Nearly-New Car Deals: The Best 2019 Models to Drive Home
October 22, 2019
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:
- 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.
- Price: Cars are listed below in ascending price (low to high), and we kept our picks under $21K.
- Safety ratings: Ratings are sourced from NHTSA, with links in each section.
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.