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.

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Image
  • 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
Hyundai Elantra Touring Image
  • 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
Mini Clubman Image
  • 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
Toyota Matrix Image
  • 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
Chevrolet HHR Image
  • 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
Chrysler PT Cruiser Image
  • 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
Dodge Caliber Image
  • 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.

Fiat Panda Image

2011 Fiat Panda

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: NA

Mini Countryman Image

2011 Mini Countryman

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: NA