Top 10 Compact Sedans 2023 — Best Overall + Best Value

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For the 2023 model year, the Honda Civic is our Best Overall compact sedan, starting at $23,950, thanks to its sharp handling, two-engine lineup, roomy 14.8-cubic-foot trunk, and a long history of strong reliability and resale. Our Best Value pick is the 2023 Kia Forte, starting at $19,090, which undercuts almost every rival on price while still delivering a full safety suite, a usable 15.3-cubic-foot trunk, and one of the best warranties in the segment.

Shoppers who put fuel economy first should jump straight to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which posts up to 53 mpg in the city and starts at $23,500. The ten cars below are all real 2023 model-year small sedans, ranked on ownership cost, efficiency, safety, value, comfort, and price-to-performance using published figures from Car and Driver, Edmunds, KBB, U.S.

News, IIHS, and the EPA.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six categories to score every 2023 compact sedan, leaning on independent test data rather than marketing copy:

• Reliability & ownership cost — 25%. Predicted reliability, resale value, and maintenance cost, drawn from KBB 5-Year Cost to Own and Edmunds ownership data.
• Efficiency & powertrain — 20%. EPA city/highway/combined MPG plus how the engine or hybrid actually drives, per EPA.gov and Car and Driver instrumented testing.
• Safety — 20%. IIHS crash and headlight ratings and NHTSA overall star scores, plus standard driver-assist content.
• Value & tech — 15%. Standard equipment, infotainment, and warranty coverage measured against starting MSRP.
• Comfort — 10%. Ride quality, seat comfort, cabin noise, and rear-seat and trunk space, from MotorTrend and U.S. News reviews.
• Price-to-performance — 10%. Horsepower, acceleration, and driving enjoyment relative to price.

Sources: Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, IIHS, and the EPA. All prices are 2023 model-year starting MSRP and exclude destination unless noted.

1. Honda Civic 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $23,950 | Best for: buyers who want one car that does everything well

The 2023 Honda Civic sedan pairs a standard 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an optional 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter, both routed through a CVT to the front wheels. EPA ratings run as high as 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway on the efficient EX trim, and the 14.8-cubic-foot trunk is among the largest in the class.

The Civic earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023 and a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, with standard Honda Sensing driver assists across the lineup. Warranty coverage is a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain plan.

Pros:

• Best-in-class driving dynamics with composed, sporty handling
• Roomy 14.8-cubic-foot trunk and adult-friendly rear seat
• Strong resale value and proven reliability that protect ownership cost
• Standard Honda Sensing safety suite on every trim

Cons:

• Base 2.0-liter engine feels modest when fully loaded
• Top trims climb past $28,000 quickly

Verdict: The Civic is the most well-rounded compact sedan of 2023 and our clear Best Overall.

2. Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $23,500 | Best for: commuters chasing maximum fuel economy

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for 138 combined horsepower, and it returns up to 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway, the best efficiency on this list. FWD is standard, and an available electronic AWD system adds traction for snowy climates while still posting roughly 44 mpg combined.

The Corolla family carries an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, plus Toyota's reputation for long-term durability. Toyota's 2-year/25,000-mile complimentary maintenance sweetens the ownership math.

Pros:

• Up to 53 mpg city, lowest fuel bills in the class
• Available AWD for all-weather confidence
• Toyota reliability and resale keep cost of ownership low
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assists

Cons:

• 138 hp makes for leisurely acceleration
• Firm rear seat and modest trunk versus the Civic

Verdict: If efficiency tops your list, the Corolla Hybrid is the smart, frugal pick.

3. Mazda3 Sedan

Starting MSRP: $23,615 | Best for: drivers who want premium feel and engagement

The 2023 Mazda3 sedan drops its old base engine and standardizes a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, with a 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter available on upper trims. The base car returns 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, and Mazda is the only mainstream brand here offering available all-wheel drive on a non-hybrid compact sedan.

The cabin punches well above its price with soft materials and a quiet ride, and the Mazda3 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023. The trade-off is a tight 13.2-cubic-foot trunk and a snug back seat.

Pros:

• Upscale, quiet interior that feels a class above
• Available AWD plus a strong 191-hp standard engine
• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ crashworthiness
• Genuinely fun to drive on a back road

Cons:

• Smallest trunk in this group at 13.2 cubic feet
• Tight rear seat and lower roofline

Verdict: The Mazda3 is the enthusiast and design pick that still makes everyday sense.

4. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $24,100 | Best for: efficiency seekers who want a roomy trunk

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor and a 1.3-kWh battery for 139 hp, sent to the front wheels through a slick 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. It delivers up to 54 mpg combined, rivaling the Corolla Hybrid while offering a large 14.2-cubic-foot trunk.

The Elantra earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023 and backs it with Hyundai's standout 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The dual-clutch gearbox also makes it feel more responsive than CVT-based hybrids.

Pros:

• Up to 54 mpg combined, top-tier efficiency
• Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Roomy 14.2-cubic-foot trunk for a hybrid
• Responsive dual-clutch automatic transmission

Cons:

• Sharp styling will not please everyone
• Firmer ride on larger wheels

Verdict: A long-warranty, high-MPG alternative to the Corolla Hybrid with more trunk space.

5. Kia Forte 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $19,090 | Best for: budget buyers who refuse to skimp on warranty or safety

The 2023 Kia Forte is the price champion of the segment, opening under $19,500 with a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that returns up to 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway; a sporty 201-hp turbocharged GT sits at the top. It is front-wheel drive only, but it answers with a large 15.3-cubic-foot trunk, standard forward-collision avoidance, and Kia's strong 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Forte earned solid IIHS and NHTSA scores for 2023, and its low purchase price keeps five-year ownership cost down.

Pros:

• Lowest starting price of any 2023 compact sedan here
• Class-leading 15.3-cubic-foot trunk
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Available 201-hp GT turbo for budget performance

Cons:

• FWD only, no all-weather option
• Cabin materials trail the Mazda3 and Civic

Verdict: The Forte delivers the most car per dollar in 2023, earning our Best Value pill.

6. Toyota Corolla (Gas)

Starting MSRP: $21,700 | Best for: value-minded buyers who want bulletproof reliability

The gas 2023 Toyota Corolla sedan offers a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder on most trims, returning around 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway through a CVT and front-wheel drive. It is not the quickest or roomiest small sedan, but its appeal is rock-solid dependability, strong resale, and one of the lowest predicted ownership costs in the class.

Every 2023 Corolla includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and the model earned top crash scores from IIHS and NHTSA. The trunk measures a usable 13.1 cubic feet.

Pros:

• Outstanding reliability and resale value
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 on every trim
• Affordable starting price under $22,000
• Low five-year cost to own

Cons:

• Modest acceleration and road-noise isolation
• Plainer cabin than rivals

Verdict: The gas Corolla is the dependable, low-cost choice that simply keeps running.

7. Hyundai Elantra (Gas)

Starting MSRP: $20,650 | Best for: shoppers who want space and warranty on a budget

The gas 2023 Hyundai Elantra starts with a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated up to 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway, with a sportier 201-hp turbocharged N Line above it. It is FWD only but offers a generous 14.2-cubic-foot trunk and roomy rear seat. The Elantra carries Hyundai's class-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and earned strong IIHS and NHTSA results, with standard forward-collision-avoidance assist.

Sharp exterior styling and a well-equipped cabin round out a strong value case.

Pros:

• Spacious cabin and 14.2-cubic-foot trunk
• Up to 42 mpg highway from the base engine
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Standard driver-assist technology

Cons:

• Base engine is adequate rather than energetic
• Polarizing exterior design

Verdict: A roomy, long-warranty value play just behind the segment leaders.

8. Volkswagen Jetta

Starting MSRP: $20,415 | Best for: highway commuters who want a European feel

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta runs a 158-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder making a healthy 184 lb-ft of torque, delivering up to 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway with the automatic, or 43 mpg highway with the available manual. FWD is standard, and the Jetta offers a large 14.1-cubic-foot trunk and a planted, composed ride that feels more European than its price suggests.

It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023 and adds VW's 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Pros:

• Torquey turbocharged engine with strong highway pull
• Available manual transmission for engaged driving
• Large 14.1-cubic-foot trunk
• 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty

Cons:

• Some cabin plastics feel low-rent
• Touch-sensitive controls frustrate some drivers

Verdict: A grown-up, highway-friendly compact with surprising refinement for the money.

9. Subaru Impreza Sedan

Starting MSRP: $19,795 | Best for: all-weather buyers who want standard AWD on a budget

The 2023 Subaru Impreza sedan is the only car here with standard all-wheel drive, powered by a 152-hp 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder. With the CVT it returns about 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, trading some efficiency for traction. The Impreza earned top NHTSA and IIHS ratings, though automatic emergency braking comes only on CVT-equipped models with Subaru EyeSight.

