Best Compact Sedans of 2026 and 2027

The Edmunds experts test drive small sedan contenders on our test track and in the real world. Our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. How we rank small sedans
1st
2026 Honda Civic Hybrid
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Honda Civic boasts praiseworthy performance, high fuel economy, excellent passenger space and a refined design. There are a few minor drawbacks, such as elevated road noise on the highway, but overall the Civic is a great pick for a small sedan.
MSRP
$29,395 - $33,595
Combined MPG
48 - 49
2nd
2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
Assuming you don't need the full-fat performance N model, the Elantra Hybrid is the Elantra to get. It's smooth, exceptionally fuel-efficient and feature-packed. A somewhat downmarket interior is the only real knock against it, but the Elantra Hybrid offers excellent value for the money and really makes a case for itself among other hybrid sedans and compact SUVs.
MSRP
$25,650 - $30,000
Combined MPG
50 - 54
3rd
2026 Kia K4
Edmunds Rating
7.5/10
The Kia K4 stands out with its roomy cabin and extensive and helpful technology features. Value is also part of the appeal; the K4 comes with a greater level of standard equipment than the competition. Our only complaint is a pair of laconic powertrains that don't deliver an engaging driving experience.
MSRP
$22,290 - $28,890
Combined MPG
28 - 33
4th
2026 Honda Civic
Edmunds Rating
6.9/10
The Honda Civic Sport is an affordable sedan that's spacious, fun to drive, and built to last. While it's the slowest in its class, it makes up for it by being lighter, one of the most efficient, and supremely comfortable. Its button-filled interior is nice to look at and even better to use.
MSRP
$24,695 - $47,395
Combined MPG
24 - 49
5th
2026 Hyundai Elantra
Edmunds Rating
6.8/10
The Elantra stands out with its high fuel economy, impressive technology and safety features, and roomy cabin. It's also comfortable and strong on value. The base engine is lackluster but otherwise this is a great pick for a small sedan.
MSRP
$22,825 - $29,600
Combined MPG
31 - 35
6th
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Edmunds Rating
6.6/10
The Volkswagen Jetta is a stylish and satisfying sedan to drive. It's also spacious and fuel-efficient. But it suffers from a somewhat outdated infotainment system, lackluster interior quality, and overall value for your money.
MSRP
$23,995 - $29,995
Combined MPG
33 - 34
7th
2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Edmunds Rating
6.2/10
The Corolla Hybrid is a comfortable small hybrid sedan whose biggest appeal lies in its low cost of entry, available all-wheel drive and relatively good fuel efficiency. But the loud engine, so-so tech implementation, and lack of storage and passenger space compared to other hybrid cars hold it back in this class.
MSRP
$24,975 - $29,340
Combined MPG
44 - 50
8th
2026 Nissan Sentra
Edmunds Rating
6.2/10
The Nissan Sentra is a solid and much-needed improvement for the brand's entry-level sedan. It's stylish and full of modern conveniences. But its underpowered engine and the lack of a hybrid option hold it back in a competitive class.
MSRP
$22,600 - $27,990
Combined MPG
32 - 33
9th
2026 Toyota Corolla
Edmunds Rating
6.0/10
The Toyota Corolla offers simple and practical transportation — nothing more, nothing less. It isn't that the Corolla is especially weak in any area; it's that competitors have passed it by being more fun to drive, offering better technology or, in some cases, both.
MSRP
$23,125 - $28,840
Combined MPG
34 - 35
10th
2026 Mazda 3
Edmunds Rating
5.9/10
The Mazda 3 sedan gives its driver a lot of style, refinement, and comfort. Opt for the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive and you get impressive speed and all-weather traction, too. A cramped back seat, frustrating tech, and elevated price tag compared to most rivals could turn buyers away.
MSRP
$24,650 - $36,940
Combined MPG
27 - 30