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Best Small Sedans of 2023 and 2024

The Edmunds experts test 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

Best X-Small sedans

Diminutive in stature and light on creature comforts, extra-small sedans are the least expensive vehicles on the market. Even so, some boast features that used to be unheard of in this class.

Not enough vehicles yet to rank
2023 Nissan Versa
Redesigned in 2020

Nissan Versa

Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The Nissan Versa is a well-built small sedan, with plenty of space inside and enough standard technology and safety features to easily justify its price. Slow acceleration is a bummer, but overall it's a smart pick for an affordable small sedan. Read full review
MSRP
$15,980 - $19,970
Combined MPG
30 - 35
2023 Kia Rio
Redesigned in 2018

Kia Rio

Edmunds Rating
7.1/10
Kia should have given the Rio a new name to distance this car from the penalty-box Rios of yesteryear. Today's Rio is a grown-up small car with a relatively pleasant interior. Read full review
MSRP
$16,750 - $17,390
Combined MPG
36

Best Small sedans

Thanks to their accessible pricing and fuel-efficient engines, small sedans are among the best-selling vehicles of all time. You can opt for value or splurge on all the bells and whistles.

1st
Redesigned in 2022

Honda Civic

Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
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. Read full review
MSRP
$23,950 - $30,550
Combined MPG
31 - 36
2nd
Redesigned in 2019

Kia Forte

Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
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. Read full review
MSRP
$19,690 - $25,090
Combined MPG
26 - 34
3rd
Redesigned in 2021

Hyundai Elantra

Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
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. Read full review
MSRP
$20,950 - $34,400
Combined MPG
23 - 54
4th
Redesigned in 2019

Mazda 3

Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
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. Read full review
MSRP
$24,170 - $35,450
Combined MPG
27 - 31
5th
Redesigned in 2020

Toyota Corolla

Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The Toyota Corolla is a strong competitor in the small-sedan class. We give the Corolla high marks for its ride comfort, high-quality interior, and comprehensive list of advanced safety features. Read full review
MSRP
$21,700 - $26,850
Combined MPG
34 - 35
6th
Redesigned in 2020

Nissan Sentra

Edmunds Rating
7.3/10
The Nissan Sentra offers a roomy interior, a comfortable ride and easy-to-use technology. It's also pretty stylish. Slow acceleration is the main downside here. Read full review
MSRP
$20,630 - $23,720
Combined MPG
33 - 34

Best X-Small luxury sedans

Even though they're the most affordable luxury cars, extra-small luxury sedans offer many of the same amenities as their larger siblings, though evidence of cost-cutting can be found.

Not enough vehicles yet to rank
Redesigned in 2022

Audi A3

Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
Among entry-level luxury cars, the Audi A3 stands out for its well-rounded nature. It rides and steers with composure, accelerates briskly, has an upscale cabin and can be fitted with many premium features. Read full review
MSRP
$35,400 - $40,800
Combined MPG
30 - 32
Also Consider
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Introduced in 2020

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is decently quick and sporty enough to feel competent on a winding road. But around town, the ride is a bit too stiff, especially on rough pavement. It's also a bit pricey for an entry-level luxury sedan. But if cargo room is important to you, the 2 Series Gran Coupe does that better than most of its competition. Read full review
MSRP
$36,600 - $46,400
Combined MPG
27 - 28

Best Small luxury sedans

Small luxury sedans have evolved to provide usable backseat space and a full roster of features while retaining a sporty driving character. For many shoppers, this will be the sweet spot.

1st
Redesigned in 2022

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers high-class interior details, a helpful technology interface and pleasing performance. It's an easy and smart pick for a small luxury sedan. Read full review
MSRP
$44,850 - $59,900
Combined MPG
22 - 29
2nd
Redesigned in 2017

Audi A4

Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The A4 offers a compelling blend of refinement and interior quality for the price. Look elsewhere if you need a sport sedan that'll get your heart pumping, but for across-the-board excellence at a fair price, the A4 remains tough to top. Read full review
MSRP
$40,300 - $51,300
Combined MPG
27 - 28
3rd
Redesigned in 2019

BMW 3 Series

Edmunds Rating
7.8/10
The BMW 3 Series is powerful and boldly designed, but it misses its mark in a few areas. Other players have made larger strides in regards to technology. Unfortunately, "benchmark" is no longer one of the descriptors that come to mind. Read full review
MSRP
$43,800 - $58,400
Combined MPG
26 - 29
4th
Redesigned in 2022

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's looks may not be for everyone, but its build quality, comfortable ride, and enjoyable driving dynamics are hard to fault. The base engine is a little lackluster, but we wouldn't be surprised if some buyers chose this version over the stalwart 3 Series. Read full review
MSRP
$45,900 - $59,450
Combined MPG
25 - 28
5th
Redesigned in 2014

