- Best SUVs of 2023 Under 20k
- Characteristics of Crossovers Under $20k
- What To Consider Before Buying Under $20k
- Pros
- Cons
- New SUVs Under $20,000
- FAQs
- Is it worth buying an SUV for $20k?
- Do crossovers under $20,000 have adequate safety features?
- What options are there between $20k and $25k
- All new suv cars
- 2024 Mazda CX-9: Redesign, Specs, and Release Date
- 2024 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid: Everything You Need to Know
- 2024 Volvo XC60 Redesign, Release Date, Specs
- 2024 Subaru Forester Redesign: Specs, and Release Date
- 2024 Mazda CX-5 Price, Redesign, Hybrid
- 2024 Honda Passport Interior, Release Date, and Specs
- 2024 Infiniti QX80 Interior, Specs, and Price
- 2024 Ford Edge Hybrid: Specs, Price, and Release Date
- 2024 Nissan Murano Redesign, Hybrid, Price
- 2024 Chevy Traverse Release Date, Changes, Specs
- All The New SUVs And Crossovers Coming In 2022
- 2022 Bentley Bentayga S
- 2022 Acura MDX Type S
- 2022 Lexus LX
Best SUVs of 2023 Under 20k
Could a brand new SUV under $20,000 possibly offer real value for money, and would it be a reliable passenger vehicle at such a low price? It may be difficult to imagine that there are solid, dependable vehicles at this price point that tick all the boxes an SUV should, but with the popularity of the segment expanding year by year, there are more options than ever before as automakers vie for top honors — sadly, this segment is shrinking, meaning you’ll have slim pickings when you want to buy for less than $20,000 in the USA at present. The reasonable price tag means some great benefits, but as time goes by, there’ll be fewer options to peruse.
- Cheapest New SUVs
- Cheapest Small SUVs
- Cheapest Hybrid SUVs
- Cheapest Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury SUVs
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Luxury 7-Seater SUVs
- Best Cheap Luxury SUVs
- Best SUVs Under 25k
- Best SUVs Under 30k
Characteristics of Crossovers Under $20k
- Powertrain: Most options in this bracket will likely come with a naturally aspirated, low-displacement four-cylinder motor coupled to an automatic transmission or CVT. An FWD setup is also a staple, with access to AWD as an option.
- Performance: In this price range, the target market is not the performance-oriented buyer or the gearhead, so performance here is aimed at daily livability and is generally more efficiency-minded that focused on take-offs and 0-60 times.
- Features: If you’re not forking over top dollar, it’s understandable that the features list won’t be overly extensive. That doesn’t mean you should expect a barebones vehicle, however, and even the entry-level models these days have the basics of safety and convenience features like climate control, adjustable seats, cruise control, and a basic touchscreen for the infotainment display.
- Interior materials and build quality: Many automakers offering low-priced SUVs are known for quality and reliability, so paying less than $20k doesn’t immediately mean you’re buying an inferior product. It may mean cloth upholstery over leather and hard-touch plastics over higher-rent materials, but the fit and fix of the equipment are still solid.
What To Consider Before Buying Under $20k
If you’re shopping for the best new SUV priced under $20,000, there are some things to consider first:
Pros
- There’s still plenty of value for a low price
- Compact cars in this category generally return relatively frugal mpg ratings
- They provide good practicality and versatility of use
- Basic safety elements are generally included
- Hard-wearing interiors are ideal for families with small passengers
Cons
- The considerably low pricing point naturally means less luxury and comfort
- Many of the top-of-the-line trims exceed the 20k mark
- Manufacturer focus on affordability often comes at the cost of driving pleasure
- Fewer options as the economy shifts
New SUVs Under $20,000
- Kia Soul — What makes the Soul stand out above rest is its broad versatility as a car that appeals to driving enthusiasts, the budget-conscious, and the mature driver, all at once. It manages to package fun-to-drive dynamics, consummate safety levels, and leading practicality all together without compromise, not to mention a flashy and unique design. Although only the base trim falls below the dollar mark in question, these are still worth considering.
- Hyundai Venue — Slotting in below the Kona in terms of size, the new Venue is the brand’s smallest SUV. The exterior and interior exudes modernity, and the cabin is masterfully appointed to look and feel convincingly premium despite being simple and budget-friendly. Creature comforts are plentiful here, and inclusive driver-assist technologies are abundant. The base model is well below $20k, while the mid-range trim just breaks the price point.
- Nissan Kicks — Barely under the $20k mark, the Kicks has a 1.6-liter four-pot under the hood. It was meant to fill the shoes of the once admired Juke. It is generously outfitted with driver-assistance features as standard and proves to be impressively fuel-efficient. The latest models aren’t likely to remain this cheap.
FAQs
Is it worth buying an SUV for $20k?
Sticking to a budget is often the primary concern when shopping for a vehicle, but the importance of finding a vehicle that ticks all the boxes should not be underestimated, especially when it comes to ferrying your family around. While there are some value-for-money choices for around $20,000, you may want to consider spending a little more on the options to flesh out things like driver assists. The choice in this price bracket is also becoming increasingly limited, and buying new SUVs for under $20k is not always going to be viable, and you may have to settle for a used version.
Do crossovers under $20,000 have adequate safety features?
Thanks to legislation, items like a rearview camera, seat belts, LATCH child safety seat system, electronic stability contro, and front airbags are requirements you’ll find across the board. Some of the best SUVs under $20k have this and more. The Nissan Kicks comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear auto braking. Even the base model Hyundai Venue has forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection and driver attention warning in it’s safety suite. While these aren’t comprehensive, the basics are covered, at least.
