Today’s compact cars might not be quite as roomy, quiet or comfortable as their midsize counterparts, but the fit, finish and features are increasingly comparable. And even if they’ll always be smaller by definition, compact cars continue to get roomier, quieter and more comfortable, making them increasingly intriguing alternatives to many larger and pricier options. It’s hard to make a smarter car purchase than to go with an efficient, affordable small car.
Explore all of your options right here, listed in alphabetical order, and keep reading below to see what’s new, what’s next, and to find out who’s winning all the awards.
Starting Price: $20,680
With a wide range of models and features, plus great reliability and resale value, Honda’s venerable compact car almost outclasses the class. Read More
Starting Price: $19,880
Adding to its familiar value equation, the Elantra becomes more fuel efficient, and more advanced safety features come standard. Read More
Starting Price: $18,715
The recently restyled Kia Forte is refined and sporty, with a greatly expanded roster of safety and infotainment technology. Read More
Starting Price: $22,420
The fun-to-drive Mazda3 has put a new emphasis on safety, technology, and premium looks and feel. Read More
Starting Price: $20,015
All-new for 2020, the Sentra is upscale, roomy and refined, with a wide array of standard advanced safety features. Read More
Starting Price: $19,595
The Subaru Impreza is more fun to drive and more refined than ever. And it’s still the only car in its segment that comes standard with all-wheel drive. Read More
Starting Price: $20,455
All-new for 2020, Toyota’s famously affordable, reliable compact sedan is spacious inside and boasts an impressive list of standard safety features — plus a hybrid option. Read More
Starting Price: $19,440
The segment’s only European entry boasts cool technology, contemporary design, and lively driving manners. Read More
What’s New
For the 2020 model year, Toyota’s brand-new Toyota Corolla arrives, along with a first-ever hybrid version that offers fuel economy of up to 53 mpg. The Nissan Sentra is also all-new for 2020. In addition, Kia introduces an all-new Forte.
10 Best
The compact car segment is well represented on our most recent lists of 10 Coolest Cars Under $20,000 and 10 Best Sedans Under $30,000.
The Specialists
The Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 are the only cars in this group to offer all-wheel drive, while the Corolla is the only one available as a hybrid.
Hatchbacks
If you want the added space and versatility of a hatchback, the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and Subaru Impreza are also offered as five-door hatches. Other choices include the Kia Soul, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, and Volkswagen Golf.
Actual Price
Most compact cars start under $20,000, but most buyers upgrade to an automatic transmission and other popular equipment, making the average price paid for a compact car right about $22,000. The average price paid for a midsize sedan, for comparison, is closer to $25,000.
This Year’s Winners
The Honda Civic is a six-time winner of our Small Car Best Buy Award, and a two-time recipient of Overall Best Buy honors. The Subaru Impreza took home our most recent Best Resale Value Award in the compact car category, and the Honda Civic finished in second place in the category.
