Best Sport Compact Cars for 2023
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 for 2023 at a glance
1
2023 Honda Civic Type R
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$44,890
EPA MPG
24 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2023 Honda Civic Type R sports more mature styling but the latest hot Honda cranks horsepower to 315 from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Learn More
2
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$36,995
EPA MPG
24 combined
C/D SAYS: The fiery, feisty 2023 GR Corolla hot hatchback is a little screamer that looks like a rally car and is poised to inject a dose of excitement into the Toyota brand. Learn More
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3
2023 Honda Civic Si
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$29,895
EPA MPG
31 combined
C/D SAYS: The 200-hp 2023 Honda Civic Si survives the crossover takeover with four doors, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and zippy joie de vivre. Learn More
4
2023 Hyundai Elantra N
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$34,015
EPA MPG
23–25 combined
C/D SAYS: The Elantra N sedan earns its spot as a top sport compact sedan by combining an excitable personality, impressive performance, roomy comfort, and an accessible price. Learn More
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5
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,625
EPA MPG
27 combined
C/D SAYS: Despite a few interior hiccups the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI remains our top-ranked sport compact car, masterfully blending performance with practicality. Learn More
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6
2023 Volkswagen Golf R
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$45,835
EPA MPG
23 combined
C/D SAYS: Packing 315 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the compact 2023 Golf R is a thrilling hatchback that makes us bemoan dull crossovers and SUVs even more than usual. Learn More
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7
2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$32,680
EPA MPG
30 combined
C/D SAYS: With a wealth of standard features, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is practical, fun to drive, and offers a spacious cabin and a trunk in a shrinking sport compact segment. Learn More
8
2023 Subaru WRX
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,625
EPA MPG
21–22 combined
C/D SAYS: Time has matured the 2023 Subaru WRX into a car with a decent ride and sophisticated technology but it can still spray gravel—just not as far as it used to. Learn More
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9
2023 Mini Cooper JCW
6
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,895
EPA MPG
25–27 combined
C/D SAYS: Despite an unforgiving suspension and a cramped interior, the Cooper JCW offers heaps of driving fun and a boisterous look to match. Learn More
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