Best Small 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

Best X-Small sedans

Diminutive in stature and light on creature comforts, extra-small sedans are the least expensive vehicles on the market. Even so, some boast features that used to be unheard of in this class.

Not enough vehicles yet to rank
Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The Nissan Versa is a well-built small sedan, with plenty of space inside and enough standard technology and safety features to easily justify its price. Slow acceleration is a bummer, but overall it's a smart pick for an affordable small sedan.
MSRP
$17,190 - $21,190
Combined MPG
30 - 35

Best Small sedans

Thanks to their accessible pricing and fuel-efficient engines, small sedans are among the best-selling vehicles of all time. You can opt for value or splurge on all the bells and whistles.

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 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
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

Best X-Small luxury sedans

Even though they're the most affordable luxury cars, extra-small luxury sedans offer many of the same amenities as their larger siblings, though evidence of cost-cutting can be found.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
Among entry-level luxury cars, the Audi A3 stands out for its well-rounded nature. It rides and steers with composure, accelerates briskly, has an upscale cabin and can be fitted with many premium features.
MSRP
$38,200 - $40,800
Combined MPG
28
2nd
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is decently quick and sporty enough to feel competent on a winding road. But around town, the ride is a bit too stiff, especially on rough pavement. It's also a bit pricey for an entry-level luxury sedan. But if cargo room is important to you, the 2 Series Gran Coupe does that better than most of its competition.
MSRP
$38,400 - $48,300
Combined MPG
27 - 28
3rd
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
There's a lot to like about the Mercedes-Benz CLA. It drives as sharp as it looks and it comes with plenty of features to keep you interested. However, even at its base price, it's considerably more expensive than its direct competitors, and adding options causes that price to skyrocket. We like the CLA, but not for the price
MSRP
$44,400 - $65,400
Combined MPG
23 - 30

Best Small luxury sedans

Small luxury sedans have evolved to provide usable backseat space and a full roster of features while retaining a sporty driving character. For many shoppers, this will be the sweet spot.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The BMW 3 Series is powerful and boldly designed, but it misses its mark in a few areas. Other players have made larger strides in regards to technology. Unfortunately, "benchmark" is no longer one of the descriptors that come to mind.
MSRP
$45,950 - $62,200
Combined MPG
29 - 31
2nd
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers high-class interior details, a helpful technology interface and pleasing performance. It's an easy and smart pick for a small luxury sedan.
MSRP
$48,450 - $86,050
Combined MPG
22 - 29
3rd
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The A4 offers a compelling blend of refinement and interior quality for the price. Look elsewhere if you need a sport sedan that'll get your heart pumping, but for across-the-board excellence at a fair price, the A4 remains tough to top.
MSRP
$44,100 - $51,300
Combined MPG
26
4th
Edmunds Rating
7.8/10
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's looks may not be for everyone, but its build quality, comfortable ride, and enjoyable driving dynamics are hard to fault. The base engine is a little lackluster, but we wouldn't be surprised if some buyers chose this version over the stalwart 3 Series.
MSRP
$49,650 - $65,200
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Genesis G70 has matured into one of the more elegant-looking small luxury sedans. It delivers excellent value, a comfortable interior, and a good set of standard advanced driver aids. However, a tight back seat, a tiny trunk and subpar fuel economy keep the G70 from attaining true greatness.
MSRP
$42,500 - $53,050
Combined MPG
19 - 24
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Lexus IS falls short of rivals when it comes to interior space and technology refinement. Still, ample comfort and lots of standard features help keep the IS a viable pick for a small luxury sedan.
MSRP
$40,435 - $63,920
Combined MPG
20 - 25
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The reborn Integra is roomy and gets high fuel economy. But it's less refined than its direct rivals and too similar to the related Honda Civic Si, which retails for thousands less. Overall it's hard to find much about this Acura that distinguishes it from the pack.
MSRP
$33,000 - $52,900
Combined MPG
24 - 33
8th
Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
With a focus on flair and performance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia will appeal to those willing to look past the more familiar offerings in this class. It's a joy on the open road, engaging the driver like few other sedans can.
MSRP
$43,995 - $51,995
Combined MPG
26 - 27
9th
Edmunds Rating
6.6/10
The Cadillac CT4 is the brand's small luxury sedan. With classic rear-wheel-drive architecture, optional all-wheel drive and competitive turbocharged power, the CT4 has strong sport sedan fundamentals.
MSRP
$34,995 - $62,195
Combined MPG
18 - 26
10th
Edmunds Rating
6.4/10
The Q50 isn't as polished as its German competition, and its dated cabin and tech won't wow many people. Its strength lies solely in its powerful turbo engines, particularly the Red Sport trim.
MSRP
$43,050 - $58,900
Combined MPG
22 - 23

