Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. Today, we will be sharing our Best Compact Cars for 2025, all of which we have spent extensive time with. We have hand-crafted segment specific scores, to help tailor them for each unique buyer. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to check out each linked video, as well as our full rankings at the bottom of this article!
Scoring Criteria
From reading thousands of comments our viewers have left on our channel; we developed a list of the most important categories for shoppers looking for a Compact Affordable Sedan.
We have spent countless hours testing out each of these models, driving them over all types of terrain, testing the technology, sampling the space, and living with them. We then took the time to craft these rankings based off our experience into the following criteria categories.
#9: Nissan Sentra
One of the older options on this list in terms of updates, the Nissan Sentra starts out our countdown for this year. This segment is very well-rounded, and you can see that by the Sentra’s scores. For its strong suits, the Sentra excels as being the most affordable option on the list, offering pretty much every option under $30,000. However, the options you get on the fully loaded model are not as competitive as they used to be. Overall, the Sentra could benefit from some tech updates and the addition of a hybrid model.
#8: Subaru Impreza
One of the few hatchback only options on the list, the Subaru Impreza is a rare and practical choice for buyers looking for SUV-like space! Recently updated with Subaru’s newest tech, the Impreza is rocking a lot of features, especially safety tech, for one of the lower base prices on this list as well! While this is a large option, it is missing a hybrid powertrain and more refined technology to make its way any higher in the segment.
#7: Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has been in its current generation for many years now, but that hasn’t kept it from still being one of the world’s best-sellers. And in the US, the Corolla still has many benefits in the segment. Primarily, the Corolla has both gas and hybrid engine options, as well as the rare offering of AWD! Of course, if you want to keep your Corolla for many years, it comes equipped with all of Toyota’s safety tech, and their reputation for resale and reliability. On the downside, its age begins to show on the interior, where the tech is aging, despite a recent update for the sedan model. Additionally, you do pay a price for Toyota’s reliability reputation, while not gaining many features in the meantime.
#6: Volkswagen Jetta
Our lone German option on the list, the Refreshed Volkswagen Jetta recently impressed us in both its standard and performance models! Bringing German sophistication and build to a lower price point, the Jetta offers lots of class exclusive features for the segment, like ventilated seats, without making you pay an arm and a leg for it. It also has the best rear seats in the segment, as it’s practicality and features shine even for a compact car. All this being said, we really wish Volkswagen would upgrade the Jetta with a larger screen, as well as build a better reputation for resale and reliability as a brand.
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#5: Toyota Prius
No longer a lifeless hybrid, the newest Toyota Prius impresses in many ways, leading with its cunning edge exterior design! Additionally, the Prius continues to offer unique powertrain choices, which include a PHEV, that are no longer slow to 60. Also, the Prius offers lots of space as a hatchback, combined with many features… all of which must be paid a pretty penny for. Unfortunately, the Prius is one of the most expensive options in the segment, as Toyota makes you pay for this premium package and reliability reputation. But, if you’re willing to pay to pay, the Prius is a great overall choice!
#4: Hyundai Elantra
While most of the other options in the segment are rather simple in their appearance, the newest Elantra generation has been a bold change for many buyers to consider! Not only is it stylish, but it packs a lot of value, with practically every feature being available for under $30,000! The Elantra also has many engine options, from gas, hybrid, and performance, each of which offering good features for the segment. And while it’s not as updated as its Kia counterpart, the Elantra is still a well-rounded package for shoppers.
#3: Mazda 3
A fitting recipient for third place in this segment, the Mazda 3 is one of the most premium options in the segment, on most every available trim! While you will have to pay for its luxury, the Mazda 3 still has some of the best available features combined with sharp driving dynamic on all models. The 3 is also well-equipped when it comes to space and technology, also offering a more practical hatchback as well. But, as fun as the 3 may be on a back road, we wish they would add a hybrid powertrain and larger rear seat to this model to be more competitive.
#2: Kia K4
While many of the options in this segment have long running nameplates, the Kia K4 is the newest name to enter the segment, and it has done so with a bang! Replacing the Forte, the K4 is a sleek and sophisticated new option with lots of space and tech. This is the only offering with three screens, which includes a central climate display on most models! Additionally, you don’t have to pay for all the offered features, as the K4 can be had in most configurations under $30,000. On the downside of the K4, we wish they would introduce a hybrid or AWD model to make this a truly diverse offering.
#1: Honda CIvic
Perhaps one of the most recognizable names on this list is also at the top for 2025, is the Refreshed Honda Civic! Honda excels in this space, so it’s no surprise to see this Civic adding much needed options for this year, including a very efficient, yet fun to drive, hybrid model. Additionally, the Civic comes with a strong features set and the Honda reliability reputation backing it up. While scoring above average in most every category, the only thing keeping the Civic from running away from second place is a lower price point, as you pay for what you get with this offering.
Scoring Chart
We understand that buyers value different categories, which is why the chart below is a great tool to check out! This chart allows you to sort this competitive segment by category, to help choose your personal winner. If top tier reliability is your most important trait, then this tool can help you find the best!
| FEATURES | POWERTRAIN | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | CARGO SPACE | REAR SEATS | TECHNOLOGY | ACTIVE SAFETY | RELIABILITY & RESALE | BASE PRICE | VALUE UNDER $30,000 | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 39.5 |
| Kia K4 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 39 |
| Mazda 3 | 5 | 3.5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 38 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 37.5 |
| Toyota Prius | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 1 | 1.5 | 35.5 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 1 | 4.5 | 5 | 35.5 |
| Toyota Corolla | 2 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 33.5 |
| Subaru Impreza | 2.5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 32.5 |
| Nissan Sentra | 3 | 1.5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 5 | 5 | 30 |
Close Calls for a Highly Competitive segment!
As you can see, the point values over these categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew leans towards the value packed Kia K4, while Mason and Josh prefer the tried-and-true Honda Civic. Every competitor in this segment truly puts their best foot forward!
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Best 10 Compact Cars of 2025! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!
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