Are there any best small cars? This is a question that has been asked and asked for years. But when will someone answer it? It’s a question that’s been asked by people in all walks of life. But no one has ever really found the answer. Until now.

Best Small Cars

1. 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic has a sleek new form and a more premium interior, both of which help the vehicle seem better and more mature. Honda hasn’t forsaken any of the Civic’s classic characteristics; it’s enjoyable to drive even in basic model form, comfortable to be in and comes with a slew of standard safety systems.

The new ranks towards the top of the small sedan class in terms of space and handling. It’s not as blatantly athletic as the Mazda3 or as value-laden as the Hyundai Elantra, but as a jack of all crafts, it excels in various areas.

Pros

• Even in basic model form, the car is enjoyable to drive.
• There are several standard active-safety features.
• There is plenty of outward elegance and inner space.

Cons

• Slower than the preceding generation
• Many desired features are only available on higher-priced trims.
• Only hatchbacks and Si versions are available with a manual gearbox.

2. 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra provides value, style, substance, and usefulness in a package with minimal sacrifices. There’s a comfortable and well-designed cabin, plenty of tech features, and decent driving manners, but there are also various engine options.

A pair of accessible hybrids get 50 MPG or more in combined driving, and there are now two distinct performance lines, the gentler N-line and the genuinely speedy N. While the competition has become more difficult this year, the Elantra remains a must-drive if you’re looking for a small car.

Pros

• Excellent worth
• A variety of fuel-efficient, powerful powertrains are available.
• Elegant design

Cons

• Interior finishes are reasonably priced.
• Many excellent features come at an additional expense.
• Base engine is mediocre.

Read also: Are Hyundai Good Cars? Is Hyundai better than Honda? 2022

3. 2021 Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a small-car star in American showrooms, with the type of styling, quality interior, and compelling performance you’d expect from Alfa-Romeo or BMW.

The 3 is less expensive than other brands, but the turbocharged models aren’t inexpensive by popular small standards, and none of the 3s get an excellent gas economy.

Customers receive a gorgeous automobile that makes every journey enjoyable and requires very few concessions from non-enthusiast consumers looking for comfortable everyday mobility.

Pros

• Inside and out, premium style
• Thrilling driving performance
• The 2.5 Turbo model produces 250 horsepower.

Cons

• High-end versions may be costly.
• Spots in the hatchback model
• The class has poor fuel efficiency.

Read more: Do Mazdas Hold Their Value?

4. 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The GTI is more powerful than ever. It’s as good a performance vehicle as you’ll get for the money, which begins just above entrants like the Honda Civic Si.

This newest GTI is a car you have to drive to believe, offering fantastic speed and a sensation of invincible control and corner-carving brilliance usually reserved for considerably more costly vehicles.

The VW is still as practical as ever, delivering well over 30 mpg on the highway, with an adult-friendly rear seat and plenty of hatchback luggage space. The confusing infotainment system is the main downside, but most people won’t mind, given the GTI’s skillful balance of practicality and performance.

Pros

• A German engine for the dollar that is a work of art
• Gigantic-slaying driving performance
• Excellent value, functionality, and fuel efficiency

Cons

• Perplexing infotainment system
• The inside is less luxurious than the previous version.
• Golf at a lower cost is no longer accessible.

5. 2022 Kia Forte

The Kia Forte is a stylish small car with a roomy cabin and greater trunk capacity than its rivals. There are two engines available, and enthusiasts may choose the turbocharged version with a manual gearbox.

It ranks in the middle of the pack regarding fuel efficiency and interior space, but it’s loaded with goodies, including an optional new premium infotainment system, and is reasonably priced. All trims have a variety of driver assistance systems. However, Forte does not get full marks for collision safety from NHSTA or IIHS.

Pros

• Interior that is comfortable
• For the price, it is well-equipped.
• Turbo engine with manual transmission is offered.

Cons

• Base engine is mediocre.
• Mid-pack fuel efficiency
• It does not get top crash-test ratings.

