Even though prices are slowly decreasing for cars, trucks, and SUVs, that decline isn’t happening fast enough. These sport utility vehicles from Subaru, Honda, and Nissan have all the creature comforts, and features drivers are looking for. In addition, the subcompact SUVs under $20,000 below also have high scores from national safety groups like the IIHS and NHTSA.

The Subaru Crosstrek is a great subcompact SUV under $20,000

Kelley Blue Book selected the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek as one of the best subcompact SUVs under $20,000 for a variety of reasons. It delivers on cargo space, has high ground clearance for added utility, and all-wheel drive comes standard. For those with any interest in off-roading, the 8.7-inch ground clearance makes the Crosstrek even better.

Subaru’s engine is relatively fuel efficient, with 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It has room for five and comes with 51.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Some of the safety technology includes stability control, traction control, and front/rear/driver knee airbags. The Crosstrek 2.0i Limited with EyeSight has the best safety features.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 Crosstrek a five-star overall safety rating. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Crosstrek its Top Safety Pick award.

Cargo Space: 51.9 cubic feet

Best Version to Buy: 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited

Honda’s HR-V is another good subcompact SUV under $20,000

For the 2017 Honda HR-V, being on the list of subcompact SUVs under $20,000 makes sense. This Honda SUV has good looks and is even described as fun-to-drive, not to mention plenty of space. It is a practical and reliable choice that comes in under budget. Don’t forget the 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

With 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, the HR-V also gets good fuel economy. Honda SUVs are known for solid resale value, and this version is no different. It does come in under budget and with plenty to offer.

Some of the standard systems include stability and traction control, as well as airbags all over the cabin. One of the best-equipped trims is the HR-V EX. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 HR-V a five-star safety rating.

Cargo Space: 58.8 cubic feet

Best Version to Buy: 2017 Honda HR-V EX

The Nissan Rogue Sport has tons of cargo space

There isn’t much to dislike about the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport. It lands on the list of subcompact SUVs under $20,000 and has plenty of attributes drivers are looking for. These include keyless entry, cruise control, and Bluetooth phone integration.

The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It has room for five passengers and even manages 61.1 cubic feet of cargo space. While it is on the bigger end of subcompact SUVs, that offers the best of both worlds.

Stability control, traction control, and plenty of airbags make the Rogue Sport safer. It also received Nissan’s Pedestrian Detection System with Auto Brake. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Rogue Sport a four-star safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it high scores on the performed crashworthiness tests.

Cargo Space: 61.1 cubic feet

Best Version to Buy: 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport SV

The year 2017 was when automakers started adding more standard safety features, which increased safety on the roads significantly. You might find more standard features in 2018 vehicles and newer if these options don’t have enough.