
Domestic competitors have largely walked away from small cars like the Civic, what’s left is good though.
The Corolla is significantly updated for 2020 and offers a sedan and hatchback.
Like the Civic, it’s a good value and should be high on any shopper’s list.
The Mazda3 is the most entertaining to drive, but its hatch won’t be for everyone.
The Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra are similarly good values, we wouldn’t hesitate with either.
The Volkswagen Jetta is sedan-only and sturdy, although a little boring.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2020 Honda Civic sets the pace among affordable compact cars. |
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a well-equipped value. |
The 2020 Kia Forte has the style and now the GT power to slot into any compact-car shopping list. |
The Mazda 3 punches above its weight class with an upmarket interior, good handling, and optional all-wheel drive. |
It’s still among the more mildly flavored mass-market sedans, but the 2020 Toyota Corolla has dropped the bland from its diet. |
The docile 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a solid compact sedan choice; for zesty performance, opt into the Jetta GLI. |
MSRP From | |||||
$20,000 | $19,300 | $17,890 | $21,500 | $19,600 | $18,895 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
LX Manual | SE IVT | FE Manual | FWD | L CVT (GS) | S Manual w/SULEV |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
Manual w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Hyundai Elantra | 2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Kia Forte | 2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Toyota Corolla | 2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Volkswagen Jetta |