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 2022

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 2022 at a glance

C/D Rating: 9.5/10

2022

Honda Civic

$23,645 - $31,145

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2022

Mazda Mazda 3

$22,215 - $35,815

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C/D Rating: 8.5/10

2022

Volkswagen Jetta

$21,460 - $29,190

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Shop the Top 3 Compact Cars for 2022

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2022 Honda Civic

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$23,645

SHOP USED Civic

EPA MPG

29–36 combined

C/D SAYS: With a fresh look, a refined interior, and updated tech features, the all-new 2022 Honda Civic is poised to retain its position atop the compact car segment. 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

2022 Mazda 3

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$22,215

SHOP USED Mazda 3

EPA MPG

26–31 combined

C/D SAYS: If a 2022 Mazda 3 shows up when you call your next Uber, we'd forgive you for confusing it with a far more expensive Audi or BMW as you settle into your seat. Learn More

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2022 Volkswagen Jetta

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$21,460

SHOP USED Jetta

EPA MPG

33–34 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta isn't the snazziest or most exciting compact car, but it's very refined for its class and enjoys a roomy cabin and a big trunk. Learn More

2022 Hyundai Elantra

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$21,295

SHOP USED Elantra

EPA MPG

28–54 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2022 Hyundai Elantra sports angular exterior details and an upscale cabin, both of which are intended to pull focus away from the segment's heavy hitters. Learn More

#2 in Cars with the Best Gas Mileage

#3 in Best Hybrid Compact Sedans

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2022 Honda Insight

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$26,855

SHOP USED Insight

EPA MPG

48–52 combined

C/D SAYS: The Insight is an unassuming hybrid sedan that shares many of the best aspects of the Honda Civic while providing significantly higher fuel economy numbers. Learn More

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Shop the Top 5 Compact Cars for 2022

2022 Nissan Sentra

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$21,045

SHOP USED Sentra

EPA MPG

32–33 combined

C/D SAYS: The Nissan Sentra is an undeniably stylish and notably comfortable compact sedan; it's just not as refined or satisfying to drive as the stars of this segment. Learn More

#3 in Most Affordable Cars

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2022 Toyota Corolla

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$21,520

SHOP USED Corolla

EPA MPG

31–52 combined

C/D SAYS: With distinct looks and standard driver assists, the Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback cater to folks who care about style and safety more than driving verve. Learn More

2022 Hyundai Ioniq

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,695

SHOP USED Ioniq Hybrid

EPA MPG

52–59 combined

C/D SAYS: While the Hyundai Ioniq hatchback isn't the most interesting car, its hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants are exceedingly efficient and refreshingly unassuming. Learn More

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2022 Kia Forte

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$20,185

SHOP USED Forte

EPA MPG

26–35 combined

C/D SAYS: Kia is hoping the 2022 Forte’s styling will make you think of the brand's Stinger sports sedan, but this compact is more value-focused than performance-oriented. Learn More

2022 Subaru Impreza

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$20,290

SHOP USED Impreza

EPA MPG

25–32 combined

C/D SAYS: Besides coming in both sedan and hatch body styles and having standard all-wheel-drive, the Subaru Impreza needs to up its game to sell. Learn More