Best Small performance sedans

If you're looking for luxury and maneuverability along with sizzling speed, small performance sedans are where it's at. These sporty variants are among the most capable sedans in the world.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.5/10
The Acura Integra Type S is the shot of adrenaline that the brand has needed for so long. It's a gorgeous hot hatch that strikes a wonderful balance between sport compact and entry-level luxury. If you're looking for all the thrills and precise driving of a Honda Civic Type R but crave something a bit more refined, then the Integra Type S is the perfect answer.
MSRP
$52,900
Combined MPG
24
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.3/10
The Audi S3 is one of the smallest sedans you can buy, yet it doesn't feel like Audi gave it any less care than its other models. It's comfortable yet also fun to drive thanks to a strong yet fuel-efficient engine and sporty handling.
MSRP
$48,700 - $54,900
Combined MPG
26
3rd
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Audi RS 3's all-wheel-drive system means traction is ever present, even in slippery conditions, and the vibrant turbocharged five-cylinder engine means you're never wanting for power or drama. But just as it can barnstorm a back road, it can also be a civilized counterpart on the day-to-day.
MSRP
$62,300
Combined MPG
23
3rd
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Audi S4 combines eye-opening performance with a refined ride and offers excellent all-day practicality and comfort. This is one incredibly well-rounded sport sedan.
MSRP
$54,900 - $61,500
Combined MPG
24
5th
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing is a high-performance variant of the standard CT4 sedan. It comes with an impressive array of standard features including an adaptive suspension and a wonderfully responsive engine. Aside from a cramped back seat and only so-so driver safety aids, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers in all the right places.
MSRP
$62,195
Combined MPG
18
6th
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The S5 offers a great balance of performance and luxury. It's an excellent alternative for those who are willing to trade some of the S4's rear-passenger space for a larger trunk and sportier fastback silhouette.
MSRP
$57,900 - $64,500
Combined MPG
23
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The BMW M3 is a sport sedan that comes so close to being perfect. The all-wheel-drive system gives you confidence in poor weather, plus heaps of grip for explosive acceleration. Yet the highs are so high that the car's numb steering and unpleasant exhaust note really stick out.
MSRP
$76,700 - $86,000
8th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 is quick and handles well, with performance that's generally on par with its German rivals. There's lots of available in-car tech and driver aids too. But there's nothing about this car that makes it a standout sport sedan.
MSRP
$62,500
Combined MPG
22
9th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
You'd be right to expect amazing things from the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance. After all, it's 671 hp from a small sedan. But the car's plug-in hybrid powertrain adds a bunch of weight, and that negatively affects handling and road comfort. If you're searching for the 'ultimate driving' sedan, you should probably shop at a different German dealership.
MSRP
$86,050
10th
Edmunds Rating
7.5/10
The Lexus IS 500 F Sport's wonderful V8 engine and sporty handling make it fun on a winding road. But they can't mask the car's dated design and tech. The IS 500's smaller size and uncompetitive price are also drawbacks. We like driving the IS 500, but it's not enough to make up for the car's other drawbacks.
MSRP
$58,870 - $63,370
Combined MPG
20