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The Toyota Corolla
Toyota
If you’re in need of basic four-wheel transportation, chances are you’re considering a compact sedan. Since it can be hard to make sense of all the different options out there, I’ve put together this little guide on who’s-who in the mainstream compact sedan segment. It’s organized by 2019 sales volume, starting with the top-selling vehicle in the segment – the Honda Civic – and going down from there.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic
Honda
The Civic has led the compact car segment for years now. The 10th-generation Civic has been on sale since 2016, and will be replaced by an all-new 11th-generation model for 2022. Still, the Civic you’ll currently find on dealer lots remains competitive for a number of reasons; its main selling points are its sporty demeanor, which is supplemented by a great ride and refined handling, its quality cabin, and the peace of mind that comes with Honda HMC, +2.30% reliability.
Throughout its 10th generation, the Civic has been offered in sedan, hatchback, and coupe body styles, though the coupe is discontinued for 2021. Performance options consist of the Civic Si and Type R models, The Civic Si is taking a year off though, and will return for the 2022 model year.
If you’re looking for a compact Hybrid from Honda, look to the Insight, which is based heavily on the Civic but returns 52 mpg combined.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla
Toyota
The Corolla and Civic are the two top-selling compact sedans by over 100,000 units annually. Toyota TM, +1.24% rolled out an all-new Corolla hatchback for the 2019 model year, while an all-new Corolla sedan bowed for 2020. Regardless of body style, the latest Corolla has sportier, more aggressive styling than ever before. There’s also now a Corolla Hybrid that rivals the Prius in terms of fuel economy, but in a less conspicuous package. The drawback to the Corolla Hybrid is that it’s only available in one simple LE trim level.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra
Nissan
The Nissan NSANY, +3.22% Sentra has long played third-wheel to the Civic and Corolla. It was all-new for 2020, and serves as a value-driven alternative to the two segment leaders. It’s only available in a basic sedan body style, and with a simple four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is fine, as are its exterior, interior, and driving dynamics.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai’s HYMTF, new Elantra aims to stand out. All-new for 2021, the Elantra wears bold, jagged exterior styling, and a sleek modern interior.
Though it’s only available as a sedan, a hybrid model is available and is rated at 54 mpg combined by the EPA, as are two performance trims; the N-Line is set to make 201 horsepower, while a high-performance N model will put out 275. Rounding out the Elantra’s value proposition is Hyundai’s industry-leading 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen’s VWAGY, +5.01% Jetta was last fully redesigned for the 2019 model year. It’s available exclusively as a sedan, and packs a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, putting out 147 horsepower.
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The Jetta appeals to those looking for something a little more unique than a Civic or Corolla, and buyers will likely appreciate it for its European flair, though we should note that it’s built in Mexico. A performance-oriented Jetta ‘GLI’ model is offered, which employs a 2.0-liter turbo four making 228 horsepower, and can be had with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Kia Forte
The Forte rides on the same platform as the outgoing Hyundai Elantra. It was last redesigned for 2019, and offers good value in the form of standard active safety tech, standard Android Auto and Apple AAPL, +3.08% CarPlay, and available ventilated seats, among other things. It also comes with the same 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty as the Elantra.
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Volume-trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 147 horsepower, while an available GT trim employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four making 201 horsepower, and is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Subaru Impreza
Don’t look at the Impreza’s positioning toward the bottom of the sales ranks as an indictment of its credibility, but rather a nod to the fact that only a very specific group of buyers looks for all-wheel drive in their compact sedan, and the Impreza offers it as standard. Beyond that, it’s safe, efficient, and affordable.
It’s also available as a hatchback, a version of which is sold as the Subaru FUJHY, +0.70% Crosstrek, with roof rails, cladding, and a raised ride height. The Impreza was last redesigned for the 2017 model year.
Mazda3
Mazda3
Mazda
Despite its ranking at the bottom of the sales hierarchy, the Mazda3 MZDAY, +3.06% remains one of our favorite all-around vehicles, and we think most compact sedan shoppers should give it strong consideration. It was all-new for the 2019 model year and can be optioned with all-wheel drive, and offers an available hatchback body style.
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It gains a new optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine for 2021, which puts out an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque if you feed it premium fuel. Beyond this, the Mazda3’s biggest selling points are its gorgeous exterior and luxury-car interior.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
