2023 Honda Civic Si

There's a lot to like with the Kia Forte. It offers a lot of features for less money than most rivals, Civic included. A long warranty only increases the value further. But the Forte lacks some refinement compared to the Civic, with a less refined ride quality and an interior that's both smaller and not as well appointed as the Honda's.

The Hyundai Elantra is closely related to the Kia Forte and shares much of that car's pros and cons relative to the Civic. What it does have over the Kia is the high-performance Elantra N. It's one of the best-driving compacts we've ever tested and should put the new Civic Type R on its toes with its powerful turbocharged engine, sporty handling and significantly lower price tag.

The Mazda 3 is smaller than the Civic in terms of passenger and cargo space but counters with a premium interior, sporty handling and sharp looks. The Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo makes up to 250 hp and is a great alternative to the Civic Si. And just like the Civic, the 3 is available as a sedan and hatchback. One final advantage for the Mazda 3: You can get it with all-wheel drive, which is great if you frequently drive in wintery conditions. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda 3 for more.