New Crossovers Under $20,000 (Plus Other Cars to Consider)

You ready for the truth? Very few crossovers start under $20,000. But wait! Before you go, let us show you highlights from new crossovers youcanget for around $20,000 (including destination, before incentives). Although "crossover" and "SUV" would normally be defined by an impressive level of ground clearance or available all-wheel-drive—traits that many of these vehicles lack—in this case, we've applied a looser definition, leaving classification to the automakers.

Plus, we'll reveal a few surprises—cars that deliver part of the subcompact SUV experience you crave for an equally affordable price. Curious? Let's dive in.

Nissan Kicks

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A debate rages on about what distinguishes an SUV from a hatchback-pretender, but one thing's for sure: Nissan is going for a crossover look with the front-drive Kicks. Serving as Nissan's entry-level crossover, the Kicks is more spacious than you think and, unfortunately, louder than you may like. A CVT automatic is standard, but the SR's available Bose sound system—one we said was better than what you'll find in an entry-level Bentley SUV—is out of reach.

Feature highlights on a $20,000 Nissan Kicks: Automatic emergency braking, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and three USB ports.

What you don't get at $20,000: Alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the awesome extra-cost two-tone paint options on higher trims.

More on cheap SUVs:

• 11 Well-Equipped SUVs Under $25,000
• 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000 for New Grads

Kia Soul

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The 2020 Kia Soul picks up where the last-gen model left off, in a gray area between blocky hatchback and small crossover. However you classify this bold four-door, call it affordable. Because for under 20 grand, a base Soul LX comes with a more powerful 147-hp four-cylinder to the Kicks' 122 hp. Then again, even though the Kia has a longer driving range, the Nissan is more efficient in the city and on the highway. The front-drive-only Kia boasts a higher seating position than you might get in other $20,000 hatchbacks.

Feature highlights on a $20,000 Kia Soul: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available interior color other than black.

What you don't get at $20,000: Alloy wheels, automatic emergency braking.

Chevrolet Spark Activ

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The Spark subcompact hatch is about as far away from SUV as you can get, but if all you really want at this price are SUV-like styling details, the Activ trim could do the trick. We might choose other cars at this price point, but the Spark Activ does come with black cladding all over, tall roof rails, and an advanced four-wheel-drive system inspired by the comparison-winning Chevrolet Colorado. We're just kidding, of course; the Spark Activ gets front-wheel drive and a raised suspension.

Feature highlights on a $20,000 Chevrolet Spark Activ: Lots of color choices, leatherette seats, alloy wheels, and money in your pocket.

What you don't get at $20,000: Respect from owners of real SUVs, a spacious interior, more than 98 horsepower.

Subaru Impreza

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All-wheel drive at $20,000 (before taxes) is a tough ask, but Subaru is up to that budget challenge. In sedan or hatchback form, the 2019 Impreza compact offers standard all-wheel drive at just $20,000. We hope you don't mind shifting the car's standard five-speed manual, however, as the $1,000 CVT automatic pushes the Impreza sedan and hatch above $20,000. Active safety tech including automatic emergency braking is alsojustout of the budget, but if AWD is a must-have and you can't swing payments on the mechanically related Crosstrek—a MotorTrend favorite—the Impreza could work.

Feature highlights on a $20,000 Subaru Impreza: Standard AWD, choice of sedan or hatchback body style, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto.

What you don't get at $20,000: Subaru's full suite of advanced active safety tech, SUV-like design cues.

Honda Fit

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Before the next-gen Honda Fit arrives potentially with a Spark Activ-like trim, the current hatch offers way more space inside for people and stuff than you'd think. The interior is incredibly flexible, and because the 2019 Fit has absolutely no crossover curb appeal, you can get tons of standard equipment under $20,000. Plus, we're fans of the Fit.

Feature highlights on a $20,000 Honda Fit: An available moonroof, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on the Fit EX. Or sporty styling on the less expensive Fit Sport.

What you don't get at $20,000: The Honda HR-V's crossover styling, the upcoming Fit's potential improvements.

What Else?

A number of other crossovers and crossover-like cars are available for around $20,000 after some aggressive incentives. TheHyundai Kona, a comparison-winning crossover and SUV of the Year finalist, slips in after a current cashback offer. After some negotiating, the fun but crampedMazda CX-3could fit this budget, too. The Ford EcoSport is also in this tiny crossover class, but even with the deals you can get, we wouldn't recommend it.

New Crossovers Under $20,000 (Plus a Few Others)

• Nissan Kicks
• Kia Soul
• Chevrolet Spark Activ
• Hyundai Kona
• Mazda CX-3
• Subaru Impreza
• Honda Fit

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