Best Small Cars

Small cars can be hatchbacks, sedans, coupes or convertibles. The common link: adult-sized seating for two in front, with additional spaces for up to three small passengers in back (or none, in the case of some pickups, convertibles, and other body styles).
1
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
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MSRP From: $41,800
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8.5
Expert Rating
“The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 cleaves throwback styling with cutting-edge electric car performance.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
9 / 10
Performance
7 / 10
Safety
9 / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
10 / 10
2
2024 Kia EV6
2024 Kia EV6 GT
MSRP From: $42,600
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8.3
Expert Rating
“Well-balanced and loaded with value, the 2024 Kia EV6 is a must-see for electric crossover shoppers.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
8 / 10
Performance
7 / 10
Safety
8 / 10
Features
9 / 10
Fuel Economy
10 / 10
3
2025 Volkswagen ID.4
2025 Volkswagen ID.4
8.0
Expert Rating
“The 2025 VW ID.4 stands out as a good value, even if it’s not as exciting or stylish as top competitors.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
7 / 10
Safety
8 / 10
Features
9 / 10
Fuel Economy
10 / 10
4
2025 Volvo EX30
2025 Volvo EX30
MSRP From: $34,950
7.6
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Volvo EX30 loads up on features for a low starting price, though some will be cool to its thrifty cabin and its adequate range.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
8 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
10 / 10
5
2025 Honda Civic
2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
MSRP From: $24,250
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7.2
Expert Rating
“With 200 hp and 49 mpg combined, the new Honda Civic Hybrid slam-dunks its siblings for efficiency.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
8 / 10
Performance
6 / 10
Safety
8 / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
7 / 10
5
2025 Nissan Leaf
2025 Nissan Leaf
MSRP From: $28,140
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7.2
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Nissan Leaf is a good overall EV for shoppers looking for a commuter car value.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
6 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
10 / 10
7
2025 Kia Niro
2025 Kia Niro
MSRP From: $26,990
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6.8
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Kia Niro makes a name for itself with its modest size and variety of electrified powertrains.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
10 / 10
Fuel Economy
6 / 10
8
2025 Hyundai Elantra
2025 Hyundai Elantra
MSRP From: $21,875
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6.5
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N delivers a refined driving experience, but its interior lacks the quality touches we’ve seen in the automaker’s other models.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
7 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Safety
8 / 10
Features
9 / 10
Fuel Economy
5 / 10
8
2024 Volkswagen Golf
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
MSRP From: $31,965
6.5
Expert Rating
“The 2024 VW Golf lineup delights in any form. Grab a base GTI S for the most approachable thrills, or vault all the way to the delightful Golf R.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
7 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
9 / 10
Fuel Economy
3 / 10
10
2025 Mazda MAZDA3
2025 Mazda Mazda3
MSRP From: $23,950
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6.3
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Mazda 3 is a compact car with verve and slick styling but a lousy infotainment system.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
7 / 10
Performance
7 / 10
Safety
8 / 10
Features
6 / 10
Fuel Economy
4 / 10
10
2025 Toyota Corolla
2025 Toyota Corolla
MSRP From: $22,175
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6.3
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Toyota Corolla offers something for just about everyone, though the sweet spot for commuters is the excellent hybrid.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
6 / 10
10
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
MSRP From: $21,995
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6.3
Expert Rating
“A mild update for 2025 keeps the VW Jetta looking fresh, though we’ll miss its standard manual gearbox.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
5 / 10
Performance
6 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
9 / 10
Fuel Economy
5 / 10
10
2024 Subaru Impreza
2024 Subaru Impreza
MSRP From: $22,995
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6.3
Expert Rating
“The 2024 Subaru Impreza presents value-minded transportation with the flexibility of a hatchback.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
6 / 10
Safety
8 / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
4 / 10
10
2024 Subaru WRX
2024 Subaru WRX TR test drive review, Sicily
MSRP From: $32,735
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6.3
Expert Rating
“Practical but fun, the 2024 Subaru WRX is the enthusiast’s everyday driver.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
9 / 10
Safety
8 / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
2 / 10
15
2025 Buick Envista
2025 Buick Envista
MSRP From: $22,900
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6.0
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Buick Envista is cheap but cheerful, with a nice cabin and a good feature set. It’s all the car many shoppers really need.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
8 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
4 / 10
15
2025 Chevrolet Trax
2025 Chevrolet Trax
MSRP From: $20,400
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6.0
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Chevy Trax is one of the most appealing ways to spend $25,000 or less on a brand-new car, so long as you can convince yourself that you don’t really need AWD.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
8 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
4 / 10
15
2025 Ford Mustang
2025 Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Package
MSRP From: $31,920
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6.0
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Ford Mustang is no bargain performance car, but it brims with style, personality, and poise.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
7 / 10
Performance
8 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
1 / 10
15
2025 Toyota 86
2025 Toyota GR86
6.0
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Toyota GR86 is for true enthusiasts.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
9 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
2 / 10
19
2025 Kia Soul
2025 Kia Soul
MSRP From: $20,290
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5.8
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Kia Soul is a high-personality, low-price commuter.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
7 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Safety
5 / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
4 / 10
19
2025 Nissan Sentra
2025 Nissan Sentra
MSRP From: $21,590
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5.8
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Nissan Sentra is a reminder that inexpensive cars needn’t be penalty boxes.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
4 / 10
19
2025 Subaru BRZ
2025 Subaru BRZ
MSRP From: $31,095
5.8
Expert Rating
“Entertaining for novice and professional drivers alike, the 2025 Subaru BRZ is one of the world’s most enjoyable sports cars.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
9 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
8 / 10
Fuel Economy
2 / 10
22
2024 Nissan Versa
2024 Nissan Versa
MSRP From: $16,679
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5.7
Expert Rating
“The 2024 Nissan Versa looks, feels, and drives nicer than its price point.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
4 / 10
Safety
7 / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
5 / 10
23
2024 Lexus RC
2024 Lexus RC
MSRP From: $44,770
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5.6
Expert Rating
“Though the 2024 Lexus RC goes hard with its styling, its powertrain lineup, composed ride, and refined cabin deliver on expectations.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
7 / 10
Performance
7 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
2 / 10
23
2024 Nissan Z
2024 Nissan Z Nismo
MSRP From: $42,970
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5.6
Expert Rating
“The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo returns to wring more power and more thrills out of the visceral sports coupe.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
8 / 10
Performance
8 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
2 / 10
25
2025 Nissan Kicks
2025 Nissan Kicks
MSRP From: $21,830
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5.4
Expert Rating
“The 2025 Nissan Kicks is a grown-up entry-level vehicle, offering good equipment for the price, AWD at last, and the SUV looks everyone wants.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
6 / 10
Performance
4 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
4 / 10
25
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MSRP From: $28,985
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5.4
Expert Rating
“You won’t find the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s driving enjoyment in any other car at this price point.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
8 / 10
Performance
8 / 10
Safety
N/A / 10
Features
5 / 10
Fuel Economy
3 / 10
27
2024 Chevrolet Camaro
2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition
MSRP From: $30,900
5.2
Expert Rating
“In its final year, the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro inspires lust with fantastic power, excellent driving dynamics, and a commemorative limited edition.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
7 / 10
Performance
9 / 10
Safety
4 / 10
Features
7 / 10
Fuel Economy
1 / 10
28
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
MSRP From: $16,695
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3.8
Expert Rating
“A good deal on a used car may be a better buy than the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage.” Read Full Expert Review »
Styling
3 / 10
Performance
1 / 10
Safety
5 / 10
Features
6 / 10
Fuel Economy
5 / 10
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