Best Compact Cars

We put over 100 vehicles through rigorous testing each year, and combine that data with real-world driving experiences from expert editors around the world. We consider factors like acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and driving enjoyment to come up with our top picks for Compact Cars

* This list is provided for informational purposes and is not arranged in any specific sequence.

1

2024 Honda Civic

The 2024 Honda Civic is a compact car that offers a blend of style, performance, and practicality. It features a sleek and sporty exterior design with sharp lines and a wide stance. Inside, it boasts a spacious and well-equipped cabin with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. Under the hood, the Civic is powered by a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder or a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Civic also offers a range of advanced safety features, including Honda Sensing, which includes lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Starting at $26,645
2

2024 Toyota Prius

The 2024 Toyota Prius is the fifth generation of the popular hybrid car. It features a sleek and sporty design, with a lower and wider stance than previous models. The Prius has a spacious interior with seating for five and a large cargo area. It comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce a combined 194 horsepower. The Prius has an estimated fuel economy of up to 57 mpg in the city and 58 mpg on the highway. It also comes with a variety of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Starting at $29,045
3

2024 Toyota Prius Prime

The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is the latest generation of Toyota's popular hybrid vehicle. The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid, which means that it can be plugged into an electrical outlet to charge its battery. This allows the Prius Prime to travel on electricity alone for short distances, typically up to 25 miles. The Prius Prime achieves up to 133 MPGe when driving in electric mode and up to 54 MPG when the gasoline engine is used. It has a sleek and aerodynamic design with a spacious interior and a variety of advanced safety features.

Starting at $34,070
4

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is the latest iteration of Volkswagen's compact sedan. It features a refreshed exterior design with a new front fascia, grille, and headlights. The interior has also been updated with a new dashboard, infotainment system, and seats. Under the hood, the 2024 Jetta is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta is available in three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. Standard features on the S trim include 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The SE trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and heated front seats. The SEL trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, and a Fender premium audio system. The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is a well-rounded compact sedan that offers a comfortable and stylish interior, a powerful engine, and a variety of features. It is a great choice for drivers who are looking for a practical and affordable car.

Starting at $22,660
5

2024 Hyundai Elantra

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that offers a blend of style, efficiency, and technology. It features a sleek and sporty design with a spacious and well-equipped interior. The Elantra is powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines, including a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. It offers a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The Elantra is known for its fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of up to 33 mpg for the base model. It also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a variety of connectivity options. Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra is a well-rounded and affordable compact sedan that provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Starting at $22,775
6

2024 Subaru Impreza

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is a compact sedan and hatchback that offers a blend of practicality, reliability, and all-weather capability. Its refreshed design features a revised front fascia and a more modern interior with an updated infotainment system. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a five-speed manual transmission. Standard features include all-wheel drive, EyeSight driver assist technology, and a suite of safety features. The Impreza's spacious cabin boasts comfortable seating and ample cargo space for its size. It is known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and excellent performance in various driving conditions.

Starting at $24,115
7

2024 Nissan Sentra

The 2024 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that offers a stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced technology. It features a bold V-Motion grille, sleek LED headlights, and sporty 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Sentra boasts a spacious cabin with premium materials, heated front seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Under the hood, a powerful 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive performance, paired with a smooth-shifting CVT transmission. With advanced safety features like Nissan Safety Shield 360, the Sentra ensures peace of mind on the road.

Starting at $22,320
8

2024 Toyota Corolla

The 2024 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that offers a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride. It comes with a wide range of features, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission, and a suite of safety features. The Corolla also has a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. With its sleek exterior and modern interior, the 2024 Toyota Corolla is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable car. It offers a comfortable ride, plenty of features, and good fuel economy, making it a great value for the price.

Starting at $23,145
9

2024 Kia Forte

The 2024 Kia Forte is a compact sedan that offers a stylish design, advanced technology, and impressive fuel efficiency. It features a sleek and sporty exterior with a bold grille, LED headlights, and sharp body lines. Inside, the Forte boasts a spacious and well-crafted cabin with premium materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a suite of driver-assist features. Under the hood, the 2024 Forte comes standard with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and responsive power delivery. The Forte also offers an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that delivers more power and performance.

Starting at $21,145