The Best Compact Cars of 2025

Last Updated May 27, 2025

Consumer preferences are subject to change, but one thing stays the same: people in cities need small cars that fit their lives. Increasingly, those small cars have taken the form of compact SUVs, but wouldn't you rather hug the road and get better fuel economy? We thought so. Here are all of the non-SUV small cars you can buy today, rated and ranked from top to bottom. Learn about how we rate vehicles.

Best Subcompact Sedans

Price Range: $17,190–$17,795

Ranked Models: 2

Nissan Versa ($17,190+)
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ($17,795+)

There are barely any left, but the SUV still hasn't quite killed off the subcompact sedan. We're prepared to say good riddance, however, as the hard truth is that you won't find any desirable cars in this segment. A used compact sedan is generally a better idea than a new one of these. But, for the sake of completeness, here we go.

MD RATING 4.3/10

Nissan Versa

Base Price: $17,190
MPG Combined: 30–35
Horsepower: 122
Length: 177.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.7 cu ft

If your heart is set on a subcompact sedan, the Versa remains a decent example of the breed, but we should point out that the base price here is for the five-speed manual transmission; if you want the automatic, you're looking at about $19k to start. In our view, even that modest sum is too much to spend on a new Versa when you could have a certified pre-owned Sentra, say, for the same price. See Full Details >

MD RATING 2.4/10

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Base Price: $17,795
MPG Combined: 37
Horsepower: 78
Length: 169.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 12.4 cu ft

Saddled with the same 78-horsepower three-cylinder engine as its Mirage Hatchback stablemate, the Mirage G4 sedan does not merit consideration as a new car today. You shouldn't consider it as a used car, either. Yes, the fuel economy's great, but that's partly because the engine's so weak that it takes 12.8 seconds to hit 60 mph. The other contributing factor is the Mirage G4's frightfully meager weight — you'd be out there amidst the SUVs in a sedan weighing 200 pounds less than a Miata. No. Just no. See Full Details >

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Best Compact Sedans

Price Range: $21,590–$24,250

Ranked Models: 7

Honda Civic ($24,250+)
Volkswagen Jetta ($21,995+)
Mazda 3 ($23,950+)
Kia K4 ($21,990+)
Hyundai Elantra ($21,875+)
Toyota Corolla ($22,325+)
Nissan Sentra ($21,590+)

Historically among the most popular cars on the planet, compact sedans have seen pint-sized SUVs steal much of their market share as of late. But that doesn't mean these sedans are throwing in the towel; on the contrary, they've never been better, offering superior fuel economy and handling relative to their SUV peers while reaching new heights in safety and infotainment tech.

MD RATING 8.0/10

Honda Civic

Base Price: $24,250
MPG Combined: 24–49
Horsepower: 158–315
Length: 179.0–184.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.1–24.5 cu ft

The Civic is a standout in this class, although the base 2.0-liter engine stands out for the wrong reason — it makes the Civic downright slow by current standards. But that's easily remedied by the excellent hybrid powertrain, which provides both swift acceleration (0-60 in the low 6-second range) and a real shot at averaging 50 mpg. Excessive road noise and an unimpressive touchscreen remain improvement areas, but no other compact car can match the Civic's broad range of talents, including an available hatchback body style that's optional for both the base and hybrid powertrains and mandatory for the high-performance Type R. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.5/10

Volkswagen Jetta

Base Price: $21,995
MPG Combined: 33
Horsepower: 158
Length: 186.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.1 cu ft

The Jetta has a new lease on life, thanks to a 2025 refresh that artfully sharpened this aging model's styling. It already had strong fundamentals, from its lively turbocharged engine (0-60 in 7.1 seconds) to its robust fuel economy (40 mpg highway) and unusually spacious backseat. You'll feel the Jetta's age when you interact with its 8-inch touchscreen, which is smaller and less crisp than most rival units, while the new-for-2025 touch-based climate controls are a case of tech overload — the previous three-knob interface was superior. We're still big Jetta fans, though. There's a lot of sophisticated European character here for the money, and if that 0-60 time isn't quite doing it for you, the brawnier Jetta GLI beckons, albeit at a much higher price. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.4/10

