Best Cars for the Money

Buyers once had a wide selection of subcompact cars to choose from. But most entry-level sedans and hatchbacks have vanished from the market in recent years as automakers focus on building small crossover SUVs instead. The most recent casualty of this trend was the Kia Rio, discontinued after the 2023 model year. That leaves just two remaining entrants in the class, the Nissan Versa and the Mitsubishi Mirage.

Of these, the Versa is clearly the better choice. Fortunately, Nissan has continued to invest in its smallest model. It introduced an all-new version in 2020 and updated it again just last year. That gives the Versa two legs up over the aging Mirage, which was last overhauled in 2014. With a bigger engine, a higher-quality cabin, and more standard features, the Nissan beats the Mitsubishi in most key areas, yet it costs about the same. And where it lags behind — namely, in fuel efficiency and rear-seat accommodations — it's not by much.

Other perks of the 2024 Nissa Versa include its generously sized trunk (14.7 cubic feet) and class-leading advanced safety features, including standard automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, and available blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Many value-priced vehicles require big sacrifices. The Kia Rio, however, is surprisingly well-equipped and attractive. This five-person car is available as a sedan or hatchback and is a great choice for those on a budget or anyone who wants a modest, reliable car with a smooth ride and a comfortable interior. It handles well, though it isn't sporty, and comes with a long list of available safety features. It provides great fuel economy and has an excellent warranty for added peace of mind. The Rio makes buying a low-cost car an appealing proposition.

Competitors to the Rio include the Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa. The Mirage is available only as a hatchback, while the Versa is only available as a sedan. The Kia Rio gives you both options, depending on your priorities for passenger and cargo room.

The 2024 Kia Soul is the latest iteration of the successful formula that dates back to the first Soul in 2009. The likable Kia continues to embrace the box-like styling that initially set it apart, bringing the benefit of excellent interior space for a vehicle of its length. This makes it a terrific urban runabout that is maneuverable in tight quarters and a breeze to park in challenging spaces. Its 147-horsepower engine won't light up any drag strips, but combined with its continuously variable automatic transmission, it is a willing performer in town. The 2024 Soul is also more refined on the highway than you might guess. Engine noise and CVT thrum are kept low, and the suspension is tuned for driving ease, not sharp handling. Front-seat occupants enjoy very comfortable accommodations, and the three rear-seat passengers get more leg, hip, and headroom than the Soul's length would suggest.

Though the Soul often is lumped in with subcompact crossover SUVs, it lacks the all-wheel-drive option that marks many vehicles as sport-utilities. The Soul has no off-road aspirations at all, as its tires and ground clearance attest. Instead, it is a highly cost-effective urban commando, great for grocery-getting, commuting, and the occasional visit to the home improvement store. The cabin is spacious, and the Soul delivers more cargo room than small crossover SUVs such as the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek. The Soul used to have a turbocharged option for increased performance. But these days, all Souls have a four-cylinder engine that delivers good acceleration and decent fuel economy. Another plus: The Soul comes with one of the best warranties in its class.

Kia's playbook is simple: Beat the class leaders on features and price. The 2024 Forte accomplishes this quite handily with a sticker price that starts around $21,000 and includes a long list of goodies. And with styling inspired by Kia's upscale sports sedan, the svelte Stinger, the Forte is also a looker. But its top rivals cost a bit more for a reason: They're more fun to drive.

Don't get us wrong. The Forte isn't bad behind the wheel. It's comfortable and easy to operate, handling daily drives with little fuss. But with one of the weakest base engines in its class, it lacks the zip of the Mazda 3, and its occasionally flinty ride lacks the polish of the Honda Civic's. Fortunately, the Forte's top-tier GT trim solves one of these issues with its 201-horsepower turbo engine. But it comes at a substantially higher price.

The Forte's competitors offer more variety, too, including hatchback and hybrid versions. But in this class, only the Subaru Impreza offers all-wheel drive.

In the end, perhaps it's better to focus on what the Forte is, not what it isn't. And that, again, is simple. Just as Kia intended, it's a well-equipped car at a very good price.

The Sentra has been a staple of the Nissan lineup since the 1980s. Slotting between the subcompact Versa and the midsize Altima, the five-seat econobox has always been long on value. But a 2020 redesign introduced a welcome injection of style. The eighth-generation Sentra boasts shapely sheet metal, further refined for 2024 with a mild refresh that includes a sharper grille and headlights.

