What makes a compact car, compact?

The EPA defines a compact car as a vehicle that has between 100-109 cubic feet of combined passenger and cargo volume, and are between 161 and 187 inches long. Just because the EPA defines a car as compact, however, does not mean it's necessarily a compact car by our standards. For instance, the EPA considered the flagship Jaguar XJ sedan of the late ’90s a compact car, even though it was marketed and competed against full-size luxury sedans.

Are compact cars good for families?

Compact cars can work well for small families, as they cost less to own and fit into more places. We suggest upgrading to something bigger if you have more than two children, though.

What are the benefits of owning a compact car?

Compact cars tend to offer impressive fuel economy, as they typically feature small, efficient engines and weigh less than full-size sedans or SUVs. Their small form factor also makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces and easier to park in crowded lots. Compacts are usually priced on the lower end of the spectrum, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious car shoppers.

Best Compact Cars for 2020

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best compact cars, including sedans and hatchback models, based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.

Top Ranked Compact Cars for 2020 at a glance

C/D Rating: 9.5/10

2020

Honda Civic

$20,995 - $29,945

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2020

Mazda Mazda 3

$22,445 - $29,845

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2020

Volkswagen Golf

$24,115 - $24,915

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Shop the Top 3 Compact Cars for 2020

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2020 Honda Civic

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$20,995

SHOP USED Civic

EPA MPG

29–36 combined

C/D SAYS: With a fun driving experience, a practical interior, and many versions to choose, the Honda Civic is an even better compact car than its reputation would suggest. Learn More

#2 in Best Hybrid Sedans Under $45,000

#2 in Safest Hybrid Sedans

#2 in Best Sedans under $40,000

#2 in Best Sedans under $30,000

2020 Mazda 3

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$22,445

SHOP USED Mazda 3

EPA MPG

27–30 combined

C/D SAYS: The Mazda 3 looks and feels fancier than rivals, which makes it one of the classiest compact-car experiences on the market. Learn More

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2020 Volkswagen Golf

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,115

SHOP USED Golf

EPA MPG

31 combined

C/D SAYS: With a sub-$25,000 starting price and large cargo area for its class, the Golf is affordable and practical, but it's the least fun in the VW family. Learn More

2020 Honda Insight

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$23,925

SHOP USED Insight

EPA MPG

48–52 combined

C/D SAYS: With the normal looks of an everyday sedan, the Insight offers excellent fuel economy and great ride and handling. Learn More

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2020 Toyota Corolla

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$20,430

SHOP USED Corolla

EPA MPG

31–52 combined

C/D SAYS: With its long history of providing affordable transportation, the Corolla has always been a great choice for savvy buyers. Learn More

➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.

Shop the Top 5 Compact Cars for 2020

2020 Hyundai Ioniq

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,195

SHOP USED Ioniq Hybrid

EPA MPG

52–58 combined

C/D SAYS: With affordable pricing, generous standard equipment, and excellent efficiency, the Hyundai Ioniq is easy on your wallet and the environment. Learn More

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2020 Volkswagen Jetta

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$19,815

SHOP USED Jetta

EPA MPG

34 combined

C/D SAYS: With a fuel-efficient powertrain and big cargo capacity, the 2020 Jetta will satisfy pragmatists while its hatchback counterpart, the Golf, is more oriented towards enthusiasts. Learn More

2020 Kia Forte

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$18,855

SHOP USED Forte

EPA MPG

28–35 combined

C/D SAYS: With exterior styling inspired by the Stinger sports sedan, the 2020 Kia Forte is a fashionable compact sedan with a high-value feature list. Learn More

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2020 Hyundai Elantra GT

6.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$21,625

SHOP USED Elantra GT

EPA MPG

26–28 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT is a tidy and efficient package with clean, elegant design, but the GT suffix promises a bit more sportiness than it can deliver. Learn More

2020 Nissan Sentra

6.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$20,260

SHOP USED Sentra

EPA MPG

32–33 combined

C/D SAYS: With a new design and a more powerful, fuel-efficient engine, the Sentra is a big improvement versus its predecessor and a contender in its class. Learn More

#3 in Most Affordable Cars