If you want a good, used compact car for under $20,000, look for one of these models

By Nelson Ireson

Whether sedans or hatchbacks, these compacts offer efficiency, style and reliability.

Compact sedans and hatchbacks don't get the love they used to these days, with seemingly everyone hung up on SUVs. However, those in the know understand that sedans and hatches can be just as practical, even more efficient, and considerably less expensive than their boxier, taller counterparts. Whether you're looking for an all-wheel-drive SUV replacement, a long-distance commuter, or something in between, there's a compact car on this list.

Here are 10 of the best used compact cars you'll find on a $20,000 budget.

1. 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is available as a sedan and a hatchback, both practical, efficient, stylish, and comfortable. The standard 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gets up to 38 mpg on the highway, while the optional diesel engine delivers up to 48 mpg. On our budget, look for the most loaded Premier trim model you can find.

2. 2016 Chevrolet Volt

If you like the size and style of the Cruze but want even more efficiency -- including 53 miles of all-electric range -- the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is a bargain that really shouldn't be overlooked. Offering plug-in hybrid figures that keep it competitive with some of today's best, the Volt is an excellent choice even beyond the efficiency figures, with lots of equipment, unique looks, and, on our budget, the loaded Premier model.

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3. 2017 Honda Civic

The 2017 Honda (7267.TO) Civic is also available in both sedan and hatchback forms. It has a choice of manual or automatic transmissions and is capable of up to 42 mpg on the highway, depending on the configuration. For our money, the Civic EX-L should be within reach, with leather upholstery, heated seats, advanced safety systems, and more.

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4. 2020 Hyundai Elantra

Smart looks and value give the 2020 Hyundai Elantra its appeal, with even the top-tier Sport and Limited models within our budget. The Sport gets an upgraded 201-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, while the Limited focuses on efficiency with 40 mpg on the highway from a 147-horsepower 4-cylinder. Either way, you'll get leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, a sunroof, and more.

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5. 2020 Kia Forte

Closely related to the Elantra, the 2020 Kia Forte is comfortable, roomy, packed with technology -- and handsome, too. Like the Elantra, the 201-horsepower turbocharged model (GT) and the 147-horsepower standard engine (EX, LXS) are within reach of our $20,000 budget, leaving the choice up to whether you're looking for fun or efficiency.

6. 2018 Mazda3

Likely the most fun-to-drive option on this list, the 2018 Mazda3 isn't the most powerful or the quickest, but it possesses a well-balanced chassis with expertly tuned suspension and steering. Also available as a hatchback, the Mazda3 Touring fits our budget. It gets the upgraded 184-horsepower engine, Bose audio, and a power sunroof when equipped with the Popular Equipment package.

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7. 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan (7201.TO) Sentra is a compact sedan that comfortably seats four adults, and it was also all-new for the 2020 model year, upgraded with more interior space, the latest entertainment and safety tech, and dramatic new styling. On our budget, look for the mid-range SV or the top-tier SR.

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8. 2019 Subaru Impreza

For those who regularly face lousy weather, unpaved roads, or both, the 2019 Subaru (7270.TO) Impreza makes a lot of sense. With all-wheel drive and advanced safety assists coming standard and the choice of a sedan or hatchback body style, the Impreza is a do-it-all compact. It's also available in any trim or equipment configuration you like. Even the top-sped Premium and Limited models are within reach of our budget.

9. 2018 Toyota Corolla

A perennial front-runner in this ultracompetitive segment alongside the Honda Civic, the 2018 Toyota (7203.TO) Corolla ticks all the boxes for a comfortable, well-equipped, efficient daily driver. Look for fully loaded XSE models on our budget, and enjoy the faux leather seating, 8-way power driver's seat, and keyless entry and start, among other luxuries.

10. 2018 Volkswagen Jetta

The only European option on our list, the 2018 Volkswagen (VOW3.XE)Jetta brings a unique sensibility to this part of the market, no matter whether you choose the base 1.4T model, the 1.8T SEL, or the top-spec, higher-performance 2.0T GLI. The 210-horsepower GLI gets an upgraded suspension tune and unique appearance items, while the SEL is the more laid-back, luxurious option -- and both fit comfortably into our budget.

Still looking? See: 10 top used sedan models for a $20K budget

This story originally ran on Autotrader.com

-Nelson Ireson

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09-07-23 0754ET

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