6. 2021 Subaru Impreza

Subaru’s “budget” sedan is a steal even when optioned up. The Impreza isn’t as quick as its WRX sibling. Still, the sure-footed standard all-wheel-drive system enhances handling and opens up more locations, although at a lower gas economy than comparable small vehicles.

The Impreza is conservatively fashioned, but it isn’t attempting to be anything other than practical. The great EyeSight safety feature is standard on most trims but only works with CVT versions.

Pros

• It is available as a sedan or a hatchback.
• AWD is standard.
• EyeSight safety suite that works

Cons

• Engine that is underpowered
• CVT is sluggish.
• Manual gearbox versions have poor fuel efficiency.

7. 2022 MINI Clubman

The Mini Clubman 2022 is the last example of a once-common breed: a tiny station wagon. Even if it weren’t the last small wagon remaining, its upbeat spirit would be noticeable. Its larger footprint also compensates for some of the Mini Hardtop and Mini Countryman’s significant flaws.

It delivers a Countryman-like room while retaining practically everything of the little Hardtop’s whimsical spirit, complete with a rapid John Cooper Works version, much like Goldilocks. Unfortunately, the Clubman’s price rapidly rises when extras are added, and it lacks both conventional driver aid equipment and other tech necessities, such as Android Auto.

Pros

• It is more practical than the Mini Hardtop due to its wagon body.
• Clubman S and John Cooper Works are both entertaining performers.
• A lot of style

Cons

• Overall, the space is still rather small, and it is not inexpensive.
• There is a lack of technology and driver assistance equipment.
• Expensive at higher trim levels, particularly the John Cooper Works.

8. 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra is affordable but not cheap, with a big-car appearance and a well-designed, high-quality interior. Its handling is agile and responsive, but its four-cylinder engine isn’t the most powerful among competitors, and acceleration is slow.

It’s well-equipped, with various driver-assist safety systems on all trims, but it misses essential popular amenities like wireless phone connection and charging. It has more excellent front-seat legroom than its competitors and is in the middle of the pack regarding headroom, but it falls short in rear-seat legroom and fuel efficiency.

Pros

• The upscale interior seems more expensive than it is.
• There are several standard driver-assist safety features.
• Handling agility and responsiveness

Cons

• Acceleration is noisy and mediocre.
• Legroom in the back is less than that of rivals.
• There is no navigation or wifi connection available.

9. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen’s new Jetta, released in 2019, has a lot going for it. The tiny sedan is quite comfortable, with a luxurious car-like ride and lots of interior space. It also provides fantastic value for money. On the highway, it’s easy sailing, but in windy conditions, the Jetta lacks connection to the road or the driver, particularly compared to its sensitive Golf brother.

The engine is decent, but it’s hardly the most enticing compact VW in recent memory. The Jetta saw no revisions in 2021, although a new engine and styling upgrade is scheduled for 2022.

Pros

• Very quiet and comfy
• High worth
• GLI is a fun-to-drive model.

Cons

• Active safety solutions are not cheap.
• Standard front chairs provide inadequate support for long-distance comfort.
• The GLI has a sporty attitude, whereas the other Jettas don’t.

10. 2021 Nissan Versa

While budget-conscious compact vehicles aren’t renowned for lavish amenities or comfortable interiors, the Versa’s cabin quality is better than its pricing implies, and it sports an impressive assortment of driver-assist technology for its class.

The continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) makes the most of the car’s available horsepower. Still, the Versa’s underpowered four-cylinder engine falls short of its ambitious design and constantly reminds us that corners must be cut somewhere to keep the price low. Originally a subcompact, the contemporary Versa has expanded to the size of compacts from the 2000s.

Pros

• The inside is nice and does not seem like an inexpensive vehicle.
• Active safety elements that are standard
• Cost effective

Cons

• Engine that is underpowered
• Back seat is crammed
• There is no navigation option.

11. 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla upholds the nameplate’s heritage by combining outstanding fuel efficiency, a slew of technology, and active-safety features in various competitively priced variants. Its athletic design and appealing unique versions, such as the Apex and more elegant Nightshade variants, remain.

It also preserves certain other traditions in that it is a value-packed commuter rather than a thrill machine. The new Corolla’s good all-around temperament and much-improved handling set it apart from previous generations, but its lack of power and luggage space puts it behind the competition.

