Car Rankings: Affordable Compact Wagons
Ranking of compact wagons and hatchbacks, generally priced under $25,000. Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, MINI Clubman and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $19,265 - $25,410
- Invoice: $18,582 - $24,014
- Avg. Paid: $19,180 - $25,194
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
#1
2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen is an upscale and refined wagon with plenty of practicality.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.1 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $15,995 - $19,795
- Invoice: $15,525 - $18,957
- Avg. Paid: $15,963 - $19,592
- MPG: 23 City / 31 Hwy
#2
2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
If you want practicality and value, you can't go wrong with the Hyundai Elantra Touring.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.9 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $20,450 - $31,000
- Invoice: $18,405 - $27,900
- Avg. Paid: $20,776 - $31,075
- MPG: 28 (2009) City / 37 (2009) Hwy
#3
2010 Mini Clubman
The 2010 Mini Clubman expands on everything that's good about the Mini Cooper -- literally. A stretched wheelbase allows for a more comfortable backseat and roomier cargo ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $16,700 - $22,110
- Invoice: $15,615 - $20,230
- Avg. Paid: $16,416 - $21,608
- MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy
#4
2010 Toyota Matrix
The 2009 and 2010 Toyota Matrix has been recalled. For more information on the Toyota recall, including how it affects our rankings, please see our Toyota Recall ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $18,720 - $26,255
- Invoice: $17,971 - $25,205
- Avg. Paid: $19,101 - $26,501
- MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy
#5
2010 Chevrolet HHR
With cargo versatility and cool retro style the 2010 Chevy HHR is miles away from the old wood-sided wagon you used to get hauled to Grandma's in. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $18,275 - $18,275
- Invoice: $17,818 - $17,818
- Avg. Paid: $18,185 - $18,185
- MPG: 19 (Est) City / 24 (Est) Hwy
#6
2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Slow and funny looking, the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is the zombie of the automotive world. Despite falling sales and harsh reviews, the PT Cruiser just won't ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.8 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 7.6 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: NA
#7
2010 Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber tries to be the quintessential hot hatch, but underpowered engines, sloppy handing and subpar interior materials keep it from hitting the mark.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
Unranked: Affordable Compact Wagons
Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.
It's a confusing time to be shopping for a new car. While there are some incredible deals to be had, many of those incentives are for cars that don't offer a lot of value in the long term.
The U.S. News