It is not quick, but for snow-belt drivers the standard AWD and Subaru's reputation for longevity are hard to beat at this price.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive for every trim
• Strong NHTSA and IIHS safety scores
• Affordable AWD entry point under $20,000
• Reputation for durability and capability

Cons:

• AEB only on CVT models, not the base manual
• Modest acceleration and lower MPG than FWD rivals

Verdict: The default choice when standard all-wheel drive is non-negotiable.

10. Honda Civic Si

Starting MSRP: $28,800 | Best for: enthusiasts who want a true sport sedan with a manual

The 2023 Honda Civic Si caps the lineup with a 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, a standard 6-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned suspension. EPA ratings come in at 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, a fair trade for the performance and the only manual-only car on this list.

It keeps the regular Civic's IIHS Top Safety Pick credentials and Honda Sensing suite, so daily usability stays intact. The Si is the priciest entry here, but it is also the most rewarding to drive.

Pros:

• 200-hp turbo and slick 6-speed manual
• Limited-slip differential and sport suspension
• Still practical with Civic comfort and safety
• IIHS Top Safety Pick crash credentials

Cons:

• Highest starting price in this group
• Manual-only limits buyer pool

Verdict: The driver's choice of 2023 compact sedans, and worth the premium for enthusiasts.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Compact Sedan

• Total cost of ownership, not just MSRP. Factor in insurance, fuel, and predicted resale; a Civic or Corolla that holds value can be cheaper to own than a discounted rival.
• Warranty length. Hyundai and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is a real financial cushion versus the typical 5-year/60,000-mile plan.
• Safety content that comes standard. Confirm forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping are included on the trim you want, and check the exact IIHS and NHTSA scores for that build.
• Real trunk and rear-seat space. Numbers range from the Mazda3's tight 13.2 cubic feet to the Forte's 15.3; sit in the back seat before you buy.
• Fuel type and drivetrain fit. A hybrid pays off for high-mileage commuters; standard AWD matters only if you face real winter weather.
• The horsepower number matters less than marketing implies. For most daily driving, ride comfort, outward visibility, and a clear infotainment layout affect satisfaction far more than a 20-hp difference on the spec sheet.

FAQ

Which 2023 compact sedan is the most reliable? The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic consistently top reliability and resale rankings from KBB and Edmunds, making them the safest long-term bets in the class.

What is the best value compact sedan for 2023? The Kia Forte. It starts under $19,500, includes a large trunk and standard safety tech, and is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Which 2023 compact sedan gets the best gas mileage? The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (up to 54 mpg combined) and Toyota Corolla Hybrid (up to 53 mpg city) lead the segment for efficiency.

Are there any 2023 compact sedans with all-wheel drive? Yes. The Subaru Impreza comes standard with AWD, the Mazda3 offers it as an option, and the Corolla Hybrid offers an electronic AWD system.

Which 2023 compact sedan is the most fun to drive? The Honda Civic Si, with 200 hp, a 6-speed manual, and a limited-slip differential, is the enthusiast pick, while the Mazda3 is the most engaging non-performance choice.

Is a hybrid compact sedan worth it in 2023? For high-mileage commuters, yes. The fuel savings from a Corolla Hybrid or Elantra Hybrid can offset the modest price premium within a few years.

Bottom Line

The 2023 compact sedan class is deep, but the Honda Civic remains the best all-around choice for its blend of driving polish, space, safety, and resale, earning Best Overall at $23,950. Budget-focused buyers should look hard at the Kia Forte, our Best Value pick at $19,090, which delivers a big trunk, strong warranty, and standard safety for thousands less.

If fuel economy drives your decision, the Corolla Hybrid and Elantra Hybrid post real-world figures near 50 mpg, while the Subaru Impreza answers the all-weather question with standard AWD and the Civic Si rewards enthusiasts. Match the car to your priorities and any of these ten will serve you well.

Sources

• 2023 Honda Civic — Cars.com
• 2023 Honda Civic Price & Reviews — Kelley Blue Book
• 2023 Toyota Corolla — Cars.com
• 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid — Cars.com
• 2023 Hyundai Elantra — The Car Connection
• 2023 Kia Forte Specs — Kelley Blue Book
• 2023 Mazda3 — Cars.com
• 2023 Mazda3 Review — U.S. News
• 2023 Subaru Impreza — Edmunds
• 2023 Nissan Sentra — Cars.com
• 2023 Volkswagen Jetta MSRP — Edmunds
• 2023 Honda Civic Si — Car and Driver via Cars.com

*Compact sedan review — compact sedan reviews, rating, best compact sedan 2023, and a review of the top small car picks for buyers.*