Mazda 3

Base Price: $23,950
MPG Combined: 26–31
Horsepower: 191–250
Length: 175.6–183.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 13.2–20.1 cu ft

The 3 is one of Mazda's best products, delivering good fuel economy, nimble handling and even a sense of real style at a nice price. It also offers optional all-wheel drive, a rarity among small cars. The tight backseat is probably its primary weakness — you can find significantly roomier rear quarters in this segment. If you have a need for speed, the available turbocharged engine packs one of the biggest punches of any non-luxury compact sedan, although it drives up the price considerably. Like the Civic, the 3 can also be ordered as a hatchback across the lineup for enhanced cargo capacity. See Full Details >

See Full List (7) ➔

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Best Compact Hatchbacks

Price Range: $23,780–$28,950

Ranked Models: 6

Toyota Prius ($28,350+)
Honda Civic Hatchback ($27,450+)
Mini Cooper ($28,950+)
Mazda 3 Hatchback ($24,950+)
Subaru Impreza ($24,360+)
Toyota Corolla Hatchback ($23,780+)

Americans have generally turned away from small hatchbacks with the advent of pint-sized SUVs, but smart shoppers will be drawn to the superior fuel economy and handling that these hatches offer. You'll likely save a bundle, too, as SUVs always seem to command a price premium, whether it's justified or not.

MD RATING 8.4/10

Toyota Prius

Base Price: $28,350
MPG Combined: 52–57
Horsepower: 194–220
Length: 181.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 20.3–23.8 cu ft

We're throwing the Prius into this bucket, too, even though its natural home is with the hybrids. Why? Because hybrid powertrains are proliferating across conventional segments (witness the new-for-2025 Civic Hybrid Hatchback), but also because the current Prius is just plain cool. Those words had never been uttered until the latest redesign, but just look at this thing. It's cool! You also get far better acceleration than any previous Prius provided, along with the extraordinary fuel economy you expect to see. Notably, there's also the plug-in-hybrid Prius Prime, which has no real competitors and adds 45 miles of all-electric range for a $5k premium on top of the base Prius's price. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback driving front view

Honda Civic Hatchback

Base Price: $27,450
MPG Combined: 24–48
Horsepower: 158–315
Length: 179.0–180.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 24.5 cu ft

The Civic Hatchback really shines with the optional hybrid powertrain, which delivers a 200-horsepower punch when you need it while also threatening the magical 50-mpg mark in everyday driving. We don't recommend the lethargic entry-level 2.0-liter gas powertrain, however. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.0/10

Mini Cooper

Base Price: $28,950
MPG Combined: 32
Horsepower: 161–228
Length: 152.6–158.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 5.2–34.4 cu ft

Redesigned so subtly for 2025 that you have to check the newly pinched-in taillights to know for sure, the Cooper continues to put fun first, perhaps uniquely so among all cars on the road. Even the base model now gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from parent company BMW, while the S and JCW variants add more power to that formula. You pay a premium to get into a Mini, but your reward is a spirited driving companion that's essentially a tiny BMW with cooler styling. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.7/10

Mazda 3 Hatchback

Base Price: $24,950
MPG Combined: 26–30
Horsepower: 191–250
Length: 175.6 in
Cargo Capacity: 20.1 cu ft

The 3 Hatchback is stylish, fun to drive and fuel-efficient, so what's not to like? Well, if you plan to use the backseat to carry adults with regularity, this isn't the hatch for you — it's pretty tight back there. Cargo space, too, is modest by hatchback standards. But if you're looking for a more driver-centric (or front-seat-centric) experience, the 3 hatch is a winner. It even offers an optional turbo engine with serious power if you don't mind the elevated price. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.0/10

Subaru Impreza

Base Price: $24,360
MPG Combined: 29–30
Horsepower: 152–182
Length: 176.2 in
Cargo Capacity: 56.0 cu ft

