Why choose a used car instead of a used SUV? Maybe you value driving dynamics more than the elevated seating position an SUV offers.
Because cars are generally a bit more affordable than their SUV counterparts, you might be able to opt for a higher trim level and more advanced features while staying within the same budget.
We combed through listings to identify the best used cars under $20,000, concentrating on vehicles from the 2021–2023 model years.
We evaluated each car for quality, reliability, and safety, and we also compared them to their Ultimate Car Rankings when new to make sure they earned our recommendation.
Used Cars That Make Great First Impressions
First impressions matter — and the car you drive says a lot before you even step out of it. Whether you’re heading to a job interview, a first date, or just want to show you’ve got good taste, the right used car can help you stand out for all the right reasons without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll highlight used cars that not only look sharp but also deliver the comfort, reliability, and style needed to make a lasting impact. Let’s take a look at the best picks to help you roll up with confidence.
5. 2021–2023 Hyundai Sonata
For a midsize sedan that looks like nothing else on the road, there’s the 2021–2023 Hyundai Sonata. This four-door car makes our list with its nimble handling and tech-filled interior. Safety features and scores are strong for the segment.
Every version of the Sonata receives Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some won’t like the Sonata’s eye-catching exterior looks.
Certain safety features are restricted to higher trim levels, which command a more expensive price tag on the used car market. All-wheel drive isn’t offered on any Hyundai Sonata from the 2021–2023 model years.
The 2021–2023 Hyundai Sonata has an approximate price starting from $12,000. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick from 2021 to 2023.
Fuel economy ranges between 23-28 mpg in the city and 33-38 mpg on the highway. The driving range is between 429-509 miles, and the 0–60 MPH acceleration time spans from 5.3 to 7.8 seconds.
Hyundai injects some much-needed excitement into the otherwise dull mid-size family sedan segment with the bold and stylish Sonata.
The Sonata presents a strong case with a lineup that includes a well-equipped base model, a fuel-sipping hybrid, and a 290-hp N Line version tailored for thrill seekers who don’t mind front-wheel drive.
Two additional inline-four engines round out the offerings: a 191-hp base engine and a 180-hp turbocharged unit available for the SEL Plus and Limited trims.
The Sonata Hybrid pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor to drive the front wheels, producing a combined 195 horsepower and achieving an EPA-estimated 51 mpg on the highway. However, while the Sonata offers strong value at the intersection of price and equipment, its handling still lags behind sharper competitors like the Honda Accord.
For 2023, the Hyundai Sonata receives only minor equipment updates and largely remains a carryover from the previous model year.
The SEL and SEL Convenience trims now come with a larger 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the solar roof previously available on the Sonata Hybrid Limited has been replaced with a panoramic sunroof. The starting price for the 2023 Sonata is $26,215, and it tops out at $37,715 depending on trim and options.
Pricing for the lineup is as follows: SE at $26,215, SEL at $28,740, Blue Hybrid at $29,215, SEL Hybrid at $32,565, SEL Plus (recommended) at $33,240, N Line at $35,590, Limited at $36,440, and Limited Hybrid at $37,715.
The SEL Plus trim stands out as the most affordable way to access the upgraded 180-hp turbo-four engine.
It’s also currently the only Sonata to come standard with 19-inch wheels and enhanced all-season tires. Additional features include a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, leatherette and microsuede upholstery, back-seat air vents and a USB port, as well as wireless charging.
For an even better experience, it’s worth opting for the Tech package, which adds a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, the larger 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a panoramic sunroof, and a semi-autonomous driving mode.
Although the Sonata doesn’t match the sharp handling of top competitors like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, it still delivers composed and responsive road manners.
The ride, however, can feel more unsettled and firmer than most in its class. Powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, the Sonata managed a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds during our testing.
The eight-speed automatic transmission deserves praise for its smooth and timely shifts, and Hyundai also earns credit for sticking with a traditional automatic gearbox while many rivals have switched to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that, while efficient, tend to drone.
In our time with the Sonata Hybrid—which combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a motor-generator for a total of 192 horsepower—we appreciated its focus on fuel efficiency but found the transitions between gas and electric power less than seamless.
