Over the years, hatchbacks have emerged as one of the most practical and efficient car types. They’re well-suited for maximizing space and fuel economy, the body design is visually appealing, and the hatch is extremely user-friendly. The fact that many of them are considered compact cars¹ is another bonus. Due to their popularity with both users and manufacturers, these vehicles go quickly from dealership lots. Dealers are motivated to keep the best-used hatchback cars in stock as frequently as possible. Start building your inventory with help from this list of some of the most popular and reliable hatchbacks on the market. 

Best Used Hatchback Cars for Under $20k

2017 Subaru Impreza

Subarus have long been known for their utility and dependability, but they also have a reputation for being pricey vehicles. Those who want a reliable and fun Subaru hatchback that comes in under the $20,0000 mark² are most likely going to turn to a 2017 Impreza. Like all recent Subarus, this vehicle comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), giving it some necessary additional power during winter driving conditions and in the mountains. It also boasts an impressive package of safety features that beats many base models released in the last few years. Drivers can expect lane assistance and adaptive cruise control, among other features.

This car is going to appeal to drivers who want a vehicle that can support outdoor recreation, has space to haul gear, and still maintains a decent fuel economy. 

2018 Honda Civic

For someone who wants a car that’s sportier and a little more fun to drive, the 2018 Honda Civic is an obvious choice. The available 6-speed manual transmission is featured in even the base models³, and these cars have a sleek design that is broadly appealing. As far as reputation goes, a Civic is hard to beat. They’re known for reliability, and many models last for upwards of 200k miles when properly taken care of. 

The 2018 Civic is ideal for those who want a balance between fun, flashy, practical, and reliable. It’s likely to be popular with younger drivers and those who have a history with the brand.

2018 Kia Niro

The 2018 Kia Niro is one of the biggest cars on this list, but it’s still compact, efficient, and practical. With an average fuel economy between 49 and 52 miles per gallon, it’s also one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids on the market—it even outpaces the Toyota Prius⁴. The 2018 Niro also came in a plug-in model that can get over 20 miles of fully electric driving per charge, which is likely to fall just above the $20,000 mark. Unfortunately, the base models of the 2018 Niro lack many of the convenient and helpful safety features of other comparable vehicles.

As a reasonably spacious five-seater, the Niro suits families and those who need to pack a substantial amount of gear on their trips. For anyone prioritizing fuel economy, this car is sure to stand out. However, drivers looking for adaptive cruise control or proximity sensors will be left disappointed. Nevertheless, it’s a solid choice that’s likely to appeal to many customers.

Best Hatchback Cars for Higher Priced Buyers

2020 Toyota Prius Prime

This plug-in hybrid model of the Toyota Prius comes with all the benefits of the regular hybrid model, plus a taste of the all-electric life. This vehicle can run for up to 25 miles on a battery charge⁵, which only takes about two hours using a standard charger. This model is roomy, but it starts at only 95hp, which can leave some drivers wanting more power. 

The 2020 Prius Prime is an excellent option for those who mostly commute short distances. Some drivers may even be able to go days or weeks without using the combustion engine under the right conditions and light usage. 

2020 Chevy Bolt EV

For those who want to go full electric and still have an impressive range, the Chevy Bolt EV can’t be beaten. With access to 200hp, this car packs a lot of power and agility into one small vehicle. Its acceleration surpasses the Prius⁶, and it has a range of up to 259 miles on a full charge, beating out most other competitors in the same price and size range⁷. 

While this vehicle is roomy, the subpar interior materials and less-supported front seats make it slightly less comfortable than some competitors. This is the ideal car for someone who wants to drastically reduce their ownership cost without sacrificing zip or convenience. Its significant range and high horsepower make the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV one of the best-used hatchback cars a driver can find.

Stock Your Lot With Quality Used Hatchback Cars

Your customers want to balance style, convenience, and value—and hatchbacks offer the best of these features. Whether you’re restocking popular models at your dealership or expanding your offerings, ACV Auctions makes it easy to find, bid on, and transport reliable vehicles. Sign up today to start building your auction watch list and keep up with transparent market reporting.

Sources

1. Geiger, J. (9 August 2020). What Is a Compact Car? Cars.com Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://www.cars.com/articles/what-is-a-compact-car-425019/

2. Buglewicz, K. (25 November 2019). 2017 Subaru Impreza Review. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://www.kbb.com/subaru/impreza/2017/

3. Doell, Z. (29 August 2019). 2018 Honda Civic Review. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/civic/2018

4. Elfalan, J. 2018 Kia Niro Review. Edmunds. Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://www.edmunds.com/kia/niro/2018/review/