Small cars

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What's behind our small car Ratings?

CR’s Ratings include road test results and safety information. Reliability and owner satisfaction Ratings are based on surveys of millions of subscribers.

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We look for:

Overall Score
The Highs, Lows, and Overall Rating refer to the model and trim line that we tested. A model earns the "CR Recommended" label by Consumer Reports when it has performed well in our tests, our subscriber -survey data indicate that it should be at least average in reliability, and has performed at least adequately in any government and/or insurance-industry crash tests or government rollover test, if tested. There are several reasons why a model would have no designation: It wasn't tested recently; it didn't test well; it did poorly in a crash test or tip-up in the rollover test; it has a below-average reliability record; it'S too new to have reliability data; or we have insufficeint reliability data.
Predicted Reliability
Predicted reliability is our forecast of how well a model is likely to hold up derived from our latest Annual Car Reliability Survey. We averaged a model's Used Car Verdict for the newest three years, provided the model did not change significantly during that time. Refer to Reliability History for more detailed explanation.
Owner Satisfaction
Indicates percentage of owners surveyed who would definitely purchase the same vehicle again.
Accident Avoidance
A composite score of CR's test results for braking performance, emergency handling, acceleration, driving position, visibility, and seat comfort. Braking and emergency handling carry the most weight.
Overall (Mpg)
Overall MPG (overall mileage) is CR's measurement based on a realistic mix of highway, country-road, and city driving.

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Recommended small cars

See the models that perform well in our tests, and meet our standards for reliability and safety.

Recommended small cars

Buying guide video

Small car buying guide

What to look for when buying a small car. Also see our video guide.

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Buying guide video

Reliable used small cars

See CR's Good Bets: These used cars have performed well in our tests over the years and have had much better than average overall reliability for multiple years.

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Small cars can be affordable, fun, and thrifty, though they can vary widely in practicality, price, and performance. The best overall small sedans excel in all those attributes, and top our Ratings for the category.

Ratings & recommended small cars

Overall small cars (5)

Sedan (6)

The small sedan category is home to basic economy cars that provide good gas mileage at a low price, but some have limited space for rear passengers and less space for cargo. Check out our recommended small cars for models that best fit your needs and budget.

Budget (4)

For those on a budget, subcompacts are the most inexpensive new cars to buy. They provide excellent fuel economy at an affordable price and some are even roomier than expected. Most come as either hatchback or sedan type.

Fuel-efficient (7)

Small cars are known for being fuel efficient, but some are thriftier than others, especially hybrids, diesels, and manual- transmission equipped cars. See which fuel-efficient small car performs best in our tests.

Sporty (5)

By definition, sporty small cars are fun to drive, but many are quite practical, with good fuel economy and a versatile hatchback design. See which sporty cars give the best balance of fun and frugality for your budget.

All-wheel-drive (1)

Small cars with all-wheel drive combine good traction for challenging weather conditions and small car fuel economy. If you live in an area where snow and ice are prevalent, a recommended all-wheel-drive small car may be right for you.

Reliable used small cars (10)

Recently reviewed small cars

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Small car buying guide

For tasks such as commuting, running errands, and zipping around town, a small car (also known as "compact" and "subcompact") is often the most practical choice. Nearly all small cars can transport five people, though with some rear-seat intimacy for average-sized adults. (A few models can realistically seat only four.)

In recent years, more attention has been lavished on packaging and maximizing interior space. Many small cars have tall roofs, providing generous head room and an airy feel to the cabin. In particular, hatchbacks can be an especially practical design. Fold down the rear seatbacks and lift the hatch, and you can have similar interior functionality to a small SUV. The Honda Fit is a good example of clever use of space. Its fuel tank is far forward, freeing up space for rear seating and luggage. The lesson here is that practical considerations can benefit greatly by smart design.

When it comes to sporty cars, small is beautiful. Small cars are inherently light and nimble”two qualities that count a lot for spirited driving. Small sporty cars are commonly front-wheel drive, though there are rear-wheel drive choices, such as the BMW 1 Series, Mazda Miata, and Subaru BRZ, that are particularly rewarding. For those faced with winter traction challenges, there are a few models with all-wheel drive, such as the Subaru Impreza.