Meanwhile, the 290-hp N Line shines as one of the quickest front-wheel-drive cars we’ve tested, delivering a genuinely thrilling driving experience with a 0-60 mph time of just 5.0 seconds—only a tenth of a second slower than the Honda Civic Type R.
Also Read: 10 SUVs That Are Overbuilt in the Best Way Possible With Power, Luxury, and Road Dominance
4. 2021–2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
An affordable EV with solid driving range, the Chevrolet Bolt is worth considering. Smooth acceleration and nimble handling make for a pleasant driving experience.
The interior is spacious, with plenty of room for second-row passengers. A large standard display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We aren’t fans of this car’s unnatural brake pedal feel.
The cheap-feeling interior materials are a letdown, and some of the best driver assistance features are optional. Be aware that a used EV may have a bit less driving range than a brand-new EV.
The 2021–2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV has an approximate starting price of $12,000. It holds a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Its fuel economy is rated at 127-131 mpg-e in the city and 108-109 mpg-e on the highway. The driving range is 259 miles, and it can accelerate from 0–60 MPH in approximately 6.3-6.4 seconds.
3. 2021–2023 Mazda 3
The current-generation Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback are some of the best-looking entries in the compact car segment. Inside the cabin, materials and styling are top notch. Steering and handling are commendable.
What’s more, Mazda outfits the 3 with a strong suite of active safety tech, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard rear torsion-beam suspension is unsettled, and the compact’s cabin can be loud over imperfect pavement.
The Mazda 3 sacrifices outward visibility for great looks. Fuel economy isn’t as good as rivals, either.The 2021–2023 Mazda 3 has an approximate starting price of $14,000. It boasts a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Fuel economy ranges between 23-28 mpg in the city and 31-37 mpg on the highway. The driving range falls between 330-409 miles, and the 0–60 MPH acceleration time is between 5.9-8.1 seconds.
Mazda has expanded the 3’s engine lineup for this year, adding a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to the upper trims.
On the other end, the base model now comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Other changes for the 2021 model year mostly involve equipment reshuffling between trims.
For example, while the mid-range Preferred trim no longer comes standard with navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, or the 12-speaker Bose stereo system, it does now include a power sunroof.
The starting price for the 2021 Mazda 3 is $21,645 and climbs up to $33,595 depending on trim level and options. The Base model starts at $21,645, the 2.5 S at $22,645, and the Select trim at $24,845.
The Preferred trim, which is recommended, costs $25,495, while the Premium model is priced at $27,995. The 2.5 Turbo trim starts at $31,045, and the Premium Plus tops the lineup at $33,595. Although the 3 hatchback has a distinctive and appealing look, its bulbous rear compromises visibility, making the sedan a smarter choice.
Those wanting all-wheel drive can add it to most trims for an additional $1400. Choosing the Preferred trim brings standard features like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, enhancing comfort and convenience.
Mazda offers three different four-cylinder engines for the 3. The base sedan uses a 2.0-liter engine making 155 horsepower, offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. Stepping up to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produces 186 horsepower, unlocks access to an optional all-wheel-drive system.
However, the most exciting option is the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that delivers 250 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is available but only with front-wheel drive, while choosing all-wheel drive requires opting for a six-speed automatic transmission.
Regardless of which model you pick, every version of the 3 responds promptly to throttle inputs, although the naturally aspirated engines aren’t particularly quick.
In testing, the turbocharged engine delivered a strong performance, reaching 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Both sedan and hatchback versions handle with poise on straightaways and winding roads, while also providing a refined and comfortable ride.
The newest Mazda 3 has been praised for preserving the playful driving character of the outgoing model, boasting tight body control, steering that feels natural and communicative, and a firm suspension that still manages to absorb rough patches without beating up occupants.
2. 2021–2023 Subaru Impreza
Offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the 2021–2023 Subaru Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive. Offered with a manual transmission, the Impreza also provides a smooth ride and balanced handling.
Fuel economy is commendable. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. We aren’t fans of the Impreza’s underpowered engine, nor the excessive road noise in Sport models.
The snooze-worthy exterior styling is sure to get old quickly. Dated interior features could be an issue for some buyers.
The 2021–2023 Subaru Impreza has an approximate starting price of $14,000. It carries a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2021 and 2022.
