Best Sport Compact Cars
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 sport compact cars 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.
Top Ranked Sport Compact Cars at a glance
1
2026 Honda Civic Type R
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$48,090
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Civic Type R combines the versatility of the Civic hatchback with sports-car performance. Commence grocery runs and track-day adventures alike. Learn More
2
2026 Honda Civic Si
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$32,690
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: Other sport compacts pack more punch but few can match the Honda Civic Si's blend of performance, practicality, and affordability. Learn More
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3
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$35,865
EPA MPG
27 combined
C/D SAYS: Even without a manual transmission, the Golf GTI is a blast to drive and lives up to its reputation as the quintessential hot hatchback. Learn More
4
2026 Volkswagen Golf R
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$50,730
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Volkswagen Golf R hatchback is a strong track performer, but its added gusto compared to the GTI may not make sense for all buyers. Learn More
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5
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$36,345
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N sedan is part sports car, part commuter, and part goofball. What’s not to love? Learn More
6
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$41,115
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The Toyota GR Corolla is a motorsport-derived hot hatch with rally-car attitude, an angry-bees engine note, and all of the practicality of a standard Corolla hatchback. Learn More
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7
2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$34,970
EPA MPG
29–30 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI sports sedan comes close to the magic of the GTI—and it still offers a manual. Learn More
8
2026 Mini Cooper JCW
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$40,075
EPA MPG
30 combined
C/D SAYS: Available in hatchback and convertible forms, the 2026 Mini Cooper JCW is unapologetically rowdy and playful. Learn More
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9
2026 Subaru WRX
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,690
EPA MPG
21–22 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Subaru WRX sedan is a polished package that still delivers thrills but without the edge of performance Subies past. Learn More
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