Finding a car that balances both safety and affordability can feel like a tall order. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting, combing through models priced under $20,000 and analyzing safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Here’s a rundown of our top picks, ranked from highest to lowest price, all chosen for their strong safety credentials and value.
10. 2017 Volkswagen Golf — MSRP $19,895 – Exterior
The Volkswagen Golf just makes the budget cut, offering a versatile four-door hatchback that’s as fun to drive as it is practical. Known for its lively handling, the Golf also packs in essentials like a standard rearview camera.
10. 2017 Volkswagen Golf — MSRP $19,895 – Interior
On the safety front, it’s rated as an IIHS Top Safety Pick and earns a 5-Star Overall from the NHTSA, excelling in side impact tests and achieving four-star ratings in frontal and rollover categories. For families and solo drivers alike, the Golf blends practicality with a bit of personality.
9. 2017 Honda Civic — MSRP $18,740 – Exterior
Available as a sedan, coupe, or hatchback, the Honda Civic offers flexibility within a budget-friendly price range. Even the base trim includes a rearview camera, while safety shines as one of its top features.
9. 2017 Honda Civic — MSRP $18,740 – Interior
The Civic boasts a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and scores “Good” across all categories, along with a 5-Star Overall rating from the NHTSA. For those looking for a reliable, well-rounded car, the Civic delivers on all fronts.
8. 2017 Subaru Impreza — MSRP $18,395 – Exterior
The Subaru Impreza brings a unique advantage to this list with its standard all-wheel drive—a rare feature under $20,000. The Impreza comes with a rearview camera, while higher trims unlock additional safety options.
8. 2017 Subaru Impreza — MSRP $18,395 – Interior
It’s a safety star, earning both an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-Star Overall rating from the NHTSA. With top-tier crash test results, it’s a solid choice for drivers prioritizing safety and traction without a hefty price tag.
7. 2017 Mazda Mazda3 — MSRP $17,845 – Exterior
Balancing sportiness and safety, the Mazda3 offers both sedan and hatchback styles. With nimble handling that drivers love, it doesn’t compromise on protection.
7. 2017 Mazda Mazda3 — MSRP $17,845 – Interior
It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and gets a 5-Star Overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scores four stars in rollover tests. For those who enjoy a bit of pep in their daily drive, the Mazda3 adds fun to function.
6. 2017 Hyundai Elantra — MSRP $17,150 – Exterior
Sitting in the middle of our list, the Hyundai Elantra allows room for upgrades, with an optional rearview camera available for budget-friendly customization. It excels in IIHS testing as a Top Safety Pick+, and its NHTSA ratings include a 5-Star side impact score, with four stars in frontal and rollover ratings.
6. 2017 Hyundai Elantra — MSRP $17,150 – Interior
For those looking for a bit of flexibility in features, the Elantra is a dependable and safe choice.
5. 2017 Ford Focus — MSRP $16,775 – Exterior
A longstanding favorite, the Ford Focus includes basics like a rearview camera in its base package, though advanced features are limited at this price. It still holds its own in safety, with a 5-Star Overall rating from NHTSA, though it drops a point in rollover.
5. 2017 Ford Focus — MSRP $16,775 – Interior
The IIHS awards it “Good” scores in most areas, with an “Acceptable” in small overlap testing. The Focus remains a solid, reliable choice that covers the essentials.
4. 2017 Kia Soul — MSRP $16,100 – Exterior
The Kia Soul’s boxy style and spacious interior make it stand out for cargo versatility and passenger comfort. While it doesn’t include a rearview camera as standard, it’s an affordable add-on.
4. 2017 Kia Soul — MSRP $16,100 – Interior
With strong IIHS and NHTSA scores, the Soul lacks advanced safety equipment, keeping it just shy of Top Safety Pick status, but it’s a practical choice for those who want a bit of quirk with their safety.
3. 2017 Honda Fit — MSRP $16,090 – Exterior
For subcompact fans, the Honda Fit offers big safety features in a small package, with a rearview camera and emergency brake assist on all trims. The next trim level (still under $20,000) even includes Honda’s LaneWatch. It achieves a 5-Star Overall rating from NHTSA, although it drops a point in rollover.
3. 2017 Honda Fit — MSRP $16,090 – Interior
The IIHS doesn’t include small overlap testing for the Fit, but its other safety scores are solid, making it a reliable and budget-friendly choice.
2. 2017 Toyota Yaris iA — MSRP $15,950 – Exterior
Formerly a Scion, Toyota’s Yaris iA offers solid safety features like front collision warning with brake assist, with a rearview camera included as standard. The Yaris iA achieves top marks from the IIHS and a 5-Star Overall from NHTSA, with one point deducted in rollover testing.
2017 Toyota Yaris iA — MSRP $15,950 – Interior
For those looking for essential safety features without frills, the Yaris iA is a smart, affordable option.
1. 2017 Chevrolet Sonic — MSRP $15,145 – Exterior
Topping our list for value, the Chevrolet Sonic comes with a standard rearview camera and options for advanced safety tech in the LT model. Scoring “Good” across the board from IIHS and a 5-Star Overall rating from NHTSA (losing only one point in rollover), it’s a fantastic pick for safety-conscious shoppers who don’t want to compromise on price.
1. 2017 Chevrolet Sonic — MSRP $15,145 – Interior
The Sonic delivers affordability and security, making it a top contender under $20,000.
