Car Rankings: Upscale Small Cars
Ranking of near-luxury compact cars, including sedans, hatchbacks and coupes, generally priced $20,000 to $35,000. Audi A3, Acura TSX, Volvo S40 and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $23,230 - $24,930
- Invoice: $21,656 - $23,310
- Avg. Paid: $22,331 - $23,944
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#1
2009 Volkswagen GTI
The GTI has strong performance, handling and braking, along with a well-designed cabin. But the GTI has some confusing and outdated entertainment features, and VW purists are ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $26,920 - $36,975
- Invoice: $25,035 - $34,387
- Avg. Paid: $26,359 - $36,015
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
#2
2009 Audi A3
The A3 has sports car-like performance in the body of a sleek hatchback, but it's expensive compared to other entry-level luxury cars.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $29,000 - $40,150
- Invoice: $26,680 - $36,940
- Avg. Paid: $30,171 - $41,180
- MPG: 18 (2009) City / 28 (2009) Hwy
#3
2010 BMW 1-Series
Reviewers have mixed feelings about the 2010 BMW 1-Series. On the plus side, the 1-Series is precise on the road and refined on the inside. On the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 6.8 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $29,310 - $37,950
- Invoice: $26,959 - $34,882
- Avg. Paid: $28,831 - $37,118
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#4
2010 Acura TSX
The TSX is a fun-to-drive vehicle at an affordable price. Reviewers especially praise its high-quality cabin and long list of standard features.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $30,360 - $51,330
- Invoice: $28,933 - $48,917
- Avg. Paid: $29,018 - $47,918
- MPG: 15 City / 24 Hwy
#4
2009 Saab 9-3
The 9-3 is a sporty performer with a polished exterior, but its low MPG contribute to its perceived poor value for the class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $26,200 - $31,350
- Invoice: $24,628 - $29,469
- Avg. Paid: $24,175 - $28,848
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#6
2010 Volvo S40
The 2010 Volvo S40 boasts a classy exterior and tasteful interior, and a long list of safety features. It is kept out of the top of its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $24,100 - $26,300
- Invoice: $22,654 - $24,722
- Avg. Paid: $22,251 - $24,430
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#7
2010 Volvo C30
The Volvo C30's distinctive look and extensive list of safety features will attract many buyers, but reviewers say its performance doesn't live up to what its stylish ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
Unranked: Upscale Small Cars
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.
