Best Hatchbacks for the Value

Buyers expect some compromises in entry-level sedans and hatchbacks. The Kia Rio certainly isn't sporty or luxurious, but it offers a surprising level of refinement and features given its price point. Both four-door and five-door hatchback versions of the Rio offer nice creature comforts, a good balance between a comfy ride and sharp handling, and an incredible roster of available driver-assist and safety features. Add in a low purchase price and excellent fuel economy, and it's easy to see why the Rio is a favorite in its segment.

In terms of overall size, the Kia Rio is in the middle of the category. The sedan is the same length as the Hyundai Accent. It's 3 inches longer than the [Mitsubishi Mirage] (/mitsubishi/mirage/), and it's a little more than 4 inches shorter than the NissanVersa. Like its challengers, both sedan and hatchback versions of Rio call themselves five-seaters but seat four adults more comfortably.

The Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most engaging compacts on the market. It's available as a sedan or sleekly styled hatchback with three responsive engines from which to choose. There's also front-wheel or all-wheel drive for those who need extra traction in colder climates. Thanks to the Mazda3's wide range of configurations, it's easy to find one that suits your preferences. But this car is designed for people who like to drive. Its sporty handling makes it fun to take winding country roads. While incredibly fun to drive with a smooth ride and a luxurious interior, its infotainment system is challenging. Instead of a touchscreen, there's a rotary controller on the center console that takes time to master.

The Honda Civic offers a smaller range of trims but with an equally engaging drive at a lower price. The Toyota Corolla has nine trims, including a hybrid and lower overall pricing. The Subaru Impreza has four trims with lower pricing but with a rougher ride and less attractive interior.

Subaru has built a strong reputation on safety, and that's exactly what the 2022 Subaru Impreza represents. While others in the segment might offer more style, verve, and sheer driving enjoyment, the Impreza is a solid choice. Standard all-wheel drive gives it good all-weather traction, and its array of driver aids is impressive.

Available in both sedan and hatchback models, the Impreza seats five adults, although four will be more comfortable. The sedan version is essentially the same length as the Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte, and Toyota Corolla. It also competes with the all-new 2022 Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra. The Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Golf are the only European brand competitors in the compact segment.

As you'd expect from a vehicle bearing the Prius badge, the Toyota Prius Prime is a whiz at delivering outstanding gas mileage; it's more fuel-efficient than rivals like the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. In addition, its roomy seats make the cabin a comfortable place, and all models come with standard features (like heated front seats) that support a pleasant driving experience.

On a less impressive note, the Prius Prime's isolated, overly soft ride quality isn't likely to get you revved up about your commute. And from an aesthetic perspective, the pedestrian-looking cabin is a downgrade relative to the car's rivals. Still, it's easy to see the appeal of a car that's this fuel-efficient and feature-packed. Overall, the Prius Prime is a practical choice if you're looking for versatile transportation that won't dent your wallet at the gas pump.

Large sedans offer ride comfort to those who spend a lot of time in the car, and the Volkswagen Arteon stands out from rivals with its distinct European styling. It still has the smooth ride and interior space customers expect, plus a helpful hatchback hidden under an elegant roofline. The cabin has been updated to match its modern appeal.

Driving the Arteon is not as sporty as one would expect. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo is less potent than V6 rivals, holding it back from having quick acceleration and allowing it to transcend into sports sedan territory. The Arteon is also one of the pricier choices in its class, with the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line encroaching on $50,000.

Overall, Volkswagen succeeds by taking the full-size sedan concept and adding unparalleled style and cargo capacity.