2024 Toyota Corolla

Though it lacks the Corolla's reputation for durability and efficiency, the Elantra has been around for more than 30 years and it's now fully established as a worthy compact sedan. It's worth considering if low cost is a priority in your purchase. The small South Korean sedan comes with a long list of standard features and an excellent warranty. Like the Corolla, it won’t excite most drivers, but it will provide the peace of mind that comes with a long warranty and plenty of features for reasonable money.

In addition to decades of proven service as a small car, the Civic offers a rewarding driving experience, more passenger space, and a higher-quality interior compared to the Corolla. And like the Corolla, it's also available as a hatchback. The Civic is a willing partner on twisty roads, exhibiting balance and poise in places where the Corolla merely gets by. But you'll pay more for the Civic — a not insignificant consideration in the compact sedan arena.

Mazda's take on the compact sedan is unique. The 3's interior verges on luxury, with premium materials and an attractive, intuitive design unlike any other car in the segment. And its quick, accurate steering and confident brakes are simply better than the Corolla's flaccid controls. The little Mazda also offers all-wheel drive and a powerful turbocharged engine with class-leading acceleration. But these are things many buyers — particularly Corolla buyers — can do without. Surprisingly, the least expensive 3 starts less than the Corolla. But the cost balloons to the mid-$30,000s if you check all the boxes, putting the 3 out of reach for a lot of people in this segment.