compacts ranked
In an era when trucks, SUVs, and crossovers continue to set sales records and take top billing in marketing materials, it’s easy to overlook the essential goodness of the compact car. Reasonably sized, efficient, and often value-priced, the role of the compact is a righteous one. Thanks to tight competition and a surge in the availability of technology features, the traditional four-door compact formula has become elastic, stretching to include everything from box-on-wheels wagons to sleek and sporty coupes. Whatever your needs, there’s probably compact that will fill them. Click on through to see how the current compact offerings rank.
20) Mitsubishi Lancer
With an inexpensive interior and less-than-thrilling driving chops, the Lancer leaves much to be desired. Powertrains include a 2.0-liter four in ES guise, or a 2.4-liter four in the SE, SEL, and GT. A five-speed manual is standard in ES and GT trims; a CVT is optional for them and standard in the SE and SEL. The SE offers goodies including heated seats and a rearview camera; the SEL adds leather and rain-sensing wipers. All Lancers seem generally flawed when it comes to driving dynamics. LANCER PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
19) Dodge Dart
The Dart is basically a compact Italian sedan wrapped in American clothes, with numerous Dodge-isms such as “racetrack” taillights and a crosshair grille. Multiple engine-and-transmission options are offered, but despite a decent chassis, we haven’t found any version of the Dart satisfying to drive. Its roomy interior can be filled with high-tech options, though, and fuel economy for certain models is excellent. DART PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
18) Scion xB
The boxy xB put the Scion brand on the map a decade ago, but since then, the Toyota-based breadbox has grown long in the tooth. On the plus side, the xB’s spacious interior gives it utility in spades, enhanced by extra bins beneath the rear seats. It’s highly customizable, too. But even though it’s long on space, the xB is short on charm, with a ho-hum 158-hp four-cylinder engine, outdated five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions, dull chassis, and mediocre fuel economy. If you want one, you can probably find a great deal, as it has recently >a href="http://ift.tt/1Hqovgt" target="_blank">been discontinued. XB PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
17) Scion tC
If you’re among the rare subset of buyers who want a car that looks sporty but isn’t exactly muscular, then the tC fills the bill. Its 179-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder powers the front wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Handling is confident and body motions are well controlled, but its rivals easily outpace it. However, the tC does offer a roomy cabin, top-notch build quality, and a good reliability record. It’s a sensible choice; racy styling is simply a bonus. tC PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
16) Kia Forte Koup
The Forte coupe—or Koup, in Kia-speak—is sportier and more elegant than other Fortes; it’s also well equipped and surprisingly refined. The EX is powered by a gutsy 173-hp, 2.0-liter four; the SX model’s 201-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes it even quicker. A six-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed automatic optional on both. Steering and handling are nicely balanced. Alas, the Koup is no screamer, but it is sporty enough to satisfy all but the most hard-core enthusiasts. KOUP PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
15) Veloster Turbo
The Veloster is one oddball boy-racer—its quirky styling stands out in traffic—yet its racy looks deceive. The base engine is a feeble 132-hp 1.6-liter four with a standard six-speed manual; a dual-clutch six-speed automatic is optional. The Turbo boasts 201 hp and a six-speed manual; a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. Handling is predictable and lively yet steering feel is vague. If a funky-looking hatchback is all you want, step right up, but enthusiasts will be disappointed. VELOSTER PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
14) Volkswagen Beetle
Its shape is among the most distinctive on the road, and surprisingly, the Beetle is actually as fun to drive as it looks. Offered as a coupe or convertible, a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbo four teams up with a standard five-speed manual for peppy performance; a six-speed automatic is optional. The 210-hp turbo 2.0-liter R-Line is the hot-rod version, with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG automatic. 2015 and 2016 TDI diesels have been stop-saled until further notice due to EPA violations. BEETLE PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
13) Subaru Impreza
Sensible, spacious, and trustworthy—these traits make the Impreza a safe choice, but not an exciting one. It starts with an underpowered 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder; a five-speed manual is standard and a CVT is optional. Choose the manual to wring as much performance as you can out of the engine; the CVT drains any fun to be had from the driving experience. Available as either a sedan or a five-door hatch, the Impreza stands apart from the competition with standard all-wheel drive. IMPREZA PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
12) Nissan Sentra
The Sentra attempts to straddle the line between a mini-size luxury car and a sport compact—but it winds up being neither. Sure, the 130-hp 1.8-liter four and CVT return great fuel economy, but it comes at the cost of adequate acceleration; a six-speed manual is available only on the most basic model. The Sentra is full of upscale features, though—Bluetooth, LED exterior lights, available navigation—and build quality is excellent, with top-shelf materials inside the roomy cabin. SENTRA PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
11) Hyundai Elantra
