It’s an unpopular opinion in the good old US of A, but let's face it: sometimes less is more. Nowadays, having a more compact car doesn’t mean you necessarily have to compromise on luxury. Compact cars are surging to the fore as they become more technologically advanced, aesthetically pleasing, and luxuriously comfortable. Efficient and often times more affordable, the compact car might just be the way to go in 2019. Unsure? Let’s take a look at 10 examples of small cars that are top-rated in the industry. As the title of this article suggests, the facts may be surprising!
10 2019 MINI Cooper Clubman
The 2019 MINI Cooper has a luxurious upscale feel, with a funky, stylish interior design and soft-touch features that make it unique. There is more than enough cabin space, room enough for 5 people, and well-padded seating for a comfortable ride. Not to mention the outstanding cargo space; when the seats are folded down, there is at least 48 cubes of space, enough to hold a washing machine!
Despite shoddy gas mileage, this subcompact car is easy to handle and fun to drive even on winding roads. If the price doesn’t give a shock, it’s for sure a quality ride.
9 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
Don’t sleep on the love bug. The interior design is as fun and fresh as ever, striking in its simplicity and almost childishly soft features. The front seat provides ample space, support, and comfort to any driver who wants to cruise down the street with the top down. The backseat leaves a bit to be desired, but the silver lining is in the cargo space; fold the seats down and there’s more than enough room for luggage. A drive in a Volkswagen Beetle is always going to be relaxed and easy-going thanks to its smooth handling. Did someone say vacation?
8 2019 Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda 3’s interior manages to deliver an upscale feel while still keeping things modern. All the interior surfaces are soft to the touch, yet give off a sturdy quality that speaks to durability and reliability. Although some other cars in the compact arena offer more cabin space, the Mazda3’s front seat design and perfectly balanced handling work in tandem to keep the driver and rider comfortable during long drives, despite any bumps or holes in the road. With minimal outside noise allowed into the cabin and smooth, direct steering, a ride in the Mazda3 leaves one feeling positively pampered.
7 2019 Honda Civic
The average driver can’t go wrong with a reliable, durable Honda Civic. Although it comes up a bit short in terms of technological amenities, the Civic is easily one of the most tried and true cars in the compact car family. Its interior quality can only be described as solid, the high-end materials tailored to be impressive but not too ritzy. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legs and headroom, even for friends of a taller variety. Handling is not only easy but also fun and engaging, giving the Civic an edge against its flashy competitors.
6 2019 Hyundai Veloster
Although the Hyundai Veloster isn’t as upscale as some of its competitors, it has the rare benefit of being user-friendly, a quality many other compact cars lack due to advancing technological developments and growing demand for bells and whistles. What it doesn’t deliver by way of ‘luxury’ it makes up for with a smooth, stress-free ride.
A friend of the road, this car handles like a dream; smooth and quiet. It’s plenty powerful if there’s revving to be done, with a quick getaway. The Hyundai Veloster is overall a great choice, as long as the main concern is performance.
5 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
This handsome ride has one of the highest ratings of reliability in its class. The infotainment is easy to use and keeps popular apps right at your fingertips on a modern, well-placed touch screen display. Its charming interior has a smooth, soft feel that is well-built and radiates comfort. Seats and trunk are spacious, fitting up to five people with plenty of legroom on well-cushioned seats. It’s important to note that the Chevy Cruze is built for efficiency, not speed. It can give drivers a sense of sport on the highway, but this car is not athletic by any means.
4 2018 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a sporty and strong compact car. While it’s rear seats are not the most comfortable, the ride in the front is pure enjoyment. Generous head and legroom and first-rate handling make this car an excellent choice for those who like to take long drives, or just go out for fun, fan-paced rides. The Focus will keep its driver comfortable even when traversing torn-up, uneven pavement, which is common in big cities where construction seems endless. With advanced safety tools like park assist and auto high-beams, this car is fun and reliability in a compact package.
3 2019 Volkswagen GTI
If driving is the goal, look no further than the 2019 VW GTI. This compact car is slick, high-powered and bold. The interior style is sporty but enjoyable to all, offering spacious and comfortable seating arrangements no matter one’s size or height. Not for the faint of heart, the GTI can’t lay claim to handling as smooth as some of its competitors. This car’s handling is sensitive and responds promptly to its driver, making it an exciting, dynamic ride. It has average reliability but cutting edge safety features. This compact car can be summed up in one word: Excellence.
2 2019 Kia Forte
A finalist for the 2019 Best Compact Car For The Money award, the Kia Forte is a great choice of a compact car. The quality is unmistakable in its modern interior and infotainment system, spacious, well-bolstered seats and sporty handling.
Suited to long-drives, the Kia Forte has good gas mileage and a four out of five reliability rating. A stand-out feature is its well-ventilated seats, which efficiently keep cool when the weather is hot. It bests many rivals and comes up squarely against some others, but overall the Forte remains ranked as one of the best of its class.
1 2019 Honda Fit
Last but not least, the Honda Fit is not only good-looking but practical. The interior is upscale, roomy and comfortable, especially in the front seat, where tilt-and-telescope steering allows for easy adjustments and good driving positions. The infotainment system is top-notch, with a clean, simple look that doesn’t overpower the dash. Cargo space is also impressive, with a split, folding rear seat and the ability to also fold the front seat for long items. However, the Honda Fit is not fit for highway driving but better suited to the city, where one can still enjoy its nimble and playful steering.