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Best Sport Compact Cars for 2020

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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.

Arrow down IconRead about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.

Top Ranked Sport Compact Cars for 2020 at a glance

Volkswagen Golf GTI
1
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 10/10

2020

Volkswagen Golf GTI

$29,515 - $38,215
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
2
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 10/10

2020

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$27,165 - $31,665
Honda Civic Type R
3
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 9.5/10

2020

Honda Civic Type R

$37,950 - $37,950
1
Starting at
$29,515
EPA MPG
27 combined
C/D SAYS: More fun than many cars twice the price, the VW Golf GTI is a practical car with a sports-car soul. It's also graced with refinement beyond its price range. Learn More
2
Editors Choice Icon
10Best
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Starting at
$27,165
EPA MPG
28 combined
C/D SAYS: With a lower price tag and a larger back seat and trunk, the 2020 VW Jetta GLI is actually more practical than its hatchback sibling and equally fun to drive. Learn More
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3

2020 Honda Civic Type R

9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,950
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2020 Honda Civic Type R looks wild and has razor-sharp handling, but the hot hatchback is also surprisingly comfortable and can be driven every day. Learn More
4
Editors Choice Icon
2020 Hyundai Veloster N
Starting at
$28,595
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: The Veloster N is fun, funky, and affordable, but others in this class approach transcendence. Learn More
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5

2020 Honda Civic Si

8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$26,195
EPA MPG
30 combined
C/D SAYS: The Civic Si has polarizing styling and lacks a hatchback body style, but its driver engagement and functional cabin make it a premier performance value. Learn More

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Shop the Top 5 Sport Compact Cars for 2020


6

2020 Subaru WRX

7
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$28,395
EPA MPG
21–23 combined
C/D SAYS: Love it or hate it, the 2020 Subaru WRX refuses to be ignored: raucous and rambunctious, it wears its rally-car inspiration as a badge of honor. Learn More
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7

2020 Subaru WRX STI

6.5
/10
C/D RATING
2020 Subaru WRX STI
Starting at
$37,895
EPA MPG
19 combined
C/D SAYS: The WRX STI offers all-wheel-drive traction and jaw-dropping acceleration, and still makes a statement after all these years. Learn More
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