Fuel economy is rated between 22-28 mpg in the city and 30-36 mpg on the highway. The driving range spans 330-422 miles, and the 0–60 MPH acceleration time falls between 9.3-9.7 seconds.
Also Read: 8 Sedans That Hold Their Value and 8 That Depreciate Instantly
1. 2021–2023 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry takes the formula for affordable transportation and adds a dash of sportiness. Strong engine options, excellent safety scores, and ample standard features make this a solid choice for a daily driver.
The Camry is very efficient with the entry-level four-cylinder engine yet also posts decent acceleration figures. Although this version of the Toyota Camry is sportier than prior iterations of the midsize sedan, dull steering is a letdown.
Contemporaries offer better handling and a more refined ride. The back seat is smaller than other midsizers in the 2021–2023 model years.
The 2021–2023 Toyota Camry has an approximate starting price of $15,000. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ from 2021 to 2023.
Fuel economy ranges from 22-28 mpg in the city and 31-39 mpg on the highway. The driving range is between 395-506 miles, and the 0–60 MPH acceleration time falls between 5.8-7.6 seconds.
Over the years, he has driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles across the globe, building a vast library of automotive experiences that could easily fill a book.
When he’s not dreaming about earning his racing license or hunting down expired film for his vintage cameras, Kurt is usually found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
The 2023 Toyota Camry comes with several standout strengths. It offers high fuel economy from its four-cylinder engine, has plenty of cabin and cargo space, and features easy steering and excellent visibility, making it an easy car to drive.
The Camry also includes a comprehensive suite of driver safety aids as standard. However, there are a couple of drawbacks to note. The four-cylinder engine sounds unrefined, and drivers may notice elevated levels of wind and road noise at highway speeds.
This year, the SE Nightshade model gets an update, swapping its previous 18-inch black wheels for new 19-inch bronze-painted alloys. The 2023 Camry is part of the eighth generation, originally introduced in 2018.
Since its debut in the U.S. market back in 1983, the Toyota Camry has consistently been one of the most popular and successful sedans in its class.
The current-generation Camry remains roomy, comfortable, sharp-looking, and pleasant to drive, even if it doesn’t bring a lot of excitement behind the wheel. It’s also one of the rare midsize sedans that still offer all-wheel drive, a huge plus for those living in snowy regions who don’t want to switch to an SUV.
The 2023 Camry represents the sixth year of production for this generation, which first launched in 2018.
Typically, Toyota sedans and crossovers follow a five-year life cycle, but the Camry pushes forward essentially unchanged for another year. Aside from the SE Nightshade Edition’s new wheels, there are no major updates.
Of course, there are other midsize sedan options out there. The Honda Accord remains the Camry’s biggest rival, while the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 deliver a lot of value and style. To determine if the Toyota Camry deserves a spot in your driveway, take a look at our Expert Rating below.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to actually live with a Camry, we can help there too. We bought a 2018 Toyota Camry SE and tested it extensively for more than a year.
You can check out our long-term Toyota Camry test, where we detail everything from seat comfort to driving impressions and fuel economy.
Although the 2023 Camry does differ slightly from the 2018 model — notably, the newer version includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which the older one lacked — the
The Worst-Selling Cars
It’s finally July, which means we’re officially halfway through the calendar year. That also means that even the automakers that only announce quarterly sales figures have released their sales reports, allowing sites like Jalopnik to dig through the data hoping to find something interesting.
The biggest story is probably that Tesla’s sales continue to drop, coming in with two consecutive quarters where sales were down for the first time since 2012. We also noticed that sales of both the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage are up significantly.
As we love to do every quarter, we also used data from our friends over at Good Car Bad Car to find the worst-selling cars through the first half of the year.
We also skipped cars that are no longer in production since, of course, sales are going to drop once the company stops making new ones.
If you really want a “new” Fiat 500X, though, there are still a few hundred in stock. Trust us. You don’t want a “new” Fiat 500X.
Anyway, let’s take a look at what made the list.
5. Acura ZDX
The old Acura ZDX was an odd duck, and so is the all-electric new one. So far, Acura has only found buyers for 338 of them, but it only just went on sale recently, so we’ll be interested to see whether or not those sales figures continue to climb through the rest of the year.
