Best Sport Compact Cars

We put over 100 vehicles through rigorous testing each year, and combine that data with real-world driving experiences from expert editors around the world. We consider factors like acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and driving enjoyment to come up with our top picks for Sport Compact Cars

* This ranking is for reference only, in no particular order.

1

2021 Honda Civic Type R

The 2021 Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance version of the popular Honda Civic compact car. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars in its class. The Civic Type R also comes with a six-speed manual transmission, allowing for a more engaging driving experience. In terms of design, the Civic Type R has a striking and aggressive appearance with a large rear wing, hood scoop, and bold front grille. It also features 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, and a dual-center exhaust system. Inside, the Civic Type R offers a sporty and driver-focused cabin with supportive bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and carbon fiber trim accents. It also comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 12-speaker premium audio system. Overall, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R is a well-rounded performance car that offers impressive power, handling, and styling in a practical and affordable package.

Starting at $38,910
2

2024 Honda Civic Si

The 2024 Honda Civic Si is a sporty and stylish compact car that offers impressive performance and handling. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 200 horsepower, providing plenty of power for spirited driving. The Civic Si comes with a six-speed manual transmission, enhancing the driving experience for enthusiasts who prefer a more engaging driving experience. The exterior of the Civic Si features aggressive styling, with a sporty front grille, sleek lines, and eye-catching LED headlights. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with supportive sport seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and high-quality materials throughout the cabin. In terms of technology, the 2024 Civic Si comes equipped with a range of advanced features, including a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a suite of driver assistance technologies. Overall, the 2024 Honda Civic Si is a well-rounded and fun-to-drive compact car that offers a perfect blend of performance, style, and practicality.

Starting at $30,195
3

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is a high-performance version of the popular Elantra sedan, designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces over 275 horsepower, paired with a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Elantra N also comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and performance-oriented tires to provide excellent handling and agility on the road. In terms of design, the 2024 Elantra N boasts a more aggressive exterior styling with unique front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, and larger exhaust tips. Inside, the cabin is sporty and driver-focused, with supportive seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and high-quality materials throughout. Other notable features of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a premium sound system, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. Overall, the Elantra N is a well-rounded performance sedan that offers a perfect blend of power, handling, and comfort.

Starting at $34,850
4

2023 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra N is a high-performance version of the popular Elantra sedan, designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Elantra N produces an impressive 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful compact sedans in its class. The Elantra N features a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip front differential to enhance handling and cornering capabilities. It also comes equipped with performance-oriented features such as launch control, rev-matching technology, and a customizable drive mode system that allows drivers to adjust settings for throttle response, steering feel, and suspension stiffness. In terms of design, the Elantra N sports a more aggressive exterior with unique styling elements such as a rear spoiler, quad exhaust tips, and larger wheels. The interior is also upgraded with sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique trim accents. Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N offers a blend of performance, style, and practicality, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a fun-to-drive compact sedan.

Starting at $34,015
5

2022 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is a high-performance version of the popular Elantra sedan, offering a blend of sportiness and practicality. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, the Elantra N delivers exhilarating acceleration and agile handling. The Elantra N features a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip differential for improved performance on the road and track. The exterior design is bold and aggressive, with unique styling cues such as a larger front grille, sporty body kit, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the Elantra N offers a driver-focused cockpit with sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a digital instrument cluster. Technology features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a suite of driver assistance features for added safety. Overall, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is a compelling option for enthusiasts looking for a fun-to-drive compact sedan with practicality and versatility.

Starting at $33,245
6

2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a sporty version of the popular Jetta sedan, offering a combination of performance and practicality. The GLI features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for spirited driving. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available. In terms of handling, the Jetta GLI features sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes for improved performance on twisty roads. The exterior of the GLI is enhanced with unique styling elements, including a more aggressive front grille, larger wheels, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the Jetta GLI offers a spacious cabin with supportive sport seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a host of advanced safety features. Overall, the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a practical yet fun-to-drive sedan that offers a great combination of performance, comfort, and style.

Starting at $29,310
7

2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a sporty compact sedan that offers a perfect blend of performance and practicality. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This combination allows the Jetta GLI to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds. The Jetta GLI features a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip front differential for enhanced handling and performance. It also comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a sporty body kit that gives it a more aggressive look. Inside, the Jetta GLI boasts a driver-focused cockpit with supportive sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It also offers a user-friendly infotainment system with a 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Overall, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a fun-to-drive sedan that offers a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and practicality.

Starting at $32,680
8

2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a sporty and stylish sedan that offers a thrilling driving experience. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Jetta GLI delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars in its class. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Jetta GLI offers quick and responsive acceleration. On the exterior, the Jetta GLI features a sporty design with aggressive styling cues, including a unique front grille, red accents, and dual exhaust tips. The interior of the Jetta GLI is equally impressive, with premium materials, supportive sport seats, and a host of technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a variety of driver assistance features. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a well-rounded sedan that offers a perfect blend of performance, style, and comfort, making it a top choice for drivers looking for a sporty and practical daily driver.

Starting at $32,390
9

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a sporty version of the popular Jetta sedan, offering a blend of performance and practicality. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Jetta GLI delivers brisk acceleration and responsive handling. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available. The Jetta GLI features a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip front differential for improved traction and cornering ability. The exterior design is enhanced with unique styling cues such as a honeycomb grille, dual exhaust outlets, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and red accent stitching. In terms of technology, the Jetta GLI comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Overall, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers a fun driving experience in a practical and stylish package.

Starting at $27,340