The Jalopnik audience would buy these cars with a $20,000 budget

There are some great answers on this list that can serve as starting points for the car enthusiast on a budget.
Car and Driver

2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Tested: Mostly for Show with Adequate Go

Mazda has been double-dipping in the compact-SUV segment since the CX-50 debuted for the 2023 model year. Is that a party foul? At first glance, the CX-50's existence is a head-scratcher, considering ...
Autoblog

Mazda’s All-New CX-5 Aces First Major Crash Tests, Beats Volvo For Pedestrian Safety

Mazda’s new CX-5 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety result, outperforming other recent SUVs for pedestrian safety. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It excelled in ...