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 2021

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 2021 at a glance

C/D Rating: 9.5/10

2021

Honda Civic

$22,265 - $30,415

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2021

Mazda Mazda 3

$21,645 - $34,895

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2021

Volkswagen Golf

$24,190 - $24,990

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Shop the Top 3 Compact Cars for 2021

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2021 Honda Civic

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$22,265

SHOP USED Civic

EPA MPG

32–36 combined

C/D SAYS: With a fun-to-drive nature, a practical cabin, and many trims to choose, the 2021 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

2021 Mazda 3

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$21,645

SHOP USED Mazda 3

EPA MPG

26–31 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2021 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback continue to defy economy-car stereotypes with their affordable price and numerous luxury touches. Learn More

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2021 Volkswagen Golf

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,190

SHOP USED Golf

EPA MPG

32–33 combined

C/D SAYS: With capacious cargo space and splendid driving manners, the Volkswagen Golf is a great compact hatchback, but it lives in the shadow of the hot GTI. Learn More

2021 Hyundai Elantra

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$20,655

SHOP USED Elantra

EPA MPG

28–50 combined

C/D SAYS: Hyundai is becoming increasingly known for daring designs and the company's compact sedan offering, the Elantra, is the latest to receive such a bold new look. Learn More

#2 in Cars with the Best Gas Mileage

#3 in Best Hybrid Compact Sedans

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2021 Honda Insight

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,145

SHOP USED Insight

EPA MPG

48–52 combined

C/D SAYS: The Honda Insight combines the impressive fuel economy that hybrid shoppers seek with a pleasant design and a comfortable driving experience. Learn More

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

Shop the Top 5 Compact Cars for 2021

2021 Toyota Corolla

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$21,050

SHOP USED Corolla

EPA MPG

31–52 combined

C/D SAYS: The Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback aren't the most exciting compacts, but they're attractively designed and equipped with a host of desirable features. Learn More

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2021 Hyundai Ioniq

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,405

SHOP USED Ioniq Hybrid

EPA MPG

52–59 combined

C/D SAYS: The Hyundai Ioniq hybrids don't do anything exciting, but they look and drive like regular cars, and their fuel efficiency and value make them attractive buys. Learn More

2021 Volkswagen Jetta

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$19,990

SHOP USED Jetta

EPA MPG

33–34 combined

C/D SAYS: The Volkswagen Jetta sedan is more economical and practical than its hatchback sibling, the Golf, but it's also less engaging to drive. Learn More

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2021 Kia Forte

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$18,885

SHOP USED Forte

EPA MPG

28–35 combined

C/D SAYS: With exterior styling inspired by the Stinger sports sedan, the 2021 Kia Forte is a fashionable compact four-door, but most of the lineup lacks verve. Learn More

2021 Nissan Sentra

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$20,605

SHOP USED Sentra

EPA MPG

32–33 combined

C/D SAYS: The Nissan Sentra's lazy acceleration and demure handling aren't entertaining, but its beautiful styling and supremely comfy seats offset those demerits. Learn More

#3 in Most Affordable Cars