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Nearly-New Car Deals: The Best 2019 Models to Drive Home

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It’s weird to say, but there are just a handful of weeks left in the year. With 2019 on its way off into the sunset, 2020 car models are coming into 20/20 focus. That means that you can snap up nearly-new 2019 models for a steal.

We took a test-drive of the Northeast Wisconsin car buying market and picked the best deals for 2019 models based on these criteria:

  1. Availability in Northeast Wisconsin: We surveyed local dealerships at the time of writing this. When we say local, we’re using a 30-mile radius around our home zip code in Kaukauna, 54130.
  2. Price: Cars are listed below in ascending price (low to high), and we kept our picks under $21K.
  3. Safety ratings: Ratings are sourced from NHTSA, with links in each section.
  4. User and critic reviews: Click the links in each section to learn where we found trustworthy reviews.

#1: 2019 Kia Soul

Starting at $15,445* | 5-star safety rating | 26 MPG city / 31 MPG highway

kia soul best compact car for the money

Image via CarGurus

U.S. News named the ’19 Soul its best compact car for the money, and we have to agree. This iteration of the funky fan favorite boasts big wins like an upscale cabin, lots of cargo room, and excellent predicted reliability (so you won’t be dealing with cranky kids during a breakdown).

#2: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Starting at $15,999* | 5-star safety rating | 30 MPG city / 40 MPG highway

jetta safety rating

Image via Driving

According to Driving, this year’s Jetta “has the goods to make even the Audi A3 envious.” We’re grateful to Volkswagen for packing luxury features into a $16K package, because we know you’ll enjoy this Jetta’s full redesign, smooth ride, and kiddo-friendly infotainment system.

#3: 2019 Kia Optima

Starting at $16,400* | 5-star safety rating | 27 MPG city / 37 MPG highway

kia optima safety rating

Image via AutoTrader

2019 was an optimal year for the Optima as the model gained some awesome standard safety features like forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure warnings, lane change assist, lane keep assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. We love this super-safe pick if you’re planning to hand down a car to your kids in the future.

Looking for an affordable car for your teen right now? Check out our list.

#4: 2019 Toyota Corolla

Starting at $17,440* | 5-star safety rating | 30 MPG city / 40 MPG highway

toyota corolla price

Image via Autoblog

The 2019 Corolla keeps things pretty simple: it’s a great value with solid predicted reliability, a fuel economy of up to 40 MPG, a responsive transmission, and lots of safety features. Your family will be comfy on long rides thanks to the Corolla’s generous back seat and supportive front seats.

#5: 2019 Honda Fit

Starting at $17,480* | 5-star safety rating | 33 MPG city / 40 MPG highway

honda fit financing

Image via Edmunds

If you’d rather hit Kwik Trip for chocolate-peanut butter krispies than gas, this one is a Fit for you. We love the ’19 Fit for its stellar MPG, impressive cargo room (get it, FIT?!), and a surprisingly smooth ride. You can fit more sports equipment, groceries, and kids in this car than most other subcompacts.

#6: 2019 Kia Sportage

Starting at $17,980* | 5-star safety rating | 23 MPG city / 30 MPG highway

kia sportage financing

Image via Kelley Blue Book

On the lookout for a compact SUV? The Sportage is a critic favorite with “above-average performance” and one of the best interiors in its class. U.S. News listed it as a finalist in its “Best Cars for the Money” list, so you’ll be sure to get lots of bang for your hard-earned bucks.

#7: 2019 Hyundai Kona

Starting at $17,995* | 5-star safety rating | 28 MPG city / 32 MPG highway

hyundai kona financing

Image via Hyundai

Top of the list of subcompact SUVs is the lesser-known Hyundai Kona, which offers as much power as a cup of Kona coffee. We recommend it based on its agile handling, comfortable, family-friendly cabin, and standard safety features. There’s also turbocharged and all-electric model options, so there’s something for every driver to love.

#8: 2019 Honda Civic

Starting at $18,650* | 5-star safety rating | 32 MPG city / 42 MPG highway

honda civic safety rating

Image via Roadshow

With striking, refined looks, three body styles, great handling, and ample passenger space, the Honda Civic is a no-brainer for anyone looking for an enjoyable compact car. The Civic has a large cargo space and back seat, so you’ll have no issues loading up groceries, luggage, and car seats.

#9: 2019 Kia Sorento

Starting at $20,550* | 5-star safety rating | 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway

kia sorento financing

Image via Motor Trend

When you’re looking for an SUV for the family, it can be hard to strike a balance between having enough room and being able to fit into parking spots and your garage. The Sorento does just that, offering standard third-row seating in a pretty compact vehicle—a rarity in the mid-size SUV class. You’ll love the safety features and extra-long warranty, too.

#10: 2019 Toyota Camry

Starting at $20,780* | 5-star safety rating | 29 MPG city / 41 MPG highway

toyota camry financing

Image via Autoblog

Last but definitely not least is the 2019 Camry, which is ranked #1 in mid-size cars by U.S. News for deft handling, a comfortable ride, and a laundry list of standard features. Autotrader notes that this Camry has rare, super-sterling safety ratings, “perfect marks in all crashworthiness, crash avoidance, headlight and child seat anchor categories.”

Buckle up for the ride—and let us take care of financing.

Think of us as your go-to for auto loans with competitive rates in Northeastern Wisconsin. Perks of financing your ride through Unison include bi-weekly payment options, 100% financing, automatic payment options, no pre-payment penalty, and your very own Member Advisor, who will make the car buying process easy.

Looking for something a little more sporty? We compiled a list of roomy non-minivan rides that you can peruse here.

*Prices listed are a general benchmark created by pricing real cars available within a 20-mile radius of 54130 in October of 2019. Pricing may vary based on your search parameters, location, and the time you’re looking.
Any specific references to commercial products, trademarks, service marks, manufacturers, or otherwise in this article do not constitute or imply endorsement by Unison Credit Union.
Unison Credit Union does not knowingly collect, maintain, or use personal information from our website about children under age 13. If a child whom we know to be under age 13 sends personal information to us online, we will only use that information to respond directly to that child, notify parents, or seek parental consent.