The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are best sellers in the compact class and deserve a strong look.
The Civic comes in a multitude of configurations, none of which are dull.
The latest Corolla is a big step up, especially in frugal hybrid guise.
The latest Mazda 3 offers wet-climate drivers an all-wheel-drive rival to the Subaru Impreza for the first time.
Though the Mazda is more expensive than the Subaru, it’s also more fun and its interior is nicer in most ways other than its non-touchscreen infotainment system.
VW’s Jetta has clean lines and willing turbo power, plus a ride that’s unusually composed.
Don’t skip the Kia Forte, either, with its neat styling matched with a high level of refinement for a bargain price.
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 2021 Subaru Impreza#11 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 Honda Civic#4 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 Kia ForteGet Your Price |  2021 Mazda MAZDA3#4 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 Toyota Corolla#4 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 Volkswagen Jetta#24 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2021 Subaru Impreza excels at foul-weather traction and value; it’s an exceedingly rational choice among economy cars. |
The 2021 Honda Civic doesn’t let social responsibility get in the way of a good time. |
The 2021 Mazda 3 straddles the mainstream and upscale markets with a quality cabin, power that ranges from pedestrian to plentiful, and available all-wheel drive. |
With the 2021 Corolla, Toyota has almost excised all the bland from its diet. |
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a no-frills compact with good value. Saving money never goes out of style. | |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $18,795 | $21,250 | $17,890 | $20,500 | $20,025 | $18,995 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | |||||
| N/A | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| N/A | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| N/A | LX CVT | FE Manual | 2.0 FWD | L CVT (SE) | S Manual |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| N/A | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| N/A | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| N/A | Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| N/A | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Honda Civic | 2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Kia Forte | 2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Toyota Corolla | 2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | |
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