Inside the cabin is where the Sentra really impresses. It boasts an upscale and user-friendly design that rivals pricier models, such as the Mazda 3. It also comes with a surprisingly long list of standard equipment, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of driver aids. Plus, the Sentra can be optioned with amenities typically reserved for the luxury segment, such as quilted leather seats and a premium Bose sound system.

Comfort is the name of the game for the Sentra. Its four-wheel independent suspension is tuned for relaxing commutes, while Nissan's Zero Gravity technology keeps the front seats comfortable even on long drives. Handling is competent but not particularly engaging, even on the sporty SR model. Additionally, its 2.0-liter four-cylinder — the only available engine — delivers solid fuel economy but feels sapped when driven hard.

Subaru has made its name by, in the parlance of today, staying in its lane. Compared to its larger Japanese competitors, Subaru’s focus on practical, affordable, and adventurous cars and SUVs has earned it a loyal fanbase. It hasn’t hurt that, for a time, the automaker also dominated global rally racing, highlighting the brand’s robust build quality and advanced all-wheel-drive systems.

The Subaru Impreza won’t dominate motorsports, but it has everything necessary for a sensible commuter and weekend explorer. The cabin is roomy and comfortable, and there’s loads of cargo space — more than most competitors — when you fold down the rear seats.

The 2024 model kicks off the Impreza’s sixth generation, but it remains largely the same as before. The front and rear ends have a new grille and head- and taillight style. Under the metal, the Impreza uses more structural adhesive, which Subaru says helps make the car 10% stiffer and more resistant to twist and flex. But the Impreza’s dimensions haven’t changed much — it’s slightly taller — meaning it’s as easy to park and maneuver as before.

Inside the cabin, new seat mounts help improve ride comfort, and the infotainment interface grows to a 7-inch standard touchscreen, or an 11.6-inch display in the middle and top trims. Subaru’s EyeSight driver safety system also gets an update with a wider-view camera and a new feature that can automatically steer away from a collision at speeds less than 50 mph. A new RS trim conjures up earlier performance glory (the RS preceded the high-performance Subaru WRX model) with a larger engine and slightly more power. Finally, the sedan body style and manual transmission are gone, leaving only a hatchback with an automatic shifter.

None of these changes make the Impreza any faster or more fuel-efficient, though. The RS trim promises a bit more speed, but we’ll need to wait for testing. The Impreza’s sluggish and thirsty ways make rivals like the Honda Civic Hatchback, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, and [Mazda 3 Hatchback (/mazda/mazda3) worthy considerations. Nearly all offer more power and better fuel economy. Only the Mazda offers optional all-wheel drive, however, and the Impreza remains the clear favorite if you need a lot of cargo space.

As U.S. automakers abandoned sedans in favor of more popular SUVs, Japanese and Korean carmakers filled the void. While those sedans have personalities all their own, some drivers feel the segment lacks diversity. There is still one German holdout in the compact sedan class, though: the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta.

The Jetta fits between the smaller Golf GTI hatchback and the larger Arteon sedan. This seventh-generation model was last redesigned in 2019 and it received a significant refresh in 2022. This year, the Jetta gains more standard safety features and several minor upgrades. And the sporty Jetta GLI adds a lower-priced 40th Anniversary model.

The Jetta deserves praise for its overall comfort and spacious interior, but we're turned off by the frustrating capacitive-touch controls and prevalent hard interior plastics. Rivals include the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3. We count the Civic as a class leader, while the Kia and Hyundai models stand out for their value. The Mazda3 is the sportiest choice, though its performance results in some sacrifices.

The 2024 VW Jetta is the outlier, with mature styling and more space for rear passengers, but it's otherwise just about average for the class.

A staple of Toyota's lineup for nearly 60 years, the Corolla remains one of the best-selling compacts in the U.S. thanks to a combination of reliability, utility, and value. Toyota continues to refine the formula with the 2024 Toyota Corolla.

The Corolla gets nearly 40 mpg on the highway with its standard gas engine, and up to 50 mpg in hybrid form. The roomy interior is trimmed in high-quality materials, the infotainment system is more sophisticated than you'd expect for the price, and it comes with useful driver-oriented features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It's also the only compact hybrid sedan with all-wheel drive, a combination that gives it a little extra performance boost. It's even available as a hatchback (reviewed separately).