Offered only as a hatchback, the latest Impreza delivers big-time when it comes to interior space, and its fuel economy is pretty good considering that all-wheel drive comes standard. Two things we'd call out, though: (1) the base model's bizarre dual-screen infotainment interface is no bueno — you want the upgraded 11.6-inch screen, and (2) the standard 2.0-liter engine provides pokey acceleration, so it's a shame you have to spring for the pricey RS trim to get the 2.5-liter engine. Definitely look at the very similar Subaru Crosstrek, too, if you're considering the Impreza, as the 2.5-liter Crosstrek actually starts at a lower price than the 2.5-liter Impreza RS for 2025. See Full Details >

MD RATING 6.8/10

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Base Price: $23,780
MPG Combined: 35
Horsepower: 169
Length: 172.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 17.8 cu ft

If you haven't thought about Corollas in a while, you might be surprised by how sporty the current Corolla hatchback looks and feels. Unfortunately, its styling writes a check that its powertrain can't cash — sluggish acceleration is one of our primary reservations about this model. The other notable concern is interior space: even though hatchbacks tend to be more versatile than their sedan counterparts, the Corolla Hatchback actually has less rear legroom than its sedan counterpart, which is already challenged in that area. You might be willing to accept that downgrade in return for the Hatchback's liftback trunk and foldable rear seatbacks, but it's an unusual tradeoff. Overall, the Corolla Hatchback's strong fuel economy and robust resale value make it a sensible choice, but its limitations are clear. See Full Details >

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Best Compact Hybrid Cars

Price Range: $23,825–$28,950

Ranked Models: 4

Toyota Prius ($28,350+)
Honda Civic Hybrid ($28,950+)
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid ($25,100+)
Toyota Corolla Hybrid ($23,825+)

Covering both sedans and hatchbacks, this segment shows you all the non-SUV options if you're looking for a small car with a hybrid powertrain. Excellent fuel economy is a given, of course, but you can increasingly expect sprightly acceleration, too.

MD RATING 8.4/10

Toyota Prius

Base Price: $28,350
MPG Combined: 52–57
Horsepower: 194–220
Length: 181.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 20.3–23.8 cu ft

Boasting head-turning styling — yes, we just said that about a Prius — and respectably swift acceleration (another Prius first), Toyota's iconic hybrid hatch stands out in this segment and competes closely with the hatchback version of the Civic Hybrid. The Honda is quicker, but the Toyota is the undisputed fuel-economy champ, and we'd give it the edge in the looks department, too. The Prius also has the advantage of literally decades of proven hybrid reliability on its side, which is a lot for any upstart to overcome. Shoot, it even offers all-wheel drive, and although the pricier Prius Plug-In Hybrid comes only with front-wheel drive, it compensates with slightly more power (220 hp vs 194) and an impressive 45 miles of electric range. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Honda Civic Hybrid

Base Price: $28,950
MPG Combined: 48–49
Horsepower: 200
Length: 179.0–184.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.8–24.5 cu ft

Offered as a sedan or a hatchback, the Civic Hybrid brings some serious credentials to this segment. Not many cars offer both 200-horsepower performance and a realistic shot at averaging 50 mpg. We give a slight nod to the Prius because the reliability of its hybrid powertrain has been proven over many years, whereas the Civic Hybrid's powertrain has less history. The Honda has a bigger backseat, though, and the Civic Hybrid Hatchback matches the Toyota's cargo-area versatility. It's clearly the toughest rival the Prius has ever had. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.3/10

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Base Price: $25,100
MPG Combined: 54
Horsepower: 139
Length: 185.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.2 cu ft

The Elantra Hybrid will open any hybrid shopper's eyes with its peak figure of 54 mpg combined, which incidentally goes with the entry-level Blue model; the pricier versions are marginally less efficient. But we're still talking 50 mpg in any case, and the Hyundai continues to delight inside with its cutting-edge widescreen infotainment module and spacious seating. Leisurely acceleration is the main drawback, but the Elantra Hybrid is also more affordable than the top cars here. See Full Details >

See Full List (4) ➔

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Best Compact Electric Cars

Price Range: $28,140–$37,750

Ranked Models: 3

Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($37,750+)
Nissan Leaf ($28,140+)
Fiat 500e ($32,500+)

We're hoping we'll need a Subcompact Electric Cars segment someday, because little EVs that can zip around the city and park anywhere make a lot of sense. But there are hardly any on the U.S. market as of yet, so we've got a catch-all Compact Electric Cars segment that gives you a glance at every small electric car you can buy, plus one that's, er, not so small.

