10 of the Best Sedans Under $20k

2021 Nissan Sentra SR ・ Photo by Nissan

Sedans might not be as popular as SUVs and crossovers these days, but there are still plenty of reasons why they’re a great choice. Comfortable interiors, smooth rides, and a wide range of pricing ensure there’s a sedan that’s right for your needs and your budget.

While sedans can get expensive, there are lots of affordable options, too. Here are the 10 best sedans for under $20,000.

2021 Kia Forte

The 2021 Kia Forte comes in at a starting price of just $17,890 and has five trims. Those under $20,000 feature a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower paired to either a 6-speed manual or a continually variable automatic transmission.

Standard features include an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4-speaker audio system. There’s also extensive standard safety that includes forward collision avoidance, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Cloth seating surfaces with 6-way adjustable front seats are also standard on the Forte.

Photo by Kia

2021 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa starts at just $14,980, making it a very affordable option. It’s available in four trims, all of which stay under $20,000. Standard features include a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 4-speaker audio, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. There’s available blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert as well as Apple CarPlay an Android Auto.

It gets great fuel economy from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes it more affordable when gas prices rise. There’s also a choice of either a continuously variable automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission for those who enjoy the fancy footwork.

Photo by Nissan

2021 Kia Rio

The 2021 Kia Rio has a starting price of $16,050 with a choice of two trims. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 120 horsepower paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. This affordable sedan has a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MP3 player, and 4-speaker audio system.

There are also intermittent wipers, heated outside mirrors, a tilt steering column, and 6-way adjustable cloth seats for front passengers. The upgraded S trim still comes in at only $16,690 and adds keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a rear USB charger, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for better flexibility when it comes time to carry cargo rather than just people.

Photo by Kia

2021 Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is a roomy and attractive sedan that starts T $19,460. It comes in three trims with power coming from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower. This is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission for a smooth and well-mannered ride.

Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and lane departure warning. That’s an extensive list for a vehicle at this price. There’s also 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 4-speaker audio system, and Apple CarPlay to keep you connected.

Photo by Nissan

2021 Hyundai Accent

The 2021 Hyundai Accent is available in a range of three trims, all priced below $20,000, with the base trim priced at only $15,024. Power for the full lineup comes from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower paired to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic.

Standard features include a 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with 4-speaker audio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and AM/FM radio. All but the base trim has a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth handsfree smartphone connectivity with voice recognition, and 6-speaker audio. The top-of-the-line Limited trim also has forward collision avoidance assist as a standard feature.

Photo by Hyundai

2021 Subaru Impreza

The 2021 Subaru Impreza is priced from $19,720. This includes a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower paired to a 5-speed manual transmission with the option for a continuously variable automatic. All-wheel drive is also a standard feature on the Impreza. Additional standard features include power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and power side mirrors.

Standard infotainment includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, front USB port, 4-speaker audio, and Bluetooth handsfree phone connectivity. Standard safety includes pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure warning, and sway warning with lane keep assist.

Photo by Subaru

2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is priced from $19,850, just barely qualifying for our list. Base trims are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Standard features include automatic high headlamps and high beams, intermittent windshield wipers, cloth seats, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, and manual air conditioning.

Infotainment includes a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, 4-speaker audio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There’s also Bluetooth handsfree smartphone connectivity and dual USB ports. Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert are also standard on the Elantra.

Photo by Hyundai

2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is priced from $18,995. Power comes from a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower. This is paired to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include power side mirrors, 16-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and cloth seating surfaces.

Standard infotainment in the Jetta features a 6.5-inch infotainment touch screen, AM/FM, two USB ports, a 4-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity. On the safety front, every Jetta has automatic post-collision braking. The base offers added safety through the Driver-Assistance package for an affordable $500. This adds front assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and heated side mirrors while keeping the total price under $20,000.

Photo by Volkswagen

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is available in four trims, all of which are priced below the $20,000 mark. The base ES starts at $15,295 while the top SE is only $18,195. Standard features include a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 76 horsepower paired to either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Standard infotainment includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4-speaker audio system, a front USB port, and Bluetooth wireless smartphone connectivity. There’s also standard automatic climate control, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows, and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat. Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection is also standard while the top SE trim adds lane departure warning.

Photo by Mitsubishi

2021 Mazda Mazda3

Pricing for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 comes in at $20,650 so it’s just barely above our cutoff, but that’s about $900 less than it was last year. It’s also so fun to drive and so stylish we just had to include it on our list. Power comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available on top trims.

This sleek sedan has an 8.8-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial on the center console. There are two USB ports, 8 speakers, and Bluetooth handsfree smartphone connectivity. Safety features include lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert, and cruise control with stop and go.

Photo by Mazda