Lexus IS 350

Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
The Lexus IS 350 is a small luxury sedan that offers an appealing combination of comfort and style. It's not the sportiest car in its class, but you'll like the IS 350's hushed cabin and smooth ride for daily comfort. Read full review
MSRP
$43,160 - $46,410
Combined MPG
22 - 23
6th
Introduced in 2019

Genesis G70

Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Genesis G70 has matured into one of the more elegant-looking small luxury sedans. It delivers excellent value, a comfortable interior, and a good set of standard advanced driver aids. However, a tight back seat, a tiny trunk and subpar fuel economy keep the G70 from attaining true greatness. Read full review
MSRP
$39,400 - $47,000
Combined MPG
20 - 25
7th
Redesigned in 2023

Acura Integra

Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The reborn Integra is roomy and gets high fuel economy. But it's less refined than its direct rivals and too similar to the related Honda Civic Si, which retails for thousands less. Overall it's hard to find much about this Acura that distinguishes it from the pack. Read full review
MSRP
$31,500 - $50,800
Combined MPG
24 - 33
8th
Introduced in 2017

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
With a focus on flair and performance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia will appeal to those willing to look past the more familiar offerings in this class. It's a joy on the open road, engaging the driver like few other sedans can. Read full review
MSRP
$43,340 - $86,770
Combined MPG
20 - 27
9th
Introduced in 2020

Cadillac CT4

Edmunds Rating
6.6/10
The Cadillac CT4 is the brand's small luxury sedan. With classic rear-wheel-drive architecture, optional all-wheel drive and competitive turbocharged power, the CT4 has strong sport sedan fundamentals. Read full review
MSRP
$34,395 - $60,995
Combined MPG
18 - 27
10th
Redesigned in 2014

INFINITI Q50

Edmunds Rating
6.4/10
The Q50 isn't as polished as its German competition, and its dated cabin and tech won't wow many people. Its strength lies solely in its powerful turbo engines, particularly the Red Sport trim. Read full review
MSRP
$42,650 - $58,500
Combined MPG
22 - 23

Best Small performance sedans

If you're looking for luxury and maneuverability along with sizzling speed, small performance sedans are where it's at. These sporty variants are among the most capable sedans in the world.

1st
Redesigned in 2023

Acura Integra Type S

Edmunds Rating
8.5/10
The Acura Integra Type S is the shot of adrenaline that the brand has needed for so long. It's a gorgeous hot hatch that strikes a wonderful balance between sport compact and entry-level luxury. If you're looking for all the thrills and precise driving of a Honda Civic Type R but crave something a bit more refined, then the Integra Type S is the perfect answer. Read full review
MSRP
$50,800
Combined MPG
24
2nd
Redesigned in 2022

Audi S3

Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
The Audi S3 is one of the smallest sedans you can buy, yet it doesn't feel like Audi gave it any less care than its other models. It's comfortable yet also fun to drive thanks to a strong yet fuel-efficient engine and sporty handling. Read full review
MSRP
$47,000 - $53,900
Combined MPG
26
3rd
Redesigned in 2022

Audi RS 3

Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Audi RS 3's all-wheel-drive system means traction is ever present, even in slippery conditions, and the vibrant turbocharged five-cylinder engine means you're never wanting for power or drama. But just as it can barnstorm a back road, it can also be a civilized counterpart on the day-to-day. Read full review
MSRP
$61,700
Combined MPG
23
3rd
Redesigned in 2018

Audi S4

Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Audi S4 combines eye-opening performance with a refined ride and offers excellent all-day practicality and comfort. This is one incredibly well-rounded sport sedan. Read full review
MSRP
$53,800 - $61,100
Combined MPG
24
5th
Introduced in 2020

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing is a high-performance variant of the standard CT4 sedan. It comes with an impressive array of standard features including an adaptive suspension and a wonderfully responsive engine. Aside from a cramped back seat and only so-so driver safety aids, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers in all the right places. Read full review
MSRP
$60,995
Combined MPG
18
6th
Redesigned in 2018

Audi S5 Sportback

Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The S5 offers a great balance of performance and luxury. It's an excellent alternative for those who are willing to trade some of the S4's rear-passenger space for a larger trunk and sportier fastback silhouette. Read full review
MSRP
$56,800 - $64,200
Combined MPG
23
7th
Redesigned in 2021

BMW M3

Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The BMW M3 is a sport sedan that comes so close to being perfect. The all-wheel-drive system gives you confidence in poor weather, plus heaps of grip for explosive acceleration. Yet the highs are so high that the car's numb steering and unpleasant exhaust note really stick out. Read full review
MSRP
$72,800 - $80,800
Combined MPG
18 - 19
8th
Redesigned in 2022

Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43

Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 is quick and handles well, with performance that's generally on par with its German rivals. There's lots of available in-car tech and driver aids too. But there's nothing about this car that makes it a standout sport sedan. Read full review
MSRP
$59,900 - $69,250
Combined MPG
21 - 22