Compact cars are yesterday’s mid-sizers, with bucks-up features, space—and prices in some cases.
The Mazda 3 is one of our favorites for its sublime handling and good style, but its infotainment system can frustrate and it’s getting long in the tooth.
The Honda Civic is popular with buyers and for good reason.
There’s not a bad one in the bunch, but a turbocharged hatchback is a lot of car for about $23,000.
This year’s newcomer is the redesigned VW Jetta.
It’s light on personality, but it’s comfortable and all models are well-equipped with active safety tech.
The Toyota Corolla checks the safety box, but that’s about it.
Rivals are cheaper and better in nearly every way.
And don’t leave the docile Chevy Cruze off of your list, especially in hatchback form.
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 2019 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2019 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2019 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2019 Toyota CorollaBrowse Used Listings |  2019 Volkswagen JettaBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2019 Hyundai Elantra delivers good handling and a lot of value for the money. |
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze gains some good content, but its advanced safety tech should be more accessible. |
Safety upgrades this year make the 2019 Honda Civic as compelling as ever. |
The 2019 Toyota Corolla is a fun choice as a hatchback, but we’d skip the sedan in favor of its competitors. |
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is a mild-mannered, well-equipped compact sedan. |
The 2018 Mazda 3 adds standard active safety features to an already compelling value. Among compact cars, this is one to consider. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $17,200 | $17,995 | $19,550 | $18,700 | $18,745 | $18,095 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Mid-Size Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| SE Manual | 4-Door Sedan L | LX CVT | L CVT (GS) | S Manual w/SULEV | Sport Manual |
| 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 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Automatic | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2019 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2019 Chevrolet Cruze | 2019 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2019 Honda Civic | 2019 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2019 Toyota Corolla | 2019 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2019 Volkswagen Jetta | 2019 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 | |
