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: $19,075 - $27,165
  • Invoice: $18,400 - $25,392
  • Avg. Paid: $19,016 - $26,724
  • MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy

#1
2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen offers a lot of usable space and one of the most refined driving experiences available in a compact wagon, all available for ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.6
Performance:8.7
Exterior:7.5
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.4
Reliability:5.0
MINI Clubman Image
  • MSRP: $20,200 - $30,800
  • Invoice: $18,180 - $27,720
  • Avg. Paid: $20,451 - $30,727
  • MPG: 28 City / 37 Hwy

#2
2009 MINI Clubman

The 2009 MINI Clubman takes the formula that the MINI Cooper used to achieve worldwide popularity and expands on it, literally and figuratively. The Clubman has all ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.0
Performance:8.2
Exterior:8.1
Interior:6.3
Safety:NA
Reliability:5.0
Suzuki SX4 Wagon Image
  • MSRP: $15,939 - $19,639
  • Invoice: $15,301 - $18,853
  • Avg. Paid: $16,139 - $19,756
  • MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy

#2
2009 Suzuki SX4 Wagon

The SX4 Wagon's all-wheel-drive capability, abundant cargo space, well-equipped interior and budget price make it an appealing car.  However, its heavy curb weight detracts from performance and ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.0
Performance:7.5
Exterior:7.9
Interior:7.8
Safety:8.3
Reliability:5.0
Chevrolet HHR Image
  • MSRP: $18,720 - $25,135
  • Invoice: $17,878 - $24,004
  • Avg. Paid: $18,967 - $25,161
  • MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy

#4
2009 Chevrolet HHR

The HHR is a good option for drivers who care more about style and practicality than they do performance.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.2
Performance:6.7
Exterior:7.5
Interior:7.6
Safety:8.4
Reliability:5.0
Chrysler PT Cruiser Image
  • MSRP: $18,000 - $24,510
  • Invoice: $16,950 - $22,939
  • Avg. Paid: $18,060 - $24,277
  • MPG: 21 City / 26 Hwy

#5
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser, with its spacious interior, offers plenty of cargo and passenger room for the money, but reviewers complain that it is underpowered. 

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.0
Performance:7.4
Exterior:7.5
Interior:7.7
Safety:6.6
Reliability:7.0

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

Subaru Impreza Wagon Image

2009 Subaru Impreza Wagon

MSRP: $17,995 - $27,495 | Invoice: $17,198 - $25,978 | MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy