Compact Sedans
These are not the “penalty-box economy cars” that you’ve been accustomed to for your entire life. The current crop of compact sedans offers numerous features once only available on cars with a luxury emblem on the hood or grille. Heated seats are available on all compact sedans (if not standard) while some even offer Bose sound systems onboard. Despite the influx of high-end features, these are still very fuel-efficient vehicles and all of them offer style as well as comfort all in an affordable package. Get the latest information and reviews on the current crop of compact sedans here.
Nissan Sentra
The Sentra, the best-selling Nissan model of all-time in the USA, has been completely redesigned for 2020 with a bold look and a premium interior. There are 3 trim levels to pick from: base S, well-equipped SV, and sport-oriented SR. The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 system includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning. Also, Nissan upgraded the driving experience, adding a more powerful engine with improved suspension. Features available on higher trims include leather, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system.
Honda Civic
The 11th-generation Honda Civic combines sporty driving performance, fuel-efficiency, high-end safety features, and technological sophistication for a reasonable price. Honda Sensing, which brings a road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and a lane keeping assist system, is standard on all Civics, along with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. The top-end Touring trim brings features such as an all-digital LCD instrument display, 12-speaker Bose sound system, and a 9-inch touchscreen. As for powertrains, the LX and Sport trims have a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder while the EX and Touring get a 180-horsepower engine.
Kia Forte
The Forte sedan is all-new for 2019, with five trim levels to choose from. Automatic or manual transmission is available as well as other standard features including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, forward-collision avoidance assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. For customers wanting more comfort, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a full UVO infotainment system are available.
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza is Subaru’s compact sedan that comes standard with all-wheel-drive, a rarity in its class. Automatic transmission is standard, with manual as an option. Standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist, is available as well.
Volkswagen Jetta
The roomy Jetta compact sedan, updated for 2022, has fresher styling and has a new Sport trim that adds adds a front differential lock for better handling as well as graphite-colored 17-inch alloy wheels. Features available on higher trims include a BeatsAudio system, split-folding rear seat, front ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and the MIB3 touchscreen infotainment system, while the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster with an 8-inch display comes standard.
Mazda3
The Mazda3, long lauded for its engaging driving experience, has been completely redesigned for 2019. All-wheel-drive is available for the first time. Audiophiles can get a 12-speaker Bose sound system in addition to Mazda’s new Driver Monitoring system, which uses an infrared camera and LED to monitor the driver’s line of sight and eye movement to determine when the driver is being inattentive. Another new feature is Cruising & Traffic Support, which helps reduce fatigue by assisting with accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in highway traffic jams.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is the best-selling Toyota of all time and used on a daily basis across the world. It has been significantly updated for the 2020 model year. It comes with a hybrid option for increased fuel economy. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which brings a pre-collision system, radar cruise control, lane departure alert, among safety features, standard. Other standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay, 6 speakers, 2 USB ports, LED headlamps and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Wi-Fi Connect, which connects up to five devices using the in-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. This is a cutting edge vehicle for the whole family.
Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra delivers a sophisticated driving experience through Hyundai’s safety and convenience technologies, all at an attractive price. Buyers looking for serious performance can get the Sport model with a turbocharged 4-cylinder putting out 201 horsepower. Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and remote keyless entry with alarm. Options include the Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, and Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car system.