MD RATING 7.7/10

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Base Price: $37,750
Range: 240–342 mi
Peak Charge Rate: 180–240 kW
Horsepower: 149–320
Length: 191.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 11.2 cu ft

The Ioniq 6 is more of a midsize car, technically, coming up about 2.5 inches short of a Toyota Camry in overall length. But there aren't any other midsize electric cars from non-luxury brands, so we're throwing it in with the compacts despite its stretched dimensions and higher price. If you're looking in this segment because you need a genuinely small vehicle that's easy to park, the Ioniq 6 will likely be too big for your needs. But if you can find room for it, you'll be rewarded with by far the best range, acceleration and charge times of any vehicle in this group, as well as a huge backseat and luxury-grade refinement on the road. Due to the Ioniq 6's unpopularity in the market, which isn't shocking given its unconventional styling and small trunk, you might be able to score a deal on one that rivals the pricing of lesser compact EVs. See Full Details >

MD RATING 5.9/10

Nissan Leaf

Base Price: $28,140
Range: 149–212 mi
Peak Charge Rate: 50–100 kW
Horsepower: 147–214
Length: 176.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 30.0 cu ft

The Leaf was one of the first movers in the EV revolution, but it's been relegated to also-ran status in recent years as rivals have surpassed its range and performance. The Leaf Plus is actually somewhat quick — 0-60 in less than 7 seconds — and its 212-mile range pulls the Leaf even with the entry-level versions of some pricier EVs. There's no passion whatsoever in the styling, though, so while you might save some money by going with the Leaf, you'll be getting a soulless transportation pod in return. Nissan has a lot of experience building EVs, and we're not trying to be dismissive of that. But if you shop around, you should be able to get into a much more capable EV for not much more coin. See Full Details >

MD RATING 5.1/10

Fiat 500e

Base Price: $32,500
Range: 149 mi
Peak Charge Rate: 85 kW
Horsepower: 117
Length: 143.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 7.5 cu ft

Rated at just 149 miles of range with summer tires (the optional all-season tires reduce that figure to 141), the 500e feels like a bad match for American drivers. Acceleration, too, is decidedly unimpressive for an EV, so the little Fiat's main strengths turn out to be its excellent parkability and its cute styling. That may not be enough to sway shoppers at more than $30k to start. See Full Details >

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Best Sport Compact Cars

Price Range: $28,725–$37,750

Ranked Models: 7

Volkswagen Golf GTI ($31,965+)
Hyundai Elantra N ($33,950+)
Mini Cooper ($28,950+)
Volkswagen Jetta GLI ($32,715+)
Subaru WRX ($37,750+)
Honda Civic Si ($30,250+)
Hyundai Elantra N Line ($28,725+)

Practically invented by the VW GTI, the sport compact segment has grown to include a variety of sporty little numbers with a wide range of prices and capabilities. We love that you've made it to this group, by the way. Just say no to generic SUVs, and yes to (if you know from Pontiac, or even if you don't) driving excitement.

MD RATING 8.5/10

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Base Price: $31,965
MPG Combined: 27
Horsepower: 241
Length: 168.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 34.5 cu ft

The GTI has become such an accomplished performance car that it could be a player in Super Sport Compact Cars, too, except that the Golf R lives over there. But it definitely reigns supreme in this category, even if we could do without this generation's fiddly touch-based climate and infotainment controls (improvements are reportedly on the way for the 2025 model year). No other sport compact can match the GTI's combination of joyous acceleration, nimble handling, thrifty fuel economy and luxury-grade refinement, while the almost SUV-grade versatility afforded by its hatchback body style comes as a welcome bonus. In a more sensible world, this VW would be one of the best-selling cars on the market. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Hyundai Elantra N

Base Price: $33,950
MPG Combined: 23–24
Horsepower: 276
Length: 184.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.2 cu ft

Based on its performance numbers, the Elantra N belongs in a more rarified segment, but its pricing is so value-oriented that it can punch down and give the lesser cars in this class something to think about. If you can find an Elantra N for the same price as, say, a Civic Si, just know that it's a significantly faster and more aggressive car. The N actually gives the Civic Type R a run for its money. It's serious stuff from Hyundai. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.0/10

