While the most affordable and cheapest SUVs have to start, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a cheaper one. In fact, you can find four compact SUV models starting at under $20,000. What are they and what do they offer?
Kia Soul 2020
It’s the highest-rated subcompact SUV on the list, and for good reason. US News reviewers were impressed by the large amount of space in the cabin and cargo area. The vehicle’s test drivers were also pleased with the turbocharged engine and user-friendly infotainment technology.
, Most trims are equipped with a four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp. But with the GT-Line Turbo version, you get a turbocharged variant that generates 201bhp. The base model offers a manual transmission, while the other trims have the CVT, with the exception of the GT-Line, which offers a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
As for fuel economy, the manual transmission delivers 25 mpg on city streets and 31 mpg when traveling on the highway. The CVT model gets you slightly more at 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. With the seven-speed transmission, the Soul can get 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Features include a rearview camera, fabric upholstery on the lower trims, a 7-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo, and driver attention monitoring. For higher trims, you get a 10.25-inch screen, HD radio, wireless device charging, and push-button start. You can get all of this for a starting price of $17,725.
2019 Hyundai Kona
The Kona, like the Soul, also takes first place on the list. It’s not hard to imagine as this Hyundai model has a refined interior, an intuitive infotainment system and athletic driving dynamics. For a starting price of $19,241, you get a lot. First, there’s the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 147bhp and an available 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 175bhp. Paired with them is a six-speed automatic, but you can opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
As for fuel economy, the front-wheel drive version gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The available all-wheel drive saves you three miles per gallon when traveling on the highway. With the turbocharged engine, you can expect to get 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, but if you have the all-wheel drive model, you’ll get 26 mpg on city streets and 29 mpg when traveling on the highway.
Features of this model include cloth seats on the lower trims, remote keyless entry, rear view camera, blind spot monitoring and push button start. Upper trims offer leather seating, an eight-speaker stereo, LED headlamps, sunroof, high beam assist, and rain-sensing wipers.
2018 buick bis
The third SUV on the list, also takes the first place is . This model offers a lot for the price, which should be around $19,113 on the used market if you can find one with relatively low miles. The Encore made it to the top thanks to its smooth ride quality, high safety scores, and roomy cabin.
What do you get for the price? Well, the Encore offers a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder that makes 138bhp. There is also a variant available that generates 153bhp. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. For fuel economy, the model delivers 25 mpg on city streets with the 138-hp front-wheel drive version. The AWD model offers slightly less at 24 mpg city 30 mpg highway. With the 153-hp engine, you get 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the FWD version and 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the all-wheel drive model.
As far as features go, you won’t be disappointed. You get cloth upholstery, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, voice recognition, a USB port, and rear cross traffic alert with the lower trims. For higher-end levels, you get blind-spot monitoring, leather-trimmed seats, driver’s seat memory, a heated steering wheel, a seven-speaker Bose stereo, and front and rear parking sensors.
2016 Honda HR-V
Fourth on the list is , which is an older model from 2016. This SUV offers plenty of cargo space, a roomy interior, and a smooth ride. You can get quite a lot for the starting price of $17,590.
First, there’s only one engine option: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 141 hp. Paired is a six-speed manual, but a CVT is available. Fuel economy isn’t all that bad. You can get 28 mpg when traveling in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
As far as standard features go, you get a decent amount. These include a 5 inch LCD display, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Optional items include a sunroof, a 7-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and touch controls to replace some of the physical buttons on the dashboard.
If you’re looking for a good SUV but don’t want to pay exorbitant prices for new vehicles, some models won’t break the bank. The top four versions offering a good deal for under $20,000 are the 2016 Honda HR-V, 2018 Buick Encore, 2019 Hyundai Kona, and 2020 Kia Soul.
