Consumer Reports Popular Compact Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

The latest on reliable small cars to avoid and why, along with their better choice recommendations when shopping for a new car today.

Compact Cars: The Good and Not-So-Good

A recent newsletter from Consumer Reports tells readers that, “…you don’t have to give up quality when buying a compact car. Although the main priority for many buyers is price, there are other aspects to consider that will make for a better ownership experience, including fuel economy; interior flexibility; a small, parking-friendly footprint; and just the desire to not own a big car.”

Related article: Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Advises Consumer Reports

However, this also comes with the caveat that not all compact cars are created i.e., perform equally when it comes to those aforementioned aspects. Plus, just because a model is trendy and appears to be the popular choice, don’t let this sway your smart car buying decisions.

And that’s where Consumer Reports analyst’s step-in and do the research for you with this latest listing of small cars they have reviewed and determined which were keepers and which were the ones you should walk past before getting focused on its current sticker price.

Compact Cars to Avoid, Popular Alternatives, and Under-the-Radar Recommendations

That said, here is a summary of the latest of several makes and models you should avoid with a summary of their deal-breaking findings followed by better alternative choices and some under-the-radar recommendations you may want to consider.

POPULAR COMPACT HATCHBACK TO AVOID

Hyundai Venue 2023

Price Range:  $19,650 - $22,900

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 23 / Hwy 41 mpg

#4 of 6 Subcompact cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: “The Venue’s cheerful appearance can’t hide its budget underpinnings,” that includes uncomfortable seats, excessive wind and engine noise, too stiff suspension making for a rough ride even on a smooth road.

BETTER CHOICE HATCHBACK

Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2023

Price Range:  $23,155 - $26,580

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg

#12 of 16 Compact cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Nissan Kicks 2023

Price Range:  $20,590 - $23,150

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 24 / Hwy 40 mpg

#1 of 6 Subcompact cars

POPULAR COMPACT CAR TO AVOID

Nissan Sentra 2023

Price Range:  $20,200 - $23,090

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 22 / Hwy 44 mpg

#15 of 16 Compact cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: “The Sentra’s well-below-average predicted reliability has resulted in a low Overall Score, dropping it to the bottom of our small sedan ratings.”

THE BETTER CHOICE COMPACT CAR

Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $21,700 - $27,425

CR MPG:  Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg

#1 of 16 Compact cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $24,550 - $29,150

CR MPG:  Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg

#9 of 16 Compact cars

POPULAR LUXURY ENTRY-LEVEL CAR TO AVOID

Mercedes-Benz CLA 2023

Price Range:  $39,350 - $57,800

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 17 / Hwy 42 mpg

#5 of 7 Luxury entry-level cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: “…the ride is too stiff. We found that the sloping roofline and narrower rear door openings make it hard for passengers to get in and out of the rear seat, which is so small that it’s almost useless… Below-average reliability is another demerit, as is the CLA’s below-average owner satisfaction score.”

THE BETTER CHOICE LUXURY ENTRY-LEVEL CARS

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 2023

Price Range:  $37,800 - $47,600

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 17 / Hwy 45 mpg

#3 of 7 Luxury entry-level cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Acura Integra 2023

Price Range:  $31,300 - $36,300

CR MPG:  Overall 31 / City 21 / Hwy 42 mpg

#1 of 7 Luxury entry-level cars

POPULAR LUXURY COMPACT CAR TO AVOID

Cadillac CT5 2023

Price Range:  $38,195 - $91,995

CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 15 / Hwy 36 mpg

#9 of 14 Luxury compact cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: “…the turbo powertrain we tested is flawed; the engine is wheezy, the exhaust note is gritty, and the transmission is unrefined and tends to delay upshifts…both reliability and owner satisfaction are below average.”

THE BETTER CHOICE LUXURY COMPACT CAR

Infiniti Q50 2023

Price Range:  $42,650 - $58,500

CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg

#3 of 14 Luxury compact cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Kia Stinger 2023

Price Range:  $36,690 - $54,090

CR MPG:  Overall 23 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg

#8 of 14 Luxury compact cars

For additional articles on buying a new or used vehicle, here are some helpful Consumer Reports recommendations for your consideration:

• Consumer Reports' Most Popular New Cars and SUVs
• Consumer Reports Best Value on SUVs, Cars, and One Truck
• Used Cars Under This Category are Your Best Bet Recommends Consumer Reports

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

Image source: Deposit Photos