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.

Rank Car Overall Performance Exterior Interior Safety Reliability MSRP MPG
#1
8.5 Very Good
8.9 7.8 8.5 8.6 5.0 $23,230
$24,930
City: 21
Hwy: 31
#2
8.4 Very Good
8.8 8.4 7.8 10.0 5.0 $26,920
$36,975
City: 21
Hwy: 30
#3
8.2 Very Good
9.0 7.3 6.8 NA 7.0 $29,000
$40,150
City: 18 (2009)
Hwy: 28 (2009)
#4
8.0 Very Good
7.4 7.2 8.2 10.0 7.0 $29,310
$37,950
City: 20
Hwy: 28
#4
8.0 Very Good
8.3 8.5 7.7 9.3 5.0 $30,360
$51,330
City: 15
Hwy: 24
#6
7.9 Good
7.6 8.3 7.7 9.3 6.0 $26,200
$31,350
City: 21
Hwy: 29
#7
7.8 Good
7.9 9.0 8.0 NA 6.0 $24,100
$26,300
City: 21
Hwy: 29

Not Yet Ranked

The following vehicles have not been ranked. Please check back soon.
Car Overall Performance Exterior Interior Safety Reliability MSRP MPG
NA
NA NA NA NA NA $None
$None
City: None
Hwy: None
NA
NA NA NA NA NA $None
$None
City: None
Hwy: None