This article was subjected to a comprehensive fact-checking process. Our professional fact-checkers verify article information against primary sources, reputable publishers, and experts in the field.
We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.
Used car prices have been trending downward in recent months. So, if you've been waiting to shop for a vehicle, now may be a good time to buy one.
If you're in the market for a hatchback, we have some good news: There are plenty of used-car options under $20,000 that can get you on the road at a price that helps you get ahead financially.
Check out the following 14 affordable hatchbacks.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
The Honda Fit is a reliable hatchback that tends to retain its value. That can be important if you don’t plan on holding the car for long before reselling it.
The Fit was named the top hatchback for resale value and the top subcompact car for resale value by iSeeCars.
Fiat 500
Courtesy of Car and Driver
Check out the Fiat 500 if you want a stylish and compact hatchback.
The Fiat 500’s small design makes it easy to park in urban areas while still offering enough storage space in the back for groceries or short road trips.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt:Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
The Volkswagen Golf is a German-engineered hatchback that is sure to give you reliability at a reasonable price.
However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has knocked the Golf in the past for having poor headlights. That might be something to consider if you plan on driving much at night in the car.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Courtesy of Car and Driver
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a great gas sipper. The 2022 hatchback model gets an estimated 39 combined miles per gallon on the highway and in the city.
The Mirage is also one of the few cars on the market today with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) that starts under $20,000 for a new model.
Chevrolet Cruze
Courtesy of Car and Driver
The Chevrolet Cruze is a hatchback that has more of a sedan feel and design.
It also has a smooth ride and gets good gas mileage on the highway — the 2019 version gets 38 miles per gallon — if you need something that you can take on long drives.
The Hyundai Veloster has the great cargo space that hatchbacks are known for.
The Veloster also has some nice styling that may be appealing if you prefer sleek, eye-catching models.
Ford Focus
Courtesy of Car and Driver
Ford has stopped making new models of the Focus, but there are still plenty on the used-car market that might be appealing.
The Focus is also customizable. Plenty of aftermarket options are available to make your Focus reflect your style.
Mini Cooper
Courtesy of Car and Driver
The Mini Cooper has unique styling that sets it apart from other vehicles on the road.
The Cooper — which ranks high for subcompact horsepower — has both a two-door and four-door version.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
The Honda Civic comes in both a sedan and hatchback version, so you can have your pick of Civic models.
Pay attention to the model years if you’re looking for a safe hatchback. The IIHS gave the 2020 and 2021 models Top Safety Pick status, and the 2022 model earned Top Safety Pick Plus honors.
Chevrolet Bolt
Courtesy of Car and Driver
The Chevrolet Bolt is a good option if you’re looking for a used electric vehicle at an affordable price.
The 2017 Bolt gets 238 miles of range on a charge, making this an excellent choice for drivers who want an EV with a longer range.
Volkswagen Beetle
Courtesy of Car and Driver
Hatchbacks are known for having a bit more headroom than sedans, particularly for passengers in the backseat.
The Volkswagen Beetle particularly excels in this area, making it a good choice for taller drivers and riders who find typical hatchbacks and sedans a bit confining.
Mazda’s Mazda3 will turn heads with sporty styling, making it more interesting than typical hatchbacks.
The Mazda3 also was named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS for its 2020, 2021, and 2022 models.
Toyota Yaris
Courtesy of Car and Driver
Consider the Toyota Yaris if you’re looking for a vehicle that will retain its value.
Toyota’s reputation for reliability keeps the Yaris near the top of the list when it comes to resale value for hatchbacks.
A great way to make the Yaris — or any other car on this list — more affordable is to save money on car insurance by comparison shopping and finding the best deal.
Bottom line
hedgehog94/Adobe
Hatchbacks can be a good option if you’re looking for an affordable used car that helps you keep more money in your wallet.
Check out the models on this list if you want a highly-rated car under $20,000.
/static-assets/statics-12566/images/financebuzz.png)
/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/authors/jenny-cohen-financebuzz.jpg)
/authors/chris_kissell_updated.png)
/images/2023/02/07/row_of_used_cars.jpg)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-bmw_i3.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-honda_fit.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-fiat_500.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-volkswagen_golf.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-mitsubishi_mirage.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-chevrolet_cruze.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-hyundai_veloster.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-ford_focus.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-mini_cooper.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-honda_civic.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-chevrolet_bolt.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-volkswagen_beetle.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-mazda_mazda3.png)
/images/2024/01/06/car_and_driver-toyota_yaris.png)
/images/2024/01/06/businessman_buying_used_car.jpg)
/images/2021/02/02/financebuzz-logo.png){kind=logo}