Pros

• A comprehensive list of standard features
• In all variants, the ride is smooth, and the handling is good.
• Sedans have a lot of interior room.

Cons

• The sole optional engine is still a letdown.
• It’s not as sporty as it seems.
• In a hatchback, the rear portions are crammed together.

Read also: How long does it take to build a Toyota?

12. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai Ioniq is a decent, down-the-middle hybrid also available as a plug-in hybrid. It ticks all the necessary fuel-sipper boxes: aerodynamic style, lots of standard equipment, almost 60-mpg fuel efficiency, and a starting price of less than $25,000. It lacks finesse from its competitors but remains a pleasant, efficient commuter.

The Hyundai Ioniq is a 5-seater with seven trim levels. The Hybrid SE, which begins at $26,645 and comes with a Hybrid 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive, is the most popular type. This Ioniq is expected to get 54 MPG in town and 57 MPG on the interstate.

Pros

• Standard hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are available.
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Long warranty period

Cons

• Acceleration is not urgent.
• Mediocre seats

How To Choose Compact Car?

1. Performance

The Performance score is a subjective evaluation of a vehicle’s handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality, and other qualitative performance metrics, including horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 time, and peak speed.

Towing capacity for trucks and SUVs is also taken into account. The cars’ performance is compared to the defined competitive set. While driving, evaluators look for qualities that align with the manufacturer’s and customer’s expectations.

2. Fuel Economy

The Fuel Economy score is determined by calculating the combined mpg estimate for the complete model lineup and comparing it to the recognized competitor group. The mpg estimates are based on EPA data or if no EPA data is available, the manufacturer.

Hybrid and plug-in electric versions within a lineup with a considerably lower overall average will be excluded from the comparison unless the rival set also included hybrid or PHEV variations. The kilowatts spent per 100 miles and the comparable mile per gallon equivalent, or MPGe, will be used to score pure electric automobiles.

3. Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test data are used to calculate the Safety score.

Vehicles that have not yet been rated by either organization earn a score of zero. Points are also granted for sophisticated driver-assistance safety systems available as standard equipment on the lowest trim.

Forbes Wheels considers the following nine safety features to be mandatory for the standard offering: forward emergency automatic braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning, or one of its higher-level variants, lane keeping assistance or lane centering.

Vehicles must have at least four of these in their regular offering to get points. Vehicles with a Level 2 self-driving system (a mix of adaptive cruise control and lane centering) get an extra point.

4. Infotainment

The Infotainment score is determined by the number of points provided for key elements included as standard equipment on the basic trim. Forbes Wheels recognizes characteristics that are becoming more popular and, as a result, have been adopted by both luxury and mainstream manufacturers.

A minimum 7-inch touchscreen (or premium vehicles that use a rotary knob, touchpad, or another mechanism to control a non-touchscreen display), wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable digital driver information display or instrument panel, and at least two USB ports are among these features.

More points are given for popular technologies that have yet to be fully implemented in mainstream automobiles, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging capabilities.

5. Comfort & Room

The comfort & Room score is based on the reviewer’s evaluation of the vehicle’s comfort, ergonomics, general interior feel, and efficient use of space.

Points are also granted for measuring rear-seat legroom and comparing it to the designated competitive set. Vehicles with the finest legroom in the class in either the rear seat or the optional third row are eligible for a bonus point.

6. Cargo Space & Storage

The Cargo Space & Storage score is based on the reviewer’s evaluation of the vehicle’s big and small cargo areas (as well as small-item storage) and how well they fulfill their function and make good use of space. Reviewers also take into account creative storage options and versatile loading capabilities.

Points are also granted for cargo space measures for the rear cargo hold or trunk and how they relate to the selected competitive set. Vehicles with the most significant cargo or trunk space in their category are eligible for a bonus point.

7. Styling

The Performance score is a subjective evaluation of a car’s entire appearance and design, both inside and out. Reviewers also analyze the internal layout and how effectively the design integrates with the function. The build quality is also taken into account.