Best Compact Sedans of 2025 and 2026

The Edmunds experts test drive small sedan contenders on our test track and in the real world. Our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. How we rank small sedans
1st
Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
The Honda Civic boasts praiseworthy performance, high fuel economy, excellent passenger space and a refined design. There are a few minor drawbacks, such as elevated road noise on the highway, but overall the Civic is a great pick for a small sedan.
MSRP
$24,250 - $31,750
Combined MPG
34 - 49
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
The Kia K4 stands out with its roomy cabin and extensive and helpful technology features. Value is also part of the appeal; the K4 comes with a greater level of standard equipment than the competition. Our only complaint is a pair of laconic powertrains that don't deliver an engaging driving experience.
MSRP
$21,990 - $28,090
Combined MPG
33 - 34
3rd
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Forte is a grown-up small sedan that's a fantastic value for the money with above-average utility. Other highlights include a comfortable, quiet interior and an extensive list of available features. However, it lags well behind top competitors in driving dynamics, ride quality and rear legroom.
MSRP
$19,990 - $25,390
Combined MPG
26 - 34
4th
Edmunds Rating
7.8/10
The Elantra stands out with its high fuel economy, impressive technology and safety features, and roomy cabin. It's also comfortable and strong on value. The base engine is lackluster but otherwise this is a great pick for a small sedan.
MSRP
$22,125 - $28,975
Combined MPG
31 - 36
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
If a fun-to-drive character and a classy interior rank high on your shopping list, then the Mazda 3 should be right at the top. It may come up short in a few categories on paper, but in the real world it's more than capable and definitely worth a test drive.
MSRP
$23,950 - $35,800
Combined MPG
27 - 31
6th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Volkswagen Jetta is a stylish and satisfying sedan to drive. It's also spacious and fuel-efficient. But it suffers from a somewhat outdated infotainment system, lackluster interior quality, and overall value for your money.
MSRP
$22,495 - $29,000
Combined MPG
33
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.3/10
The Toyota Corolla offers simple and practical transportation — nothing more, nothing less. It isn't that the Corolla is especially weak in any area; it's that competitors have passed it by being more fun to drive, offering better technology or, in some cases, both.
MSRP
$22,325 - $28,040
Combined MPG
34 - 35
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.3/10
The Nissan Sentra offers a roomy interior, a comfortable ride and easy-to-use technology. It's also pretty stylish. Slow acceleration is the main downside here.
MSRP
$21,590 - $24,590
Combined MPG
33 - 34