Buying a safe car doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has spent years testing vehicles for crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and headlight performance. Many models that once carried Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ badges as new cars have now depreciated into the used market.
That means shoppers can find genuinely safe vehicles for under $20,000 today. These cars combine strong structural design with advanced driver-assistance features. Many still include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
This list focuses on used models from roughly 2019 to 2021. Each one earned strong IIHS marks during its original testing cycle. We’ve also included specifications, so you know exactly what you’re getting under the hood.
Reliability, resale value, and safety technology were all factored into these picks. Whether you need a sedan, a crossover, or a wagon-like SUV, there’s something here. Let’s look at eight of the safest used cars you can buy on a budget.
1. 2020-2021 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has long been a benchmark for midsize sedan safety. It earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status in both 2020 and 2021. That’s largely thanks to standard Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of driver-assist technology.
Every trim comes with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are also standard. This makes the Accord unusually well-equipped for a car in this price range.
Crash test results were excellent across categories. The Accord scored “Good” in moderate overlap, side, and roof strength tests. Its headlights also earned an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating depending on trim.
Used examples from these years are plentiful and hold value well. A 2020 Accord EX or LX typically falls between $18,000 and $20,000 with moderate mileage. That puts it right at the edge of most budgets.
Interior space is another strength of this generation. Rear legroom is generous for a sedan, making it comfortable for families. The trunk offers over 16 cubic feet of cargo room.
Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 192 hp
- Torque: 192 lb-ft
- Length: 192.2 inches
- Width: 73.3 inches
2. 2019-2021 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has consistently ranked among IIHS Top Safety Pick winners. The 2019 through 2021 model years all earned the Pick+ designation. That consistency makes it a safe bet on the used market.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard across nearly all trims. This includes pedestrian detection, automatic braking, and lane departure alerts. Adaptive cruise control is also part of the package.
Crash testing results were nearly flawless during this period. The Camry earned “Good” ratings in every crashworthiness category tested. Its structure performed particularly well in small overlap front tests.
Reliability is a major reason these cars retain value so well. Many Camry sedans from this era easily surpass 150,000 miles. That longevity makes a used purchase feel less risky.
Pricing for a 2019 or 2020 Camry LE typically lands between $16,000 and $19,500. Higher trims like the SE or XLE may push closer to $20,000. Mileage plays a big role in final pricing.
The cabin offers a quiet ride and comfortable seating for five. Trunk space measures a competitive 15.1 cubic feet. Fuel economy remains a strong point too, especially in four-cylinder trims.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.5L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 203 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Length: 192.1 inches
- Width: 72.4 inches
3. 2020-2021 Mazda3
The Mazda3 punches above its weight class in safety testing. It earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors in both 2020 and 2021. Mazda’s i-Activsense suite is standard on most trims.
This includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also included. That’s rare for a compact car in this price bracket.
Structural crash test scores were consistently rated “Good.” The small overlap front test, a tougher metric, was no exception. Headlights also scored well, avoiding the common “Marginal” rating seen elsewhere.
Both sedan and hatchback body styles were tested and passed. This gives shoppers flexibility depending on cargo needs. The hatchback, in particular, offers surprising versatility.
Used pricing is attractive for this segment. A 2020 Mazda3 sedan often sells between $15,000 and $18,500. Higher trims with all-wheel drive may reach closer to $20,000.
The interior feels upscale compared to rivals at this price. Soft-touch materials and a clean dashboard layout stand out. Mazda’s reputation for engaging handling adds to the appeal.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.5L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 186 hp
- Torque: 186 lb-ft
- Length: 175.3 inches (hatchback)
- Width: 70.7 inches
4. 2019-2020 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback blends wagon practicality with SUV-like ground clearance. It earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition in 2019 and 2020. Standard all-wheel drive adds another layer of safety in poor weather.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard on most trims. This bundles adaptive cruise control with automatic braking. Lane departure warning and sway warning are also included.
Crash test performance was strong across the board. The Outback scored “Good” in all six IIHS crashworthiness tests. Its headlight system also avoided lower ratings common in this class.
Cargo capacity is a major selling point for this generation. Rear seats fold flat to expand storage significantly. That practicality makes it popular with active families.
Used 2019 Outback models typically range from $17,000 to $19,800. Higher Limited trims may sit at the top of that range. Mileage and AWD condition affect pricing most.
