10 Best 4-Doors Under $20K

2016 Honda Civic ・ Photo by Honda

Sometimes you just need a car to get you reliably, comfortably, efficiently, and – if at all possible – stylishly from A to B, without breaking the bank. For maximum utility, 5-doors and hatchbacks fit the bill, or, for those who care about design most, 2-door coupes are the best choice. However, if you’re in the market for a 4-door sedan, you have the biggest range of options. Even if your budget is limited to $20,000, almost every mainstream automaker would love to sell you an entry-level model. Allow us to steer you in the right direction with this list of our top 10 picks for 4-doors under $20K.

1) 2016 Honda Civic

Honda’s all-new Civic isn’t just striking to behold, it’s also a return to fun-to-drive form for the Japanese automaker in a 4-door sedan under $20k. With an available 174-hp turbocharged engine on offer and a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual, compact car shoppers with personality shouldn’t feel obligated purchase a Mazda3. The Civic’s exterior styling is aggressive and upscale while inside, the new model can be optioned with the latest and greatest in safety and infotainment features to turn a compact commuter into a veritable entry-level luxury car. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic braking assist… the list goes on. To top it all off, whichever motor you choose returns some of the best fuel economy figures in the class. The 2016 Civic sedan starts at $18,640.

Photo by Honda

2) 2017 Hyundai Elantra

On sale this year is the all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra, which steps up its styling game big time. Borrowing design cues from its Sonata sibling, the new Elantra also offers passengers more room whether sitting up front or in the rear. Hyundai’s segment-beating 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the few carry-overs from the previous generation. The cabin has been redesigned to be more ergonomic, the Hyundai Blue Link app can now control your door locks or start your engine remotely, and there’s an updated 6-speed automatic transmission to bump fuel efficiency. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra stickers at $17,150.

Photo by Hyundai

3) 2016 Ford Focus

Recently updated in 2015, Ford’s Focus sedan benefits from the striking Fusion’s front end styling and the efficient Fiesta’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder motor. Though the ST and range-topping RS variants bring the best performance in the segment, the standard Focus is a stylish, fun-to-drive compact. Also available on the Focus this year is Ford’s redesigned SYNC 3 infotainment system. Heavily improved from previous years, the module features voice-activated functions and an intuitive interface. The 2016 Focus is priced from $17,225.

Photo by Ford

4) 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet’s second generation Cruze elevates the compact to the pole position among affordable 4-doors. A brand new design inspired by the Impala and Malibu, plus 250 lbs of weight savings compared to the 2015 model add up to a very attractive sedan. Better still is Chevy’s 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec 4-cylinder, standard on every trim. The new motor produces a strong 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which, when paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic, delivers superb performance. For the first time, the Cruze also tops 40 mpg on the highway. At $17,495, what’s not to love?

Photo by General Motors

5) 2016 Subaru Impreza

While many of the 4-doors on this list offer excellent handling dynamics for the money, only the Subaru Impreza delivers all-wheel drive performance standard. All-weather capability, a clean design, and legendary reliability make the 2016 Impreza a top contender in the under-$20K crowd. For 2016, Subaru has added its Starlink infotainment apps to offer drivers better connectivity, while the same 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder from last year churns up 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Slightly more expensive than the average compact, the Impreza retails for $18,295.

Photo by Subaru

6) 2016 Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda3 sedan has always been the driver’s choice among compacts, and the latest generation upholds the mantle valiantly. A lightweight frame, handsome bodywork, and peppy powertrains give the Mazda3 an edge over both the Civic and Cruze. Fantastic handling dynamics can be attributed to Mazda’s SkyActiv design philosophy, which does away with unnecessary weight in the name of performance. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder produces 155 hp, but a 2.5-liter unit with an improved 184 hp is also available for an extra sum. Mazda’s best 4-door compact yet starts at $17,845.

Photo by Mazda USA

7) 2016 Volkswagen Jetta

Some might consider the Jetta to be a vanilla 4-door, but there is a heck of a lot of people in the world who love vanilla. Subtle styling, generous passenger and cargo room, and frugal motors are among the Jetta’s highlights. For 2016, a turbocharged 4-cylinder replaces an underwhelming naturally aspirated mill from last year. VW’s interior built quality may not be the highest in the budget segment, but its infotainment system is among the best in the business. The 2016 Jetta checks in at $17,680.

Photo by Volkswagen

8) 2016 Dodge Dart

Fiat Chrysler’s new focus on crossovers means the compact segment will lose the excellent Dart next year, but let’s not dwell on what’s to come. For now, you can jump into one of the most attractive 4-doors for less than $17,000. The Dart may not match its rivals in refinement or fuel economy, but its spunky handling, outstanding optional UConnect infotainment system, and generous interior volume are hard to match. Outright acceleration and smooth shifting are among the Dart’s weaknesses, but those who like to be different will appreciate the Dart’s unique styling. Prices for the Dart start at $16,995.

Photo by FCA Media

9) 2016 Nissan Sentra

The 2016 Nissan Sentra sports a fresh face and joins the Dart in the under-$17,000 price range. Key attributes for the redesigned 4-door include a roomy interior, excellent fuel economy, premium looks, and a host of convenience apps. Besides the styling tweaks, the new Sentra adds new available safety and convenience features like automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise control. The cabin has also been updated, but doesn’t quite let you forget the price you paid. Nissan’s 2016 Sentra is priced at $16,780.

Photo by Nissan

10) 2016 Toyota Corolla

It won’t win any awards for flash or frills, but the Toyota Corolla is the 4-door sedan under $20K that’s always invited to party with the popular kids. Can’t-kill reliability, clean-cut looks, inoffensive styling, and admirable utility round out the Corolla’s best traits. A good mix of soft-touch materials and thoughtful designs can be found in the Corolla’s cabin, along with a user-friendly touchscreen interface. Don’t expect a Mazda3-esque performance driving experience out of the Corolla, but instead you can rely on 37 highway mpg and long-haul comfort. Toyota asks $17,300 for the 2016 Corolla.

Photo by Toyota