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The Honda Civic is an outstanding small sedan, combining excellent performance with modern features, practicality and comfort. It also comes in a plethora of trim levels to suit various needs and budgets.
Best Compact Cars of 2021 and 2022
Compact sedans
Thanks to their low prices, fuel-efficient engines and commendable utility, small sedans rank as some of the best-selling vehicles of all time. There's something for everyone in this class, from practical entry-level models to higher trims with all the bells and whistles.
2
Redesigned in 2019
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte sedan has been redesigned for 2019. Overall, it more than satisfies with its mix of great features, attractive style and appealing price.
- MSRP
- $17,890 - $23,290
3
Redesigned in 2021
Hyundai Elantra
The new 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
- $19,650 - $28,100
Hot hatches
The hot-hatch formula is as simple as it is appealing. You start with a sensible small hatchback, add significant power and handling upgrades, and throw in extra style for good measure. What's not to like?
1
Redesigned in 2015
Volkswagen Golf R
If you're looking for a little more comfort and sophistication than what the typical hot hatch offers, the Golf R could be your answer. Expensive at first glance, the R vindicates its price with well-rounded performance, practicality and mature styling.
- MSRP
- $40,395 - $41,495
2
Redesigned in 2016
Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is friendly, flexible and practical while managing to push the performance envelope of a front-wheel-drive car. Its combination of four usable seats, a sizable trunk and agreeable ride quality makes it a highly desirable daily driver.
- MSRP
- $37,495
3
Redesigned in 2015
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential hot hatch. It's fun and engaging to drive yet still practical and comfortable day to day. Sure, you could find more performance for less money elsewhere, but no one else does as many things as well as the GTI.
- MSRP
- $28,695 - $37,745
Compact wagons
Small wagons are small cars with big versatility, and they're well-suited to a range of lifestyles. Some offer all-wheel-drive stability and basic off-road capability, while others are meant to be driven with enthusiasm, but they all come with wagon practicality.
| Rank | Vehicle | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redesigned in 2017 Audi A4 allroad |
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| Rank | Vehicle | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Redesigned in 2015 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack |
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| Rank | Vehicle | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Redesigned in 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen |
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Compact crossovers
Small SUVs are among the hottest vehicles in today's market, thanks to virtues like reasonable pricing, excellent versatility and a just-right size. They've even begun to supplant midsize sedans as a sensible family vehicle.
| Rank | Vehicle | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redesigned in 2017 Honda CR-V |
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| Rank | Vehicle | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Redesigned in 2017 Mazda CX-5 |
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| Rank | Vehicle | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Redesigned in 2021 Nissan Rogue |
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Edmunds' experts test 200 vehicles per year on our test track. We also test them using a 115-mile real-world test loop of city streets, freeways and winding canyons. The data we gather results in our ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover performance, comfort, interior, technology, utility and value.
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FAQ
What's the best compact car to buy?
Buyers in the market for a compact sedan have quite an array of choices, from basic transportation to mini-luxury cars. Out of all the available choices, we think the Honda Civic provides the best combination of economy, practicality and refinement at an affordable price point. The Civic is roomy and comfortable, and it comes well equipped with many modern conveniences and advanced driver aids. To further broaden its appeal, the Civic also comes in three body styles: coupe, sedan and hatchback. With so many choices, it can sometimes be difficult to choose a winner, but the outstanding Honda Civic makes our decision easy. Learn more
What is the best small car for 2019?
Small cars have come a long way in the last 10 years, and we think the 2019 Honda Civic is the best of the recent bunch. With good fuel efficiency and dynamite maneuverability, the Civic excels at what a small car should do. The Civic punches well above its weight with its spacious and comfortable interior packed with modern tech and clever storage options — and it costs much less than larger cars offering fewer standard features. The Civic is also a lot of fun to drive even if you don't choose the sporty Si or aggressive Type R trim level. We think it sets the benchmark for small cars. Learn more
What is the most reliable used compact car?
We don't track reliability data on Edmunds, but in general, we recommend looking into owners' forums to see what kind of issues they are experiencing. If you're buying from the prior owner, ask for maintenance records to see what repairs have been performed. Learn more
What is the best small used car to buy?
The best small car for you will depend on your needs, your budget and, of course, local inventory. If you need a bit more storage, we'd suggest looking at a hatchback such as the Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra GT or Volkswagen Golf. The Honda Civic can also be had as a hatchback, but you might have more luck finding the sedan version, which should be cross-shopped alongside the Kia Forte, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. If you live in a place that gets a decent amount of inclement weather every year, keep your eyes peeled for something all-wheel drive such as a Subaru Impreza or its slightly higher-riding sibling, the Crosstrek. Learn more