But the Corolla isn't especially inspiring to drive. It's not quick, not particularly dynamic, and it won't tickle your heart rate in a tight turn. For that, you want a competitor like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Corolla also falls short in trunk space, trailing rivals such as the Civic or Hyundai Elantra, although the Corolla hatchback option makes this less of an issue. The Nissan Sentra and Subaru Impreza are also worth a look. Still, the Corolla remains competitive for good reason. Buyers today, like before, will find it offers a compelling mix of features and price to suit their needs.

The smaller, sportier counterpart to the Corolla sedan, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, offers the same quality and reliability as the four-door, but with more versatility. Compared to the sedan's 13-cubic-foot trunk, the hatchback has an extra 5 cubic feet of cargo space (11, with the spare tire removed).

Like the sedan, the Corolla Hatchback comes with an impressive list of essential features and thoughtful conveniences. Infotainment includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple and Android smartphone integration and sophisticated voice recognition software for hands-free control of various functions. A premium JBL sound system is available for more discerning listeners. Several active-safety features come standard, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, usually found on pricier cars. The Corolla's smooth ride and quality interior materials are also more refined than you'd expect. With a rating of 35 mpg for combined city and highway driving, the Corolla also leads its competitors in fuel economy.

It's a winning formula let down only by a tight backseat and small cargo space. Among its rivals, the Corolla Hatch offers the least cargo space and backseat legroom. Those rivals include the roomier Honda Civic hatchback and the Mazda3, both available with more robust turbo engines. The Subaru Impreza is another alternative with more room and an even more affordable price. Still, the Corolla Hatchback's combination of price, features, and fuel efficiency make it a strong candidate in its class.

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't have something a bit more inspiring than the average. For many decades, compact sedans and hatchbacks have delivered affordable transportation, and in recent years, shoppers have raised their expectations regarding performance, interior quality, and technology. The 2024 Mazda3 is a clear example of the transformation from penalty boxes to truly desirable cars.

As is true for many carmakers, SUVs dominate the Mazda lineup. The rest is made up by the delightful MX-5 Miata roadster and the Mazda3, which is offered as a sedan or hatchback. In typical Mazda fashion, the Mazda3 is more fun to drive than most of its competitors. With sporty handling and an available turbocharged engine, it's a great choice for drivers seeking economical excitement. Combined with sleek styling and a refined interior, the Mazda3 is easily one of the most desirable in its class.

But the Mazda3 has some pretty strong competitors, some of which are newer models. The Honda Civic, which was redesigned two years ago with a significantly upgraded interior, is available in a few sporty variants. The same can be said about the Hyundai Elantra, which further benefits from a more affordable price and long warranty. There are also the Subaru Impreza and WRX, which come standard with all-wheel drive for improved handling and traction.

As accomplished as the Mazda3 is, it's not perfect. Some rivals offer more space for rear passengers and cargo, making them a more practical choice. The Mazda is also a bit pricier and less fuel efficient than other competitors, but considering its overall goodness, we think it's a fair tradeoff.

The Kia K5 debuted in 2021 as a replacement for the Optima, a midsize sedan with sharp styling and good overall value. The K5 had big shoes to fill, but it did so with very strong results. The chiseled exterior made it a standout in an otherwise bland class, and it had the performance to match.

For 2024, the K5 returns with only one minor change: The GT-Line trim now comes with heated seats. That means it's essentially the same as before, and we're just fine with that. The K5 is already a top pick in its class, even against the recently redesigned Honda Accord.

In addition to its favorable pricing and sporty styling, the 2024 K5 further distinguishes itself by offering all-wheel drive, which is a rarity in this class. Add in its large trunk and spacious seating, and you have a winning combination. The only real downside is that there's no hybrid powertrain available to counter the more fuel-efficient Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry.

Despite the lack of a hybrid alternative, the 2024 K5 remains our favorite in the class. We're confident you'll agree it does everything expected of a midsize sedan, and more.

The 2024 Subaru Legacy is a family-friendly midsize sedan. Available in five trim levels with a choice of two engines and ample standard features, there's an appropriate version for a wide variety of buyers. Adding to its appeal is standard all-wheel drive, which improves drivability in poor road conditions. The Legacy has a roomy and comfortable interior that works well for daily commutes or long-distance getaways. Even the base trim is nicely equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system and standard EyeSight driver-assist technologies to help keep everyone safe. EyeSight uses cameras to monitor the car's position on the road and alerts the driver to impending collisions.

