
The diminished compact sedan segment has never been better when it comes to value.
Redesigned like the Jetta for 2022, the Honda Civic stretches out with a more sophisticated interior and exterior than its edgier predecessor; a hatchback, Si, and Type R model will follow.
Redesigned for 2021, the Hyundai Elantra adds an N performance model for 2022, but the base model puts value ahead of style and performance.
The 2021 Mazda 3 continues as a sedan and hatchback with upscale touches and a spirited ride.
Toyota sells those body styles on the 2021 Corolla, but it comes best as a 52-mpg hybrid.
Easy to overlook, the 2021 Nissan Sentra presents a value but doesn’t skimp on features or good driving behavior.
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![]() | ![]() #5 in Compact Cars Get Your Price | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta packs more standard features for a better compact car value. |
The 2022 Honda Civic remains a go-to economy car, with low-key performance and high-economy powertrains. |
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has big style, big available tech, and big range from a hybrid powertrain. |
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. |
The 2021 Nissan Sentra has a sleek shape and a more refined ride, which makes it a better value than in the past. |
With the 2021 Corolla, Toyota has almost excised all the bland from its diet. |
MSRP From | |||||
$20,365 | $22,550 | $19,650 | $20,650 | $19,510 | $20,025 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
26 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
S Manual | LX CVT | SE IVT SULEV *Ltd Avail* | 2.0 FWD | S CVT | L CVT (SE) |
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 | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2022 Honda Civic | 2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2021 Nissan Sentra | 2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2021 Toyota Corolla |