Mini Cooper

Base Price: $28,950
MPG Combined: 32
Horsepower: 161–228
Length: 152.6–158.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 5.2–34.4 cu ft

This fun-centric segment wouldn’t be complete without the latest Mini Cooper, even if there’s no more manual transmission and the famous “go-kart handling” is trending more toward comfort. With the 2025 redesign, the Cooper looks largely the same aside from new taillights, but the three-cylinder has been removed from the engine lineup, leaving BMW’s 2.0-liter turbo four as the sole engine option. The base model gets a detuned version, of course, while the S cranks up the output. The John Cooper Works, meanwhile, gets its own massaged version of the 2.0T that’s the rowdiest of the bunch. We miss the harder-edged Minis of yore, of course, but we specifically don’t miss their unyieldingly firm suspensions, so maybe this kinder, gentler Cooper with lively turbo power is the right blend for our times. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.7/10

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Base Price: $32,715
MPG Combined: 29–30
Horsepower: 228
Length: 186.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.1 cu ft

It may seem odd that the GLI's competing against the GTI in this segment, but that's just because the GTI almost the only sport-compact hatchback left — it has nowhere else to go. Everything else in here is a sedan, and the GLI acquits itself quite well on the merits, from its sweet 2.0T four-cylinder engine to its athletic handling and exemplary high-speed composure. VW even decided to keep offering the three-pedal manual transmission with the GLI's refresh for 2025, which incidentally brought crisper styling that keeps this aging model looking fresh. Throw in nice-to-haves like a big backseat and good fuel economy, and you've got a recipe for a great affordable sport sedan, even if the mandatory 8-inch touchscreen looks and feels behind the times. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.6/10

Subaru WRX

Base Price: $37,750
MPG Combined: 21–22
Horsepower: 271
Length: 183.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 12.5 cu ft

A legend in its own time, the rally-inspired WRX continues to offer standard all-wheel drive and a characterful turbocharged flat-four engine that's laggy at first and explosive once the boost arrives. We could do without the optional CVT, which isn't exactly performance-car equipment, but the manual transmission persists, so bless Subaru for that. Although refinement has never been the WRX's calling card, its robust all-season turbocharged performance is a force to be reckoned with. We wish we could say that the WRX continues to be a performance bargain, but price creep means that's no longer the case. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.4/10

Honda Civic Si

Base Price: $30,250
MPG Combined: 31
Horsepower: 200
Length: 184.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.1 cu ft

We kind of have to put the Civic Si in this segment, since it's manual-only and there's a long history of sportiness for the model. But the truth is that the Civic Si is downright slow by current Sport Compact standards; to wit, the Civic Hybrid beats it to 60 mph by about half a second. You buy the Si despite its acceleration, in other words, not because of it. That's a strange reality for a car that Honda itself refers to as "a performance icon in the sport compact segment." See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.2/10

Hyundai Elantra N Line

Base Price: $28,725
MPG Combined: 31
Horsepower: 201
Length: 185.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.2 cu ft

Don't give us that look. If the Civic Si belongs here then so does the Elantra N Line, which has actually out-accelerated the Si in some third-party tests. The Honda wins on resale value, of course, but does it win anywhere else? That's not an easy question. See Full Details >

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Best Super Sport Compact Cars

Price Range: $33,950–$52,600

Ranked Models: 5

Volkswagen Golf R ($45,665+)
Toyota GR Corolla ($38,860+)
Hyundai Elantra N ($33,950+)
Acura Integra Type S ($52,600+)
Honda Civic Type R ($45,895+)

Taking the typical hot hatches and tuned sedans up another notch or two, these extra-spicy compact cars represent the pinnacle of sport-compact performance.

