© General Motors
New Cars for Less Than $20,000
Cars are an expensive commodity, and for many Americans an automobile can be the most expensive purchase of a lifetime. According to analysts at car research website KBB.com, the average transaction price for a new car is now more than $47,000 (December 2021 data). However, despite that shocking number there are plenty of options available well below the average new-car price for folks on a budget. With stickers starting around $13,000, quality new cars are available — complete with new-car warranties, a surprising number of standard features and the latest advanced safety technology. Here’s a look at new cars (and trucks) priced less than $20,000 — the least expensive 2022 models available in America. Note: Prices shown are for base-level trims and do not include destination charges or additional options.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Ford Maverick
Base MSRP: $19,995
Ford has amazing success with pickup trucks, and for 2022 the company introduces its first unibody compact pickup — the brand-new Maverick. Designed for both versatility and efficiency, the 2022 Ford Maverick comes with a hybrid drivetrain that has a U.S. EPA rating of 42 mpg in the city and a range of 500 miles on a full tank of fuel. Featuring an upright, squared-off exterior design, the 2022 Ford Maverick maximizes interior space and pays homage to early Ford trucks. The front end differs from other Ford trucks by incorporating a bar across the grille that connects the standard LED headlights for a distinctive look. Even the base-level hybrid offers a high level of utility since it’s able to tow 2,000 pounds or carry 1,500 pounds of cargo.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Elantra
Base MSRP: $19,950
Hyundai introduced an all-new Elantra for the 2021 model year, featuring a longer wheelbase, a wider stance and a lower roof profile than the outgoing model, as well as a new aggressive exterior similar to the recently redesigned Hyundai Sonata. The base-level Elantra SE comes in below the $20,000 mark with a long list of standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as advanced safety technology including forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection and blind-spot collision avoidance. A fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine produces 147 horsepower and is rated by the U.S. EPA at 43 mpg on the highway.
© Nissan North America
2022 Nissan Kicks
Base MSRP: $19,700
The entry-level model in Nissan’s crossover lineup, last year the 2021 Kicks received fresh styling highlighted by a new front bumper, slim headlights and a much larger take on Nissan’s signature Double V-Motion grille. One of a growing number of crossovers that do not offer all-wheel drive, the front-drive Kicks comes well equipped with air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch color touchscreen display, an AM/FM/CD audio system with eight speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, three USB ports and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Every Kicks gets equipped with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection; lane departure warning; blind-spot warning; rear cross-traffic alert; high-beam headlight assist and automatic rear braking.
© Nissan North America
2022 Nissan Sentra
Base MSRP: $19,510
A member of the Nissan lineup for more than 35 years, Sentra was all new for the 2020 model year. With styling that matches the rest of its siblings, the Sentra received added safety features, more power, better handling and a range of other improvements. The entry-level Sentra S comes well equipped with air-conditioning; Bluetooth connectivity; a 7-inch color touchscreen display; an AM/FM audio system with four speakers; a USB port; pushbutton start; a rearview monitor; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; and 16-inch steel wheels with covers. Also standard is Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection; forward collision warning; blind-spot warning; rear-door alert; rear cross-traffic alert; high-beam headlight assist; rear automatic braking; and lane departure warning.
© Kia Motors America
2022 Kia Soul
Base MSRP: $19,290
The Kia Soul was all new for the 2020 model year with fresh styling and an array of new features. Even as the Soul retains its iconic shape, it features a modern look with slim headlights, LED daytime running lights and boomerang-shaped taillights that frame the rear window. Available in multiple trim levels, the Soul’s entry-level LX comes with cloth seat trim; a trip computer; a 7-inch color touchscreen display; Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; Bluetooth connectivity; one USB outlet; a split-folding rear seat; and 16-inch steel wheels. For the 2022 model year, Kia will no longer offer the Soul with a manual gearbox — even the base-level LX comes with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission as standard equipment.
