In a world where SUVs are becoming popular by the day, there is still a lot of space for humble yet zippy compact cars. This is because compact cars have a better power-to-weight ratio, making them fun to drive on both busy streets and highways. Here are some of the most affordable compact cars of 2021.
- Mazda Mazda3
Mazda has become synonymous with compact cars for a very long time. Although Mazda3 is available in multiple trims, its 2.0 Sedan is the most affordable. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with VVT engine that gives a combined mileage of 31 miles per gallon while churning out 155 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The configuration makes it fun to drive on city roads or cruise along a freeway. The vehicle is available at little over $20,000. - Subaru Impreza
Subaru cars are known to dominate off-road racing circuits because of their superior traction and handling capabilities. This makes it an excellent selection even for regular drivers. The Subaru Impreza’s base model, Impreza Sedan, boasts a 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine that churns out a galloping 152 horsepower at 6000 rpm. It is one of the few compact cars with all-wheel drive (AWD) coupled with a traction control system for enhanced handling. With a fuel economy of 31/24 miles per gallon (highway/city), the car is priced at around $19,000. - Kia Forte
Kia, a Hyundai subsidiary, has an impressive line-up of SUVs, sedans, and compact cars. The Kia Forte FE has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which gives 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm. This might feel underpowered when compared with Impreza and Mazda3. However, the same is compensated by an impressive fuel economy of 31/41/35 (city/highway/combined) and an MSRP of around $18,000. The car is loaded with safety features like forward collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW) systems, making it one of the most affordable and safe compact cars in this segment. - Toyota Corolla
Toyota has become synonymous with luxury more than engine specs. While it has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower at 6100 rpm, it has an impressive interior. The features include fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable driver seats, integrated backup camera with projected path, touchscreen infotainment supporting Android Audio™, Apple CarPlay™, and Amazon Alexa™, and other safety features, which makes it a worthy entry in the list of most affordable compact cars of 2021. The vehicle has an MSRP of around $20,000. - Honda Civic
Honda is one of the leading compact car manufacturers. The 2021 Civic harbors a 2.0-liter, DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 158 horsepower at 6000 rpm. It has a fair mileage of 30/38/33 (city/highway/combined) and is loaded with safety features like Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and much more. The compact car is priced at an MSRP of around $21,500.