While the base engine gets the Legacy up to highway speeds, the available turbocharged engine is a more engaging choice. What Subaru doesn't offer is a hybrid engine, an option available on the higher-priced Honda Accord. The downside is the Accord doesn't offer all-wheel drive. The competitive Kia K5 doesn't offer a hybrid, but it does include all-wheel drive on the GT-Line model only. Although it comes standard with front-wheel drive, the Toyota Camry offers all-wheel drive and hybrid models in several trim levels. Overall, the Legacy is a well-rounded choice when it comes to midsize sedans, with a great combination of features, comfort, and performance.

Recently redesigned with surprisingly stunning results, Toyota's original hybrid is again an aspirational car. Not a fast sports car or an adventurous off-roader, the 2024 Toyota Prius is nonetheless a car we want to drive again. For starters, it just looks better. Its sleek design sacrifices some interior room for sporty proportions that, with a long front end, low roof, and truncated rear quarters, looks more like something we'd expect from Mazda's house of zoom. The interior, too, feels more normal and not overly wrought with quirky tech design.

Improved body rigidity and handling haven't transformed the Prius into a sports car overnight, but it's no longer a numb embarrassment when pushed through a quick corner, either. More important, the Prius remains a fuel-efficiency champ and an aspirational target for hypermilers. With 49 to 57 mpg, the Prius is both a tech triumph and king of the commute.

Crossovers and SUVs are rapidly replacing sedans and hatchback-like sedans, leaving the Prius with few direct competitors. The Kia Niro hybrid, a small hatch with a bit more cargo space, comes close but falls a bit short in fuel economy. The Hyundai Elantra hybrid is about the same size as the Prius, costs less, and comes close in efficiency. Toyota’s own Corolla hybrid sedan is about the same size and costs less, but it can't match the Prius' liftback versatility, and the hatchback version isn't available as a hybrid.

The 2024 Nissan Altima fits the bill of an easy-to-use daily commuter. It’s affordable for a midsize sedan, packed with standard safety features, and relatively practical with good space for passengers and cargo. But the Altima lacks pizzazz, evident in its lack of both driving thrills and a signature calling card.

First the good. The 2024 Altima carries over some positive changes issued during the 2023 model year, including the standard inclusion on all models of Nissan Safety Shield 360, a collection of semi-automated features, and an available 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It’s also pretty sharp-looking on the outside. Finally, the Altima is historically strong when it comes to fuel economy. If traction and stability are a concern, you can opt for all-wheel drive, which is not always available on midsize sedans.

Elsewhere, though, the Altima struggles to keep pace with the top choices in the class. Its interior doesn’t look or feel as premium as that of some competitors. Some technology features feel outdated by modern standards, and ride comfort and refinement are only so-so. The Altima also ranks among the least exciting cars to drive in its segment, even with the more powerful (and more expensive) turbocharged 2.0-liter option.

Still, the 2024 Altima provides a sensible mode of daily transportation. Its combination of attractive pricing, easy operation, and spacious accommodations are a definite plus. If you’re looking for a smart choice in the midsize sedan segment, the Altima could well fit your needs. Keep in mind, though, that the Subaru Legacy comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment, and the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Arteon are more comfortable on the road.

Hyundai wastes no time re-inventing the Sonata sedan. Although it's been in the automaker's portfolio for 34 years, the Sonata is constantly on the receiving end of styling trends and updates. Like clockwork, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata wears a distinct new look (the last update was in 2020), this time emphasizing a four-door coupe profile with a signature tapering roof, slightly elevated rear bumper, and all manner of geometric sheet metal creases and folds.

For what it's worth, we like it. It's a little over-wrought and won't likely mature into a timeless classic, although its thin, seamless front headlights and light strip are fully on-brand with modern electric vehicles. And we'll almost always take a mainstream, non-luxury sedan with some visual daring over safe and slabby, bland and boxy, any day.

Some of that adventure carries over to the redesigned Sonata's interior, too. The resculpted dash and center console provide a cleaner look with more space and storage, while the top conversation piece is the dash-spanning widescreen gauges and infotainment display. It's an impressive look that cribs from a similar BMW design, but gives the Sonata a tech edge on its rivals.

Nothing much changes under the skin or hood, although Hyundai has dropped the 1.6-liter turbo engine. A standard four-cylinder packs adequate, if not adrenalized, power. For the latter, the 290-horsepower N-Line trim carries over. The hybrid returns as well, giving the Sonata up to 47 mpg. While not a stand-out performer or luxury cruiser, the Sonata looks sharp and drives well enough to earn its place among benchmarks such as the pricier Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.