© Kia Motor America
2022 Kia Forte
Base MSRP: $19,090
For the 2022 model year the price rises a bit for Kia’s small sedan, although the added cost comes with a host of updates. Most noticeable is a new “tiger-nose” grille, a sleeker headlight design, revised front and rear bumpers, and a new trunk lid spoiler. The interior has a standard 8-inch touchscreen display as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2022 Forte also comes with the latest advances in driver-assistance systems, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and high-beam headlight assist.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Venue
Base MSRP: $19,000
In 2020 Hyundai broadened its SUV lineup with the all-new Venue. Now Hyundai’s smallest crossover, the Venue brings its own unique style to the brand. All trims have front-wheel drive and are powered by a 1.6-liter engine producing 121 horsepower, teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission. The base-level Venue S comes well equipped with air-conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen display, an AM/FM/HD audio system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. All Venues come with Hyundai SmartSense as a standard feature, which includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and driver attention warning.
© Subaru of America
2022 Subaru Impreza
Base MSRP: $18,795
Not only is the Subaru Impreza one of the most affordable cars in America, it is also the lowest priced vehicle with all-wheel drive (standard on all Imprezas). Subaru’s compact entry received a slight refresh for the 2020 model year, and it has a 2.0-liter Boxer engine producing 152 horsepower. The stylish small car is also fuel efficient, achieving up to 36 mpg on the highway when equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Standard features on the base-level Impreza include a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a split-folding rear seat, a rearview camera and a 5-speed manual transmission. The CVT adds $1,300 to the price, although CVT-equipped Imprezas also come with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Accent
Base MSRP: $16,645
A few years ago, Hyundai updated the Accent with fresh styling that fit well with the rest of the lineup. Last year this affordably priced Hyundai received an updated Smartstream 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower. When teamed with the new Intelligent Variable Transmission, fuel economy bumps up to 41 mpg on the highway. The base-level Accent SE is the only trim with a 6-speed manual transmission, and it comes with air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch display screen, a rearview camera, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, and 15-inch steel wheels.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Kia Rio Sedan
Base MSRP: $16,250
The least expensive car in Kia’s lineup, Rio received a refreshed exterior styling for 2021 for a sportier look, including a new front bumper, grille and rear bumper treatments. Inside, Rio adds a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a rear camera and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for all trim levels. Last year Kia upgraded Rio’s engine to a new 1.6-liter unit with multi-port injection producing 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque, combined with a new Intelligent Variable Transmission replacing the previous model’s 6-speed automatic. This results in a fuel economy increase to 36 mpg combined — up from 32 mpg combined for 2019. A new available Technology Package includes LED headlights, automatic temperature control, 15-inch alloy wheels, a smart key with pushbutton start, and new or enhanced Drive Wise features.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Nissan Versa
Base MSRP: $15,080
For a number of years, the Nissan Versa had the lowest price of all new cars in America, although in 2020 the Japan-based brand relinquished that title when introducing the all-new Versa. The new Nissan Versa now has new styling, a premium interior, the latest high-tech safety features and a much-improved ride. The base-level Versa S is equipped surprisingly well for the price, with features including Zero Gravity front seats; a pushbutton start; three USB ports; a 7-inch color touchscreen display; Bluetooth connectivity and streaming; a rearview monitor; and 15-inch steel wheels. Also standard is Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking, high-beam headlight assist, rear automatic braking and lane-departure warning.
© Mitsubishi Motors
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
Base MSRP: $14,645
Not only one of the most affordable new cars in America, Mitsubishi’s entry subcompact Mirage is also the new car with the least power — a mere 78 horsepower emanates from its 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine. Although power output is low, the Mirage delivers excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rated 36 mpg city / 43 mpg highway. For 2021 the Mirage received fresh exterior styling as well as a range of new features. Standard equipment on the base-level Mirage ES includes automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and an AM/FM audio system with four speakers. Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection is also standard equipment on every Mirage.
© General Motors
2022 Chevrolet Spark
Base MSRP: $13,600
The least expensive of all new cars available in America, the stylish and fun-to-drive Spark is available in several bright colors with funky names such as Nitro Yellow, Red Hot and Cayenne Orange Metallic. The Spark’s 1.4-liter engine produces 98 horsepower while delivering up to 38 mpg on the highway. Standard equipment on the base-level Spark LS includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, a rearview camera and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
