View the best upscale small cars, generally priced over $20,000. Then read reviews and compare small luxury cars to find one that’s right for you. Learn more about our rankings.
#1
2013 Volkswagen GTI
According to test drivers, the 2013 Volkswagen GTI’s strong engine and sharp handling make it fun to drive, but they also say its spacious seats and good ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 9.4 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 9.3 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
Reliability:
| |
#2
2013 Audi A3
Though the 2013 Audi A3 has cramped rear seats, test drivers still think its ample cargo space and fuel-efficient diesel engine make it one of the more ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability:
| |
#2
2013 BMW 1-Series
Test drivers like the 2013 BMW 1-Series’ powerful engines, smooth transmissions and easy-to-use features, but its small cargo space and low fuel economy ratings are drawbacks. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 6.8 |
| Safety: | N/A |
| Reliability:
| |
#4
2013 Acura TSX
The 2013 Acura TSX has a well-made, well-equipped interior, but European competitors like the Audi A3 outshine it with better performance. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability:
| |
#4
2013 Buick Verano
With its optional turbocharged engine for the 2013 model year, reviewers calls the 2013 Buick Verano a powerful ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability:
| |
- MSRP: $35,200 - $37,250
- MPG: N/A
#6
2012 Nissan Leaf
The 2012 Nissan Leaf is environmentally friendly, but a lot of car buyers may find its limited range and cramped interior hard to live with. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
#7
2013 Ford Focus Electric
While test drivers say the 2013 Ford Focus Electric’s performance is similar to the gas-only version, they say its range and small cargo area limit its usefulness. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability:
| |
#8
2013 Lexus CT 200h
Although test drivers complain about 2013 Lexus CT 200h’s underpowered engine and lackluster interior, its fuel economy and reliability ratings are two of the best in the ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 6.5 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability:
| |
- MSRP: $25,500 - $32,850
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#8
2013 Volvo C30
Test drivers agree that the 2013 Volvo C30 is a classy hatchback, but they also agree that it lacks the sporty performance of its main rivals and ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability:
| |
#10
2013 Acura ILX
The 2013 Acura ILX is loaded with standard features and offers several engine choices. Still, reviewers think the all-new compact sedan blends into the crowd because competitors have ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
#11
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid
The 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid has a long list of standard features and gets good gas mileage for the class, but test drivers are disappointed with its meager ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Critics' Rating: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 6.0 |
| Interior: | 6.8 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
