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.
Characteristics of Crossovers Under $20k
If you’re going to buy a new SUV or crossover , these are the some of the specs one should expect from some of the best SUVs of 2024 under $20k:
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
Most SUVs and crossovers below this price point are subcompact or compact in size, but there are not many to choose from with most SUVs just pushing over the $20k mark. However, those that are available are highly-rated options to consider:
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.