MD RATING 8.8/10

Volkswagen Golf R

Base Price: $45,665
MPG Combined: 23–25
Horsepower: 315
Length: 168.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 34.5 cu ft

The all-wheel-drive Golf R has always been a hard sell simply because the GTI, its lesser front-drive sibling, is so damn good. But the historical record shows that the R has been a significantly faster car since the previous generation debuted way back in 2015, and it maintains that edge today thanks to a 315-horsepower turbo four that's 74 hp clear of the GTI's engine. Opt for the DSG automatic — which is mandatory as of the 2025 model year — and the R will whisk you to 60 mph in roughly 4 seconds flat, easily the quickest time in the group. This is a serious performance machine that's actually a bargain for enthusiast drivers. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.5/10

Toyota GR Corolla

Base Price: $38,860
MPG Combined: 22–24
Horsepower: 300
Length: 173.6 in
Cargo Capacity: 17.8 cu ft

Forget what you think you know about modern Corollas. The GR Corolla's wild turbocharged three-cylinder engine, track-tuned suspension and adjustable all-wheel-drive system have turned Toyota's housecat into a tiger. You can get an eight-speed automatic transmission now if you want it, but thankfully the six-speed manual still comes standard, and either way you're hitting 60 mph in less than five seconds. We could think of some more spacious and refined options at this price point, but if your tastes run to sport compacts, and the more unhinged the better, the GR Corolla arguably stands alone. It's only trying to please a small slice of hardcore enthusiasts, and that's a big part of its appeal. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Hyundai Elantra N

Base Price: $33,950
MPG Combined: 23–24
Horsepower: 276
Length: 184.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.2 cu ft

The Elantra N's value proposition is impossible to ignore, even in this esteemed company. Look at the N's numbers and you'll find that it runs neck-and-neck with far pricier rivals while offering Hyundai's superior warranty coverage, too. Granted, the finishing order might look a little different if value didn't count, but then again, it might not. Compared to the Honda/Acura twins, the Hyundai wins on tech, for sure, thanks to its cutting-edge widescreen infotainment module, and not much will separate these models either way on a tight road course. Hyundai's N program means business, clearly. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Acura Integra Type S

Base Price: $52,600
MPG Combined: 24
Horsepower: 320
Length: 186.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 24.3 cu ft

At least it's got a lot more power than the regular Integra, but the front-wheel-drive Type S frankly isn't that fast by the lofty standards of this segment. All-wheel drive plus a little more boost could have changed the game for Acura. As things stand, the hard truth is that a GTI with DSG will give the Type S a run for its money for, well, a lot less money, while the Golf R blows it into the weeds. But if the allure of Honda/Acura resale value and reliability speaks to you, we can certainly understand, and the mandatory stick shift will always appeal to a subset of enthusiasts, ourselves included. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Honda Civic Type R

Base Price: $45,895
MPG Combined: 24
Horsepower: 315
Length: 180.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 24.5 cu ft

We find the Type R's acceleration to be a bit underwhelming given its price tag, and we'd like to see Honda add AWD to this package to make it more competitive. But we get that there's an undeniable aura to this car. There's also the resale value category, where you can expect the Honda to be a champ for years to come. We have a slight preference for its Integra Type S twin because the Type R's boy-racer rear wing seems gauche at this price point, but your mileage may vary. See Full Details >

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Next Steps

Simply calling this group "compact cars" is really painting with too broad of a brush. The options here cover a whole lot of ground, from hyper-efficient hybrids to performance-focused hot hatches. Now go test-drive the ones you liked most — and let us know if you agree with how we ranked them.

FAQ

The answers to these frequently asked questions are powered by MotorDonkey's ranking methodology and remain valid while published. Because we continuously update our ratings and vehicle data, our answers are subject to change as new information and impressions emerge.

What is the best subcompact sedan?

The best subcompact sedan is the Nissan Versa, which has a overall rating of 4.3 out of 10.

What is the best compact sedan?

The best compact sedan is the Honda Civic, which has a overall rating of 8.0 out of 10.

What is the best compact hatchback?

The best compact hatchback is the Toyota Prius, which has a overall rating of 8.4 out of 10.

What is the best compact hybrid car?

The best compact hybrid car is the Toyota Prius, which has a overall rating of 8.4 out of 10.

What is the best compact electric car?

The best compact electric car is the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which has a overall rating of 7.7 out of 10.

What is the best sport compact car?

The best sport compact car is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which has a overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.

What is the best super sport compact car?

The best super sport compact car is the Volkswagen Golf R, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.

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