The Best Small Cars of 2025

Small cars are built for budget-minded shoppers who prioritize value and convenience. They generally cost less — both at the dealership and at the pump — than any other category and they’re easier to park on city streets or in congested suburban parking lots.

We tested dozens of the latest small cars (including both compact and subcompact models) to determine the best ones on the market. Once considered to be barebones also-rans, today’s smaller vehicles are upping their performance, safety features and technology.

Using a step-by-step methodology, we evaluated the small cars on the market for attributes including value for money, safety and performance. Below are our five top choices, with explanations on how each stands out from the pack, as well as their pros, cons and key specs.

(If you’re interested in a broader look at the new vehicle marketplace, check out our full list of the Best Cars of 2025.)

The Best Small Cars of 2025

Best Overall: Honda Civic
Best for Handling: Mazda Mazda3
Best Styling: Kia K4
Best for Value: Hyundai Elantra
Best for Features: Toyota Corolla

Reviews of the Best Small Cars

Best Overall: Honda Civic

• Price: $24,250
• Mileage: 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway

Refreshed interior and exterior styling for the 2025 model year keep the Honda Civic atop the list of the best small cars. This compact entry is an all-around crowd pleaser, with fuel economy to match the best in this class, along with decent performance and a well-appointed cabin with the tech essentials.

Starting at $24,250, the base model comes with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and lots of safety features. The 150-horsepower engine delivers 32/41 city/ highway mpg. That economy is on a par with the best in this group, although it comes at the expense of performance, which is merely adequate. That said, the Civic’s handling is lively enough to make it at least somewhat fun to get from Point A to Point B.

Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability and residual value make the Civic an obvious choice for budget-minded drivers.

Best for Handling: Mazda Mazda3

• Price: $23,950
• Mileage: 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway

The Mazda Mazda3 is a little pricier than most other models on this list, but for performance enthusiasts, this car is worth it. The standard 191-horsepower engine gets you around town, handling curves and corners with agility. However, for pure motoring pleasure, upgrade to the $33,250 2.5 Carbon Turbo edition, which is good for 250 horsepower and all-wheel drive.

That model also comes with a larger, 10.25-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector and red leather-trimmed sport seats. Note that taller passengers may find the hatchback’s rear row rather tight on legroom.

Best for Styling: Kia K4

• Price: $21,990
• Mileage: 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway

A new model for 2025, the Kia K4 compact sedan replaces the Kia Forte. Starting at $21,990, it features angular styling for a particularly sporty stance in this segment. You’ll also get a roomy interior, a 12.3-inch touch screen, four USB-C ports and an array of advanced safety equipment.

Its fastback silhouette belies its underpowered base engine, but Kia is expected to add more features, trim levels and powertrains like a GT-Line Turbo model to its new fastback throughout the year.

The newest addition to the Kia lineup also boasts the automaker’s best-in-class five-year/ 60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, so you can rest easy.

Best for Value: Hyundai Elantra

• Price: $21,875
• Mileage: 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway

The Hyundai Elantra performs surprisingly well for a car that starts just below $22,000 – the lowest base-model price of this group. It delivers more comfort and performance for the dollar than any other car on this list, and the same standout fuel efficiency ratings as our Best Overall pick, the 2025 Honda Civic.

The cabin is spacious, with comfortable seating for five. Cargo room is average for the segment, and the rear seats can fold down for extra space.

Most importantly, the Elantra plays the long game. Like the Kia K4, it’s covered by a segment-leading five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, so you can avoid headaches down the road.

Best for Features: Toyota Corolla

• Price: $22,175
• Mileage: 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway

The Toyota Corolla has been a reliable standby in the small car segment for decades. Now in its 12th generation, the Corolla does not feel as sprightly as other cars on this list, but it remains quiet, comfortable and dependable.

It’s remarkably well-stocked for its $22,175 starting price, too. Even the LE base model should be sufficiently loaded for most buyers. You’ll get an 8-inch touch screen with wireless smartphone integration and advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Plus, the Corolla is nearly as fuel-efficient as the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra so you won’t spend a lot of time or money at the pump.