Ride height gives better visibility than a typical sedan. Standard roof rails also add utility for outdoor gear. It remains a favorite among safety-focused shoppers.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.5L 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
- Horsepower: 182 hp
- Torque: 176 lb-ft
- Length: 191.3 inches
- Width: 72.4 inches
Also Read: 8 New Hybrid Models Arriving for the 2027 Model Year
5. 2020-2021 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V remains one of the most trusted compact SUVs for safety. It received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status in 2020 and 2021. Honda Sensing is standard across nearly every trim level.
This includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control round out the suite. Few compact SUVs offer this much tech as standard.
Crash testing results were excellent throughout this generation. The CR-V earned “Good” scores in all crashworthiness categories. Its structure held up particularly well in side-impact testing.
Interior space is class-leading in several respects. Rear legroom exceeds that of many competitors by a notable margin. Cargo space behind the rear seats is equally generous.
Used pricing for a 2020 CR-V EX typically starts near $18,500. Higher-mileage LX trims can dip below $17,000. AWD versions usually command a slight premium.
Reliability ratings for this generation remain strong industry-wide. Many owners report minimal issues past 100,000 miles. That dependability adds long-term value to the safety credentials.
Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 190 hp
- Torque: 179 lb-ft
- Length: 182.1 inches
- Width: 73 inches
6. 2019-2021 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling SUVs for good reason. It earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors across multiple years in this range. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard on every trim.
This includes pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Lane tracing assist and full-speed adaptive cruise control are also included. That’s a strong package for a vehicle this affordable, used.
Crash test scores were consistently rated “Good” across categories. The RAV4’s structure performed well even in tougher passenger-side small-overlap tests. Headlight ratings varied slightly by trim and model year.
Available all-wheel drive adds confidence in adverse weather. Ground clearance is higher than that of most car-based crossovers. That makes it appealing to buyers in snowy regions.
Used 2019 RAV4 LE models often sell between $17,500 and $19,900. XLE trims with added features may reach the top of that range. Mileage remains the biggest price factor.
Cargo space behind the rear seats measures over 37 cubic feet. That’s competitive for the compact SUV segment. Interior materials feel solid without being overly plain.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.5L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 203 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Length: 180.9 inches
- Width: 73 inches
7. 2020-2021 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy often gets overlooked next to its Outback sibling. Yet it earned the same IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition in 2020 and 2021. Standard all-wheel drive is a rare find in the midsize sedan class.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across nearly all trims. This includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Lane centering and sway warning are also part of the package.
Crash testing produced excellent results throughout. The Legacy scored “Good” in every crashworthiness category tested. It also avoided the lower headlight ratings seen in some rivals.
Interior technology is a highlight of this generation. Higher trims include an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen. That’s larger than most competitors offer at this price point.
Used 2020 Legacy Premium models typically range from $16,500 to $19,500. Limited trims with added tech may sit near the top. AWD adds long-term value for resale. Sedan buyers often skip the Legacy for crossovers unnecessarily. It offers comparable safety with better fuel efficiency. That makes it a smart, underrated choice.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.5L 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
- Horsepower: 182 hp
- Torque: 176 lb-ft
- Length: 191.3 inches
- Width: 72.4 inches
8. 2020-2021 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra saw a major redesign that boosted its safety scores significantly. It earned IIHS Top Safety Pick honors in 2020 and 2021. Hyundai SmartSense became standard across most trims during this period.
This includes forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. A driver attention warning is also included on many trims. That’s generous equipment for a budget-friendly compact sedan.
Crash test results were strong across nearly every category. The Elantra scored “Good” in moderate overlap and side impact tests. Its headlight system improved noticeably compared to earlier generations.
Fuel economy is a standout feature of this generation. The base engine returns excellent highway mileage figures. That helps offset the low upfront purchase cost even further.
Used 2021 Elantra SEL models often sell between $14,000 and $17,500. Limited trims with added features may approach $19,000. This makes it one of the most affordable entries here.
Cabin design feels modern with available tech upgrades. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard on mid-range trims. Warranty coverage from Hyundai also extends peace of mind for used buyers.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 147 hp
- Torque: 132 lb-ft
- Length: 184.1 inches
- Width: 71.9 inches
Also Read: Why Dealerships Push You to Finance Even When You Can Pay Cash, Explained