What options are there between $20k and $25k
Since economic trends have seen increases in base prices of new cars, you may need to consider pre-owned models from 2019 or 2020 if you want to stay under the $20k mark. Otherwise, look one step up at new SUVs between $20k and $25k, where you’ll find the higher-specced versions of the models we’ve mentioned already, as well as the latest Ford Ecosport, which just breaks the $20k price. Other options worth considering in the US include the Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, and Buick Encore.
All new suv cars
The forthcoming 2024 Chevy Suburban will continue its journey as one of the biggest SUVs on the market. This model is very elegant and upright, both in and out. Design is quite stylish, despite larger dimensions. The interior is even better in our opinion. Inside the cabin, Suburban model offers plenty of high-tech features and…
2024 Mazda CX-9: Redesign, Specs, and Release Date
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2024 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid: Everything You Need to Know
This redesign was a long time coming, but finally, we are getting a new 2024 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid. The 4Runner is a well-known name, it is not a new kid on the block. As a matter of fact, this is the fifth generation of SUVs. It has been on the road since 2009 so it…
2024 Volvo XC60 Redesign, Release Date, Specs
This redesign was a long time coming, here comes the fresh 2024 Volvo XC60. This SUV is one of many under the Swedish manufacturer flag. The smaller of the bunch, XC60 doesn’t lack in many regards. It is one of the top-selling SUVs on the market with good reason. It is elegant, stylish, and well-performing.…
2024 Subaru Forester Redesign: Specs, and Release Date
There’s a new kid on the block: the 2024 Subaru Forester. This redesign is coming in just in time; most manufacturers are refreshing their creations as well. So it was about time that Subaru gave the same treatment to one of their top sellers. The Forester is one of those legendary vehicles that Subaru made…
2024 Mazda CX-5 Price, Redesign, Hybrid
It seems new SUVs are dropping from the sky, here comes the 2024 Mazda CX-5. There was some grim news for the SUV fans. We heard through the grapevine that the compact crossover was on the brink of extinction. Mazda said they are planning to discontinue their flagship SUV. But luckily for us, that hasn’t…
2024 Honda Passport Interior, Release Date, and Specs
New SUVs are all around us, here comes the 2024 Honda Passport. This is a marvelous creation by Honda, the mid-size SUV is one of the top-selling ones in the category. But in order to stay a top dog, it needs to upgrade some stuff. All around the market, we can see new updates and…
2024 Infiniti QX80 Interior, Specs, and Price
Another redesign is happening in the SUV market, the 2024 Infiniti QX80 is finally getting a redesign. The current QX80 has been around for a while, ten years to be exact. In the automotive industry, this is a whole lot of time. This means the SUV is ready for some updates. Therefore, it would be…
2024 Ford Edge Hybrid: Specs, Price, and Release Date
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2024 Nissan Murano Redesign, Hybrid, Price
This is the season for new SUVs, the 2024 Nissan Murano is just one of the many. There are numerous new additions to the SUV market, and the Murano might seem like just one face in the crowd. But this compact SUV is more than that. Nissan did a great job at checking all the…
2024 Chevy Traverse Release Date, Changes, Specs
Another big SUV is coming our way, a 2024 Chevy Traverse is about to drop. The popular SUV from the well-known manufacturer has a good design. But its age is starting to show and the competitors are getting an edge with their updated designs. Therefore, Chevy needed to do something, even though they had their…
All The New SUVs And Crossovers Coming In 2022
America used to be a station-wagon-loving nation, but it and the rest of the world have since moved on and fallen in love with crossovers and SUVs instead. This newfound romance has led to the likes of Buick only selling one body style in the US, and as the market continues to grow, more manufacturers have launched their first SUVs or created more variants thereof. We’ve already had a great selection to browse throughout 2021, but more options are coming in 2022 with more tech and luxury than ever before. Excluding all-electric vehicles, these are the family-friendly crossovers and SUVs to keep an eye out for in the new year.
Bentley
2022 Bentley Bentayga S
Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, you’d think that the Bentley Bentayga has more than enough power, and it does, but wealthy buyers are looking for something sportier. Thus, the British brand is launching the Bentayga S for the 2022 model year with the same 542 horsepower we’ve become accustomed to but with refinements in the way the tall luxury vehicle handles. This is to be achieved through Bentley’s Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control, along with 15% stiffer suspension. The exhaust has also been redeveloped for a more robust sound. At $219,800, it’s certainly not cheap, but if you enjoy your luxury in a fun-to-drive package, it’s certainly worth considering.
Bentley
Bentley
2022 Acura MDX Type S
If you like a premium SUV that is exciting to drive but don’t want to go bankrupt, Acura has the answer in the form of the MDX Type S. This still isn’t exactly a bargain, with a fully loaded model priced at over $70,000, but you certainly get a lot for your money. Acura’s most powerful SUV ever produces 355 hp from its turbocharged V6 engine and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Its clever AWD system combines with Brembo front brakes for responsive handling while the 10-speed automatic gearbox is a dream to use both when you’re cruising calmly and when you’re chasing sunsets. If you’d prefer something less extreme, the RDX is getting refreshed for the new year too.
Acura
Acura
2022 Lexus LX
Those who want their luxury SUVs to be brilliant off the beaten path rather than on it can prepare for the arrival of the Toyota Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX. We still don’t have US pricing for the new off-roader, but as it boasts a full redesign, we wouldn’t expect it to be very cheap. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 will send 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic to the 4WD system while Active Height Control with Adaptive Variable Suspension will give drivers «improved grip, traction, and control,» says Lexus. It will be available in a new trim called Ultra Luxury with reclining rear seats and a «VIP seating experience» that offers up to 43 inches of legroom. Simply put, if you want supreme comfort in the ultimate luxury off-road package, look no further. Also joining us from the Lexus stable will be the NX, but getting hold of either will be a challenge.
Lexus
Lexus
Lexus