Popular Compact Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Recommends This Consumer Reports Update

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.”

However, this also comes with the caveat that not all compact cars are created equal 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

Chevrolet Trax 2024

Price Range:  $20,400 - $23,900

CR MPG:  Overall 31 / City 22 / Hwy 41 mpg

#5 of 6 Subcompact cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: “The redesigned Trax is an inexpensive front-drive small SUV, but it just doesn’t score high enough in our tests to be recommended,” states CR analysts. Faults include unequal power delivery, no AWD, handling that is short on agility, and “…fit and finish is low-rent.”

BETTER CHOICE HATCHBACK

Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2024

Price Range:  $23,505 - $26,805

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

#10 of 16 Compact cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Nissan Kicks 2024

Price Range:  $20,790 - $23,350

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

#1 of 6 Subcompact cars

POPULAR COMPACT CAR TO AVOID

Volkswagen Jetta 2024

Price Range:  $21,435 - $28,825

CR MPG:  Overall 34 / City 21 / Hwy 54 mpg

#14 of 16 Compact cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: “…the Jetta’s Achilles’ heel is its performance in our Annual Auto Surveys,” say CR automotive experts in this review. Furthermore it suffers from below average reliability and well-below average owner satisfaction.

THE BETTER CHOICE COMPACT CAR

Mazda 3 2024

Price Range:  $24,170 - $36,650

CR MPG:  Overall 30 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg

#3 of 16 Compact cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $24,550 - $29,150

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

#4 of 16 Compact cars

POPULAR LUXURY ENTRY-LEVEL CAR TO AVOID

Mercedes-Benz CLA 2024

Price Range:  $43,200 - $56,100

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

#5 of 7 Luxury entry-level cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: According to the newsletter, “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.” Furthermore it suffers from below average reliability and below average owner satisfaction.

THE BETTER CHOICE LUXURY ENTRY-LEVEL CARS

Audi A3 2024

Price Range:  $35,400 - $47,000

CR MPG:  Overall 31 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg

#1 of 7 Luxury entry-level cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Acura Integra 2024

Price Range:  $31,800 - $51,800

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

#3 of 7 Luxury entry-level cars

POPULAR LUXURY COMPACT CAR TO AVOID

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024

Price Range:  $46,950 - $48,950

CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 18 / Hwy 43 mpg

#12 of 15 Luxury compact cars

CR’s Deal Breaker Finding: CR analysts have multiple complaints about the new Mercedes-Benz C- Class that includes:

• A firm ride that is “…downright uncomfortable with the optional AMG sport suspension.”
• An infotainment system that is described as suffering from tech overload.
• Awkward capacitive touch controls.
• Compared to similar models, the stopping distance is 10 feet longer.
• Both its reliability and owner satisfaction are well below average.

THE BETTER CHOICE LUXURY COMPACT CAR

BMW 3 Series 2024

Price Range:  $44,500 - $118,700

CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 19 / Hwy 44 mpg

#1 of 15 Luxury compact cars

THE UNDER-THE-RADAR ALTERNATIVE

Cadillac CT5 2024

Price Range:  $38,395 - $93,495

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

#9 of 15 Luxury compact cars

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

• Toyota’s Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUV Recommendations from Consumer Reports
• Best Hybrid Cars Under $35,000 Consumer Reports Update for the New Year
• Consumer Reports Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

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.

COMING UP NEXT: Breaking News: Elderly Prius Owners Scammed by Dealership Garage

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