Small outside, big inside and under $20,000

These new cars fit 4 comfortably, offer decent value
Cars
By Larry Printz
Sept 16, 2011
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If you need to haul a lot of stuff along with a few people, finding an affordable hauler can be hard to find. Most sedans have trunks that measure 15 cubic feet or less. SUVs fare better, but they can get pricey.

By contrast, many new small cars, such as the Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf, start at less than $20,000, have cargo holds around 25 cubic feet and offer a good driving experience. But too often, the back seats can be cramped.

There are models that comfortably fit at least four passengers and start at less than $20,000.

Here are five good choices, in order by base price.

NISSAN FRONTIER:

• Base price: $18,200

• Cargo space: 6-foot bed

• At this price, the Frontier is a basic, no-frills truck with rear-wheel drive and room for four. The rear seats fold to enlarge weather-tight storage space. A 152-hp four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual can haul slightly more than 900 pounds while returning fuel economy of 19 mpg/city, 23 mpg/highway. Ride is very firm.

KIA SPORTAGE:

• Base price: $18,295

• Cargo space: 26.1-54.6 cubic feet

• The Kia Sportage sports an athletic appearance cloaking a surprising amount of space. Interior design is less adventurous, but seems durable. The vocal four-cylinder engine delivers decent fuel economy and adequate power. Handling is agile, although the ride is very firm. It’s a surprisingly good value.

HYUNDAI TUCSON:

• Base price: $18,895 (2011 model)

• Cargo space: 25.7-55.8 cubic feet

• At this price, you’ll be getting front-wheel drive, not all-wheel drive. Still, like its cousin, the Kia Sportage, the Tucson offers a fairly spacious cabin, fairly nimble handling and a fuel-efficient, if occasionally vocal, four-cylinder engine. The ride is fairly firm. Interior design is straightforward; controls are easy to use.

MAZDA5:

• Base price: $19,195

• Cargo space: 27.5-44 cubic feet

• This is truly a minivan. Despite being significantly smaller than its competition, it still can seat six or haul an impressive 44 cubic feet of stuff. That shrinks to less than 6 cubic feet if all seats are being used. Like all Mazdas, it lives up to its advertising slogan: zoom zoom.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN:

• Base price: $19,995

• Cargo space: 32.8-66.9 cubic feet

• Unlike the new Jetta sedan, the SportWagen continues to use the old Jetta’s platform, so ride and handling have the refined manner one would expect. The ride is well-controlled, bumps are well-absorbed. All seats offer good support. Clearly this car feels more expensive than it is. One caveat: Fuel economy could be better.

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About the Author

Larry Printz