19 compact sedan alternatives to the 2025 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is, of course, a top choice in the compact sedan segment – and for good reason. It offers a blend of reliability, efficiency, and (some would claim) fun-to-drive dynamics. But it’s far from the only option out there. Whether you’re looking for an affordable commuter, a sporty ride, or a luxury compact sedan, the 2025 market has plenty of alternatives.
Here’s just about every option in the class available in the U.S. for 2025, categorized by economy, sporty, and luxury models.
Economy compact sedans
Nissan Versa
A budget-friendly option with great fuel economy.
- Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder, 122 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 32 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
- Features: Basic but user-friendly infotainment system, standard automatic emergency braking
- Price: Starts around $17,000
The Nissan Versa is the most affordable new sedan in the U.S., making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. It’s a no-frills commuter with solid fuel efficiency and standard safety features.
Nissan Sentra
A comfortable, well-equipped daily driver.
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder, 149 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city / 39 mpg highway
- Features: Spacious interior, standard Safety Shield 360 driver-assist suite
- Price: Starts around $21,000
With a more refined cabin and a stronger engine than the Versa, the Sentra offers better comfort and technology for a small price increase.
Kia K4
The new Forte replacement with a tech-focused cabin.
- Engines: 2.0L four-cylinder (147 hp), 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder (190 hp)
- Fuel Economy: Estimated 33 mpg combined
- Features: Nearly 30-inch combined digital display, modern design, advanced driver assists
- Price: Starts at $23,145
Replacing the outgoing Forte, the all-new Kia K4 is a compact sedan bringing a more upscale interior and stronger optional turbocharged performance.
Hyundai Elantra
Efficient, stylish, and loaded with tech.
- Engines: 2.0L four-cylinder (147 hp), hybrid option (139 hp), turbocharged N-Line (201 hp)
- Fuel Economy: 33 mpg city / 42 mpg highway (base), up to 56 mpg combined (hybrid)
- Features: Bold styling, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, hybrid efficiency
- Price: Starts around $22,000
The Elantra stands out with sharp styling, tech-forward features, and an available hybrid powertrain for segment-leading efficiency.
Toyota Corolla
A fuel-efficient and reliable favorite.
- Engines: 2.0L four-cylinder (169 hp), hybrid variant available
- Fuel Economy: Up to 31 mpg city / 40 mpg highway (gas), 53 mpg combined (hybrid)
- Features: Strong reliability, comfortable ride, full suite of safety tech
- Price: Starts around $22,000
The Corolla remains a top contender for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and dependability, with an optional hybrid model pushing efficiency even further.
Toyota Prius
Hybrid efficiency meets modern styling.
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid system, 196 horsepower (AWD model)
- Fuel Economy: Up to 58 mpg city / 53 mpg highway
- Features: Sleek design, advanced tech, wireless smartphone integration
- Price: Starts around $28,000
The Prius blends extreme fuel savings with a futuristic design, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Sporty compact sedan alternatives to the Honda Civic
Volkswagen Jetta
A refined, fun-to-drive German sedan with great value.
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, 158 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 30 mpg city / 41 mpg highway
- Features: Smooth ride, large 10-inch digital display (higher trims), available manual transmission
- Price: Starts around $21,000
The Jetta offers a European driving experience at an affordable price. It’s comfortable for daily driving yet fun to push through corners.
Subaru WRX
A rally-inspired sports sedan with AWD.
- Engine: 2.4L turbocharged flat-four, 271 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- Features: Standard AWD, available manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension
- Price: Starts around $35,000
The WRX is perfect for enthusiasts who want all-wheel drive and turbocharged power in an everyday sedan.
Mazda 3
Upscale styling and engaging performance.
- Engines: 2.5L four-cylinder (191 hp), optional turbo (250 hp)
- Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
- Features: Premium interior, optional AWD, sharp handling
- Price: Starts around $25,000
With refined driving dynamics and available AWD, the Mazda3 appeals to those who want a sporty yet sophisticated compact sedan.
Audi A3
A premium entry-level performance sedan.
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, 201 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway
- Features: Standard leather interior, intuitive tech, quattro AWD available
- Price: Starts around $38,000
The A3 offers European luxury and performance in a small, stylish package.
Audi S3
A sharper, more powerful version of the A3.
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, 306 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- Features: Sport-tuned suspension, AWD, high-performance brakes
- Price: Starts around $48,000
For those who want an everyday sedan with an extra dose of excitement, the S3 delivers.
Audi RS 3
A compact sedan with serious performance chops.
- Engine: 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder, 401 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- Features: Aggressive styling, sport exhaust, track-capable performance
- Price: Starts around $65,000
The RS 3 is the ultimate small sports sedan, offering blistering acceleration and precise handling.
Luxury compact sedan options
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
A stylish entry into BMW performance sedans.
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, 228-301 horsepower
- Price: Starts around $39,000
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
A sleeker, more premium alternative to the 3 Series.
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (255 hp), M440i trim (382 hp)
- Price: Starts around $49,000
BMW M3
Legendary M performance in a compact sedan.
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six, up to 503 horsepower
- Price: Starts around $76,000
BMW i4
A fully electric alternative to the 3 Series.
- Powertrain: 282-536 horsepower, up to 301-mile range
- Price: Starts around $52,000
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A refined small luxury sedan with high-tech features.
- Engine: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 255 horsepower
- Price: Starts around $48,000
Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan
A luxury EV alternative to the C-Class.
- Powertrain: Up to 288-617 horsepower, 300-mile range
- Price: Starts around $79,000
Cadillac CT4
An American take on the small luxury sedan.
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, up to 325 horsepower
- Price: Starts around $35,000
The 2025 compact sedan market has something for every buyer. If you feel boxed into the Honda Civic, look again. Drivers needing an affordable and efficient commuter can look to the Nissan Versa or Toyota Corolla, which are great options. For more power and sporty handling, the Subaru WRX or Audi S3 may fit the bill. If luxury is your priority, the Mercedes C-Class or BMW i4 offer high-end features and performance.
