. Its beautiful look fits its great ability. When it comes to getting on the road, Miatas are great. It’s a cheap racing car that makes driving fun and exciting.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata engine updates

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is priced at $19,800, and it’s interesting because of its 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine. With this makeover, the famous roadster is more fun to drive. It now makes 181 horsepower. This roadster unleashes its power at 7,500 RPM, delivering a thrilling drive on winding roads. Lighter engine parts enhance fuel economy and provide a smoother experience. In line with Mazda’s history of putting drivers first, the new Miata has an exciting and quick ride. The MX-5’s better engine should make it run smoother and more manageable. This will boost its image as a valid driver’s car. Have fun on the trip!

Conclusion

Want a new vehicle for around $20,000? Lucky you! Many affordable solutions provide quality and functionality. The 2024 Hyundai Venue is cheap because of its luxury look, style, and fuel economy. Another great choice is the 2024 Kia Forte, which has a comfortable cabin and good handling. For more significant space, consider the 2024 Nissan Versa. Budget-conscious families will love its spacious cabin and safety features.

You can find a new car under $20,000 that is stylish, comfortable, and safe. These cars show affordability and excellence. These automobiles are cheap for commuting, errands, and weekend trips. Take time to browse and test drive. Choose the right car for your needs and budget. You will be happy to know you have purchased one of these affordable, dependable cars!