Fuel-efficient and safe car in a budget

The fit is a great choice, affordable, spacious.

For alternatives consider Ford C-max. With all the incentives there are lots advertised at less that $18,000

For AWD the only to real choices are Mitsubishi Outlander sport or Jeep Patriot. You may find a Chevy Track in that price range

$18000 for new hatchbacks is just shy of the prices of where hatches have some really interesting choices.

Scion iM has only trim level and comes with plenty of features so its fairly value packed and its possible there might be deals (in your range) to rid the last of the 2016 Scions off Toyota lots.

Hyundai Elantra GT. This is an outgoing model that will be replaced so there are big discounts being offered. Even without options its still packed with lots of stuff. This one with incentives is under $18000.

Mazda 3 sport Hatchback. With 2017s just around the corner it might be possible to pick up this car. Many are going for the mid to high 18K. There might be sales with the 2017s due in soon. Even the base Mazda 3 sport has plenty of features and it drives very nicely and gets very good MPG.