Acura has been slow to jump into the EV world: the 2024 ZDX marks the brand’s first fully electric model. As is often the case with latecomers, Acura has benefited from watching others’ mistakes. The ZDX emerges as a high-tech, five-seat electric SUV that rarely puts a foot—or tire—wrong.
However, anyone familiar with driving Acuras will find that being behind the wheel of the ZDX—or letting it drive itself—feels distinctly different. It raises a big question: can an Acura still be truly great if it doesn’t feel exactly like an Acura?
The ZDX was born from the now-defunct partnership between Honda (Acura’s parent company) and General Motors. While the ZDX’s bodywork sets it apart from its Honda and GM siblings, its basic proportions reveal its Ultium lineage, with similarities to the Honda Prologue, the SUVOTY-winning Chevrolet Blazer, and, to a lesser extent, the Cadillac Lyriq.
The styling, however, is unmistakably Acura, heavily inspired by the Precision EV concept. What stands out most in person is just how large the ZDX is—the Type S model shown here wears massive 22-inch wheels that visually shrink its dimensions, but its measurements tell a different story.
The ZDX matches the MDX in length and width but rides on an 8.0-inch-longer wheelbase and sits 2.7 inches lower in height.
All in all, we’re impressed with what Acura has crafted. The forward-thrusting nose and illuminated grille surround are eye-catching, as is the long, flat hood—though if you’re hoping that hood hides a generous frunk, sorry to disappoint, Charles.
Instead, it’s packed with critical control hardware. Moving to the rear, the hatch panel’s protrusion from the rear glass offers a bit of Renault-like flair, although the chrome strip along the greenhouse feels a little puzzling. Maybe it’s intended to echo the silhouette of the original ZDX?
The issue is that when the sun sits low, it highlights the character line behind the chrome, twisting its shape into a curlicue—and unfortunately, it gives the ZDX an awkward resemblance to a hearse.
If the ZDX’s GM underpinnings aren’t immediately obvious from the exterior, they become crystal clear once you step inside.
Beyond the Acura badging, the cabin is pure General Motors—and honestly, that’s a compliment. Yes, you’ll find a few cheap-feeling, pebbly plastics around shin level, but overall, the material quality is solid.
More importantly, the ZDX’s interior layout is better thought out than that of most current Acuras. Climate controls are logically grouped (though Acura’s love affair with physical buttons lives on), and the center touchscreen is large and vibrant.
The instrument cluster is an 11.0-inch digital screen capable of displaying a live map from either the onboard Google system or a connected smartphone, and a crisp, easy-to-read head-up display projects vital info onto the windshield.
Full credit to GM for the pocket-style wireless charger, which secures your phone even during spirited cornering. All these features come standard on the ZDX, along with soft leather seats featuring contrast stitching and a large, opening panoramic sunroof.
The one significant misstep is the drive mode selector. In traditional Acuras, it’s given pride of place on the center stack. In the ZDX, though, it’s demoted to a rocker switch tucked awkwardly near the driver’s left knee, right next to the parking brake.
4. Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai is great in a lot of ways, but it’s hard to sell a car that’s this difficult to refuel. The only place you could maybe get away with owning a hydrogen fuel cell car is in Los Angeles, and even there, you’re probably still better off getting a regular EV.
Still, some massive discounts have managed to convince 245 people to take a chance on the Mirai.
The mid-size Toyota Mirai sedan stands as one of the very few hydrogen-powered vehicles available in the U.S. Toyota has been selling the Mirai since 2015—now in its second generation—showcasing the brand’s unwavering commitment to this rare form of alternative energy.
Powered by an onboard fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity, the Mirai is more intimately acquainted with chemical reactions than most tenured science professors.
That generated electricity feeds a 182-hp electric motor, with a direct-drive transmission channeling the power to the rear wheels.
Although the Mirai lacks the punchy, head-snapping acceleration seen in many battery-electric vehicles—in fact, it’s downright slow—it still manages to be surprisingly fun to drive, delivering a smooth, refined ride paired with responsive handling.
Inside, the Mirai steps well above typical Toyota standards, boasting a premium design that wouldn’t look out of place in a Lexus, along with a generous helping of modern tech features.
