Best Economy Cars of 2022 and 2023

A Toyota in name only, the subcompact Yaris sedan is essentially a rebadged Mazda 2. That's a good thing since Mazda has a reputation for building cars that are fun to drive. You'll like this Toyota's nimble handling, excellent fuel economy and wealth of standard features.

You wouldn't expect a tiny, low-powered sedan to be fun, but the Hyundai Accent's driving characteristics maximize the sporty feel behind the wheel. Its spartan front seats and low-power USB port are notable weak points, but all cabin controls are refreshingly easy to use, and it gets great gas mileage.

The redesigned Nissan Versa is more upscale than in years past. Granted, it's still an affordable small sedan. But the Versa is no longer a car you buy only because it's cheap. A comfy ride, plenty of safety features and good fuel economy are highlights.

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.

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.

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.

The Yaris hatchback is one of the smallest and least expensive vehicles in Toyota's lineup. Even so, it's a pleasing urban runabout that should work out well for shoppers on a budget.

The Honda Civic is one of our favorite small cars, and the hatchback variant adds the virtue of increased cargo capacity. Standard turbocharged power, nimble handling and strong fuel economy are just a few of the Civic's strengths.

If a fun-to-drive character and a classy interior rank high on your shopping list, then the Mazda 3 should be right at the top. It may come up short in a few categories on paper, but in the real world it's more than capable and definitely worth a test drive.

A more family-friendly Mini, this little hatchback has usable interior space, a funky personality and — especially with one of the upgraded engines — no shortage of energy. But the Clubman still feels a bit restrained compared to other Mini products. It's the grown-up of the bunch, you might say.