7 most sensational small cars of 2014
Here are the best of the subcompact and compact cars Consumer Reports has recently tested, all priced less than $25,000. All are recommended, which means they’ve scored well in our road tests, performed adequately in government or insurance industry crash tests (if tested) and have at least average or better reliability in our Annual Auto Survey.
Scores are on a scale of 1 to 100. The seven cars we profile here are in countdown order, leading up to the best in class. Click on each model name to access complete road tests, pricing, owner satisfaction, reliability, and more. See our complete guide to small cars.
7. Kia Rio
Base MSRP price range: $13,900-$18,240
The smallish Rio sedan and hatchback just might surprise you with its solid feel. The ride is a bit stiff and noise levels are about on par for subcompacts, but what you get in return is nimble handling, a smooth transmission, simple controls, and plenty of equipment for the price. Higher trim models offer heated seats and a rearview camera; even a loaded SX version comes in at under $22,000. The 138-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine won’t win you many drag races, but at least it gets 30 mpg overall. And to top it off, the Rio has an average reliability record. Not bad.
6. Toyota Corolla
Base MSRP price range: $16,900-$22,905
No one describes the Corolla as a ball of fire—but it does deliver a lot for the money. This small car delivers a decent ride and boasts a quiet, spacious interior. Another typical Corolla virtue is its fuel economy: Expect an excellent 32 mpg overall with the CVT, and an eye-opening 43 mpg on the highway. Bluetooth is standard. Inside, you’ll find lots of space and a trunk large enough to handle three large upright suitcases. The Corolla has been a staple in Toyota showrooms forever, and the latest edition provides better-than-average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, plus it has excellent marks for owner costs. This is a smart buy.
5. Mazda3
Base MSRP price range: $16,945-$26,595
It’s not easy to find an affordable small car that’s truly fun to drive. The Mazda3 is your saving grace here—and it gets great fuel economy. At 33 mpg, the Mazda3 is the most fuel-efficient compact that isn't a hybrid or a diesel. Available high-tech features include a multimedia system with a large touch screen, as well as active safety features such as a blind-spot monitoring system. It is a touch loud on the highway, though, and ride comfort is just average. But factor in Mazda’s typically good reliability, and the 3 is a small car we’d buy in a heartbeat.
4. Kia Soul
Base MSRP price range: $15,100-$35,700
Get past the slightly dorky looks and the Soul will show you just how much interior space you can cram into a small car. The chair-like seats and big windows provide an excellent view outside, and bodies of all sizes find it’s one of the easiest cars to get in and out of. Be prepared for a slightly stiff ride though (noticing a pattern here?) and just adequate power from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. But, like the Rio, you can load up the Soul with lots of useful options, such heated seats and steering wheel, touch-screen navigation, and a backup camera. Plus, the Soul is yet another example of Kia’s steadily improving reliability: This model clocks in at above average.
3. Hyundai Elantra
Base MSRP price range: $21,600-$22,600
The Elantra is a well-rounded competitor that ranks near the top of our small-sedan Ratings and out-scores strong competitors such as the Ford Focus and Honda Civic. The Elantra returned a competitive 27 mpg overall and has above average reliability. It’s also well equipped for the price, the interior is nicely laid out, and rear-seat room isn’t too cramped. Some gripes include pronounced road and engine noise. Need further convincing? The Elantra comes with a 10-year powertrain warranty. Bottom line: This is a lot of car for the money.
2. Kia Forte
Base MSRP price range: $15,890-$21,890
The Forte boasts generous interior room and a wide assortment of available equipment, such as front/rear heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Returning 28 mpg overall from the tested 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the smooth powertrain drew few complaints from us. Plus, you can choose between sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles. Whatever Forte you’re considering, you’ll get a relatively quiet cabin and easy-to-use controls. And the backseat just might surprise you with how big it is.
1. Subaru Impreza
Base MSRP price range: $18,195-$23,295
Rounding out the best small cars, the all-wheel-drive Impreza is particularly impressive—especially if you live where snow falls. Despite its size, the ride won’t beat you up. You also get handling that’s responsive and secure. Fuel economy of 27 mpg overall for the sedan is noteworthy, especially given the standard AWD. The hatchback gets 26 mpg overall and has a handy-sized cargo area. While not a deal breaker, some road and engine noise, exacerbated by the continuously variable transmission, is audible. The interior is spacious for the class, controls are straightforward, and visibility is good.
—Mike Quincy
More from Consumer Reports:
The 10 most reliable cars under $25,000
5 best used cars for teen drivers
Best cars for comfort
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.