At first glance, it comes across as a genuinely appealing package. However, there’s a major reason you don’t see many Mirais out on the road: they’re only available in California, the one state with anything close to an adequate network of hydrogen refueling stations.
3. Fiat 500e
The new Fiat 500e has been fully redesigned and offers a much better range than before. Still, in order to justify the $32,500 base price, you need to live somewhere that makes the 500e’s small size a valuable asset.
So far, only 203 500es have found new homes, but like the ZDX, it only recently went on sale, so it’ll be interesting to see what sales look like three and six months from now.
This is the Fiat 500e, a city car that combines charming retro-chic styling with an all-electric powertrain—it’s a bit like Greta Thunberg, because it’s small and eco-friendly.
The 500e is slightly larger and heavier than the gasoline-powered 500, which is still available for purchase, but it retains its compact proportions.
If you’re in the market for a small EV, your options are limited; however, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, BYD Dolphin, and Peugeot e-208 all stand out as excellent alternatives.
Instead of cluttering the exterior with unnecessary details, Fiat has taken a clean-sheet approach, making the 500 even smoother, rounder, and more minimalist than before. It’s like your grandad finally giving up the dyed comb-over in favor of a clean-shaven head: smoother, simpler, cooler.
One of the most noticeable changes is at the front, where the old model’s headlights have been replaced with two semi-circular lamps featuring curved daytime-running lights that extend through the bonnet.
Along the sides, the flush door handles and hidden indicators are about the only major changes you’ll notice, and around the back, the absence of an exhaust pipe is an obvious sign that you’re looking at the new all-electric version.
Sure, at first glance the new Fiat 500e looks a lot like its predecessor from the outside, but once you step inside, it’s a completely different experience.
The interior now features a brand-new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster replacing the old-school analog dials, along with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The controls for heating and air conditioning are neatly grouped below the central screen, and where a gear lever would typically sit in a petrol- or diesel-powered car, the 500e now has a convenient storage tray.
2. Nissan GT-R
Nissan continually improved the GT-R over its 15-plus-year run, killed it once, brought it back, and is now killing it again.
Production doesn’t end until October, though, so if you want one of the last GT-Rs ever made, you should still be able to get your hands on one. Apparently, though, not many people do because Nissan has only sold 150 of them this year.
The well-known JDM gentleman’s agreement was a pact among Japanese automakers to cap the advertised horsepower figures at 276 hp and to limit top speeds to 112 mph.
The important word here is “advertised,” as the actual output of many JDM performance vehicles was much higher. Take the Nissan R34, for instance — while it was officially listed at 276 hp, its real output was closer to 330 hp.
The purpose of the agreement was to prevent a horsepower competition from spiraling out of control in Japan. Most manufacturers adhered to it for some time, although Acura eventually became the first to break ranks.
Meanwhile, Nissan never seemed particularly concerned with concealing the truth. One clear example of this attitude was the hardcore version of the Nissan R33 Skyline GT-R that was developed by Nismo.
1. Hyundai Nexo
Once you saw the Mirai on the list, was last place ever going to go to anything other than the Hyundai Nexo? If someone handed you the keys to a fully fueled one and sent you on a test drive, you’d probably like it just fine.
Right up until you realized how annoying it was going to be to find a hydrogen fueling station. So far this year, only 77 people have been talked into paying real money for a brand-new Nexo.
In recent years, the market has become saturated with SUVs, but the Hyundai Nexo stands out as a unique crossover. Unlike the majority of SUVs, the Nexo is equipped with a hydrogen-fuel cell electric powertrain.
Rather than relying on being plugged in like most electric vehicles, the Nexo — similar to its closest competitor, the Toyota Mirai — powers its electric motors using hydrogen. The vehicle’s tanks can be refilled in approximately five minutes.
This enables the Nexo to provide up to 380 miles of emissions-free driving between refuels, and these stops are significantly faster than recharging a conventional EV. However, the Nexo faces a major hurdle: the lack of a widespread hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Outside of California, hydrogen stations are scarce or nearly impossible to find. As a result, Hyundai only offers the Nexo in California, making it a relatively niche offering in the U.S.
