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With gas prices staying low, now is a good time to invest in a small car and reap the savings. If you’re not sure where to start, these top options — and helpful tips — can help you choose your next ride.
We selected models based on their safety and reliability ratings, spaciousness, technology features, manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) and fuel economy. We only looked at the base models of each vehicle, so keep in mind that selecting a different trim may affect the fuel efficiency and overall price of the car.
These small cars rank well for price, fuel efficiency and other standard features.
The Toyota Corolla is known for its comfort, style and reliability. The Corolla comes equipped with a host of standard safety features and an infotainment system. Although, you’ll have to decide if all these features are worth the relatively high starting price of $19,150.
The Honda Fit is one of the highest-ranked cars of 2020 thanks to its excellent fuel economy, flexible cargo room, sleek design and advanced technology available. However, this may not be the best option for the price, especially if you’re not looking for the fancier bells and whistles that come with its infotainment system.
With a competitive price and class-standard fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Accent may be a good choice if you’re looking for good handling and a roomy interior. It can be a bargain, but some reviews state that its slow acceleration and low-power USB ports may not be to everyone’s standard.
The Hyundai Elantra is one of the pricier small-car options, but it makes up for it in fuel efficiency — earning a 6.8 combined L/100 km. Like many small cars, it has a good reliability rating and offers plenty of tech features. But for the price, it demonstrates a relatively lackluster performance.
The Kia Forte is best known for its roomy interior and large trunk, but its easy-to-use tech features, good reliability ratings and multiple safety features don’t hurt either. However, some reviews state that the ride quality isn’t the best. If that’s important to you, you may want to consider one of its upgraded trims that come with enhanced performance.
The Honda Civic’s known for its handling, classy interior and good-quality craftsmanship, making it a practical car for just about anyone. However, compared to other small cars, the Honda Civic’s price point may put it out of reach to some more budget conscious customers.
As the most expensive car on this list, a Mazda3 is ideal for drivers looking for elegant design, quick acceleration and good handling. While it’s made with premium materials to ensure an upscale look, it isn’t the roomiest car around. However, it scores high safety ratings and crash test scores.
Buying a small car comes with several benefits, especially when you take your budget into consideration:
Once you’ve decided that buying a small car is right for you, use these tips to help you get a good deal:
If you’re thinking about buying a small car, you have plenty of options to choose from that come with spacious interiors, good fuel economy and high safety ratings. And when you’re ready to hit the dealership, our guide to car loans can help you find competitive financing that fits your needs.
You don’t need to pay more for car insurance than necessary. Find out the 9 easiest ways to pay less and save on your monthly car insurance bill.
Use our our helpful guide to compare the cheapest and most expensive cars to insure.
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