Sleek styling, a smart interior, and a value-packed options list make the Elantra tempting, so long as you won’t miss agility or fun. The sedan is powered by a 145-hp four-cylinder with a standard six-speed manual; a six-speed automatic is optional. A 173-hp four-cylinder is standard on the Sport and the five-door GT; the manual is standard and the automatic is optional. The Elantra is best for drivers who value whizz-bang features and a sensible price. Enthusiasts should look elsewhere. ELANTRA PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
10) Mini Cooper Hardtop
With a sporty and robust chassis, the spunky Cooper Hardtop provides tossable handling; the upscale cabin makes it a comfortable cruiser. A perky 134-hp 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder strikes a balance between fun and frugality with either the standard six-speed manual or optional paddle-shifted six-speed automatic. The Cooper Hardtop is a highly customizable, distinctively styled and zippy three-door runabout; a five-door hatchback model provides an extra level of practicality. MINI COOPER HARDTOP PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
9) Toyota Corolla
If car shopping were computer software, the Corolla could be the default setting: It has the space, power, and features to meet most people’s needs, but is bland and uninspired. That’s the downside. On the positive side of the equation, it has the Toyota reputation for reliability. As a result, it brings a premium, despite not engaging the driver as do some of its competitors. Still, it remains a bestseller. If you’re more interested in the destination than the journey, the Corolla is for you. COROLLA PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
8) Scion iM
The iM is versatile, affordable, and hardly a down-market consolation prize thanks to a slew of standard features and lots of accessories. A 137-hp 1.8-liter four pairs with either a six-speed manual or a CVT, so the sporty looks are mostly for show. The iM focuses more on ease of ownership and fuel economy. A six-speaker Pioneer audio system with a seven-inch touch screen should please audiophiles and tech lovers alike; a list of dog-friendly accessories appeals to pet owners everywhere. iM PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
7) Kia Forte
Affordability and a 10-year powertrain warranty are selling points for any Kia, but buyers of the Forte sedan (or five-door Forte5) also will enjoy surprising space and a quality interior. A 148-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual serves as the base setup; a six-speed automatic is optional. Uplevel trims get a perky 173-hp 2.0-liter four paired to a six-speed automatic. The Forte5 is a hot-hatch, with a 201-hp turbo 1.6-liter four and a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. FORTE PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
6) Kia Soul
Perhaps overshadowed by its eye-catching exterior, the Soul’s solid build quality and smart interior are the real deal. Base models get a 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a slick six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic while uplevel models receive a 164-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the automatic. With either engine, acceleration is relaxed at best. Despite the numb steering feel, the Soul is unexpectedly agile thanks to nicely controlled body roll and a refined suspension. SOUL PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
5) Ford Focus
With its European-developed chassis, the Focus is a practical, playful companion offering a rare blend of agility and accuracy. A 160-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard but a 123-hp 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder with auto start-stop is optional for extra efficiency. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic is available but we prefer the five-speed manual. A handsome exterior and functional interior with a load of standard and available features win the Focus extra style points. FOCUS PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
4) Volkswagen Jetta
The sporty Jetta offers an agile suspension and a range of powertrains at a price that won’t break the bank. The interior has upgraded materials and a modern design; the rear seat has room for three adults. The standard engine is a 150-hp 1.4-liter turbo four; optional are a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbo four or a hybrid that gets 48 mpg on the highway. Six-speed manual and six-speed automatics are available. 2015 and 2016 TDI diesels have been stop-saled until further notice due to EPA violations. JETTA PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
3) Honda Civic
Sweet-handling and fun to drive, the Civic deserves serious consideration from enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. The base engine is a 158-hp 2.0-liter four; a 174-hp turbo 1.5-liter is optional. Good news: The 2.0-liter has a six-speed manual! (A CVT is optional.) Bad news: The turbo offers only the CVT. Both engines make enjoyable companions, but the turbo is definitely the hot rod of the two. Options like remote start and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto ensure the Civic isn’t a stripper. CIVIC PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
2) Volkswagen Golf
The Golf is one of our favorite cars—it’s so good, we named it to our 10Best list for 2015. With a stout structure, the ride always feels solid and controlled. Its supple chassis and responsive steering make it a true pleasure to drive. A 170-hp 1.8-liter turbo four pairs with a standard five-speed manual; a six-speed automatic is optional. There are bigger cars, but few offer more satisfaction. 2015 and 2016 TDI diesels have been stop-saled until further notice due to EPA violations. GOLF PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
1) Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 proves that economical, fuel-efficient cars need not be dull to look at or to drive—and these are just a couple of the many reasons we named it to our 10Best list for 2015. Available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback, a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard; a 184-hp 2.5-liter is optional. A six-speed manual is standard while a six-speed automatic is optional. As with most Mazdas, driving dynamics are peppy and engaging, although road noise can intrude. MAZDA 3 PRICING, REVIEWS, MORE >>
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