The 2024 lineup of compact cars brings an exciting array of options to potential buyers, each offering unique features and capabilities.

From the fuel-efficient Hyundai Elantra to the power-packed Mazda 3, these vehicles cater to diverse preferences and needs.

This comparative analysis delves into the specifics of engine performance, interior space, fuel efficiency, and overall value, providing a comprehensive overview.

With detailed reviews of models from leading manufacturers like Honda, Subaru, and Toyota, the insights offered are indispensable for making an informed choice.

Stay with us till the end to discover our final cumulative rankings of each vehicle, helping you identify the model that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Engine Horsepower and Torque

Comparison of Car Models with Engine Horsepower and Torque

Car Model	Engine Horsepower and Torque
2024 Honda Civic	2.0L Engine (LX, Sport): Produces 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. 1.5L Turbocharged Engine (EX, Touring): Outputs 180 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. 1.5L Turbocharged Engine (Si Base): Delivers 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (Type R Base): Offers 315 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm.
2024 Mazda 3	Mazda 2.5 S, Mazda 2.5 S Preferred, Mazda 2.5 S Select Sport (FWD): The engine produces 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm. Mazda 2.5 Carbon, Mazda 2.5 Premium Plus (AWD, Turbo): The engine outputs 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 310 ft-lbs of torque at 2,000 rpm on 87 octane fuel. With 93 octane, this increases to 250 horsepower and 320 ft-lbs of torque.
2024 Hyundai Elantra	2.0L Engine (Limited IVT, SE IVT, SEL IVT): Delivers 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm. 1.6L Turbo Engine (N Line DCT): Produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 ft-lbs of torque starting from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm, which suggests a broad range of power availability, enhancing drivability and response.
2024 Subaru Impreza	Base 5-door and Sport 5-door: Equipped with a 2.0L engine, producing 152 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 145 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. RS 5-door: Comes with a 2.5L engine, offering 182 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 178 ft-lbs of torque at 3700 rpm.
2024 Kia Forte	GT DCT and GT Manual (1.6L Turbo I4): Produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 ft-lbs of torque at 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. GT-Line IVT, LX IVT, LXS IVT (2.0L I4): Delivers 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm.
2024 Toyota Corolla	2.0L I4 engine: Produces 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 ft-lbs of torque at 4,400 rpm. 1.8L Hybrid I4 engine: Delivers 138 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 156 ft-lbs of torque. Cross XSE SUV trim with 2.0L Hybrid I4 engine: Outputs 196 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 139 ft-lbs of torque.
2024 Nissan Sentra	2.0-liter I4 engine: Produces 149 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 146 ft-lbs of torque at 4400 rpm.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta	1.5L I4 engine (S, SE, SEL, and Sport trims): Produces 158 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 184 ft-lbs of torque at 1750 rpm. 2.0L I4 engine (GLI trims, manual and DSG): Offers 228 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 258 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm.

The 2024 lineup of compact cars has a wide range of engine performances. The Mazda 3 leads in power with a turbocharged option reaching up to 250 horsepower, positioning it as a strong contender for those desiring sports car-like dynamism.

Close behind, the Volkswagen Jetta offers a 228 horsepower in its GLI trim, providing sporty capabilities.

On the more moderate end, the Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza offer decent power, with the Civic’s Si trim at 200 horsepower and the Impreza’s RS model at 182 horsepower.

Conversely, models like the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra focus on efficiency over power, with the Corolla’s engines peaking at 169 horsepower and the Sentra maintaining a consistent 149 horsepower across its range.

The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte straddle these extremes, both offering base models around 147 horsepower and performance trims just over 200 horsepower, ensuring there’s a balance between everyday utility and more aggressive driving needs.

Fuel Mileage

Comparison of Car Models with Fuel Mileage

Car Model	Fuel Mileage
2024 Honda Civic	LX and Sport Trims: 30 mpg city for LX and 29 mpg for Sport. Highway mileage is 38 mpg and combined is 34 mpg for LX, 33 mpg for Sport. EX and Touring Trims: 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway for EX, with combined mileage of 38 mpg. Touring gets 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, combined 35 mpg. Si Base Trim: 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 32 mpg combined. Type R Base Trim: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined.
2024 Mazda 3	Mazda 2.5 Carbon, Mazda 2.5 Premium Plus (Turbo): 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined for sedan, 27 mpg combined for hatchback.
2024 Hyundai Elantra	2.0L Engine Models: 32 mpg city, 41 mpg highway for SE IVT, with Limited and SEL IVT achieving slightly less at 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. 1.6L Turbo Engine (N Line DCT): 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway.
2024 Subaru Impreza	Base 5-door and Sport 5-door: Approximately 27 mpg city and up to 34 mpg highway. RS 5-door: 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway.
2024 Kia Forte	GT DCT: 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, 31 mpg combined. GT Manual: 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 27 mpg combined. GT-Line IVT, LXS IVT, LX IVT: Best efficiency with LX IVT at 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, 36 mpg combined.
2024 Toyota Corolla	2.0L I4 engine: Approximately 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. 1.8L Hybrid I4 engine: 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway for LE and XLE trims.
2024 Nissan Sentra	S and SV trims: 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, 35 mpg combined. SR trim: 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, 34 mpg combined.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta	1.5L engine trims: Up to 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. Combined mileage ranges from 35 to 36 mpg depending on trim. 2.0L GLI models: 26 mpg city, up to 37 mpg highway, with combined mileage around 31 to 32 mpg.

Leading the pack in fuel efficiency, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid stands out with over 50 mpg in city driving, setting a high benchmark in the compact car segment. Following closely, both the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte excel, especially in their most efficient trims, with the Forte achieving up to 41 mpg on the highway and the Elantra hybrid reaching up to 41 mpg highway.

The Honda Civic presents a range of options from the standard LX and Sport trims offering up to 38 mpg highway to the performance-oriented Si and Type R trims, which still maintain respectable efficiency with up to 28 mpg on the highway. Similarly, the Mazda 3 combines sporty turbocharged options with solid fuel economy, achieving up to 32 mpg on the highway.

Subaru’s Impreza, known for its all-wheel drive, manages around 34 mpg highway, showcasing efficiency despite its robust capability. Conversely, the Nissan Sentra and Volkswagen Jetta provide efficient rides with both reaching up to 42 mpg highway, depending on engine choices, effectively balancing performance with fuel economy.

Interior Space

Comparison of Car Models with Interior Space

Car Model	Interior Space
Honda Civic 2024	Seating: All trims offer seating for 5, except the Type R Base which has seating for 4. Legroom: 42.3 inches in the front row and 37.4 inches in the second row across all trims. Headroom: Varies slightly with LX, Sport, and Type R Base providing 39.3 inches in the front, whereas EX, Touring, and Si Base offer 37.6 inches.
Mazda 3 2024	Seating: All models seat 5 people and offer 42.3 inches of legroom in the first row and 35.1 inches in the second row. Headroom: Varies slightly between trims, with the Premium models offering 37.6 inches at the front and 36.7 inches at the rear, while the non-Premium trims offer slightly more headroom.
Hyundai Elantra 2024	Legroom: All trims feature 42.3 inches of front legroom and 38 inches of rear legroom, accommodating comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. Headroom: There is a variation in headroom where the Limited IVT and N Line DCT provide 38.7 inches in the front, and the SE IVT and SEL IVT offer more at 40.6 inches, ensuring adequate space for taller drivers and passengers.
Subaru Impreza 2024	Seating: All models seat 5 people comfortably, offering 42.9 inches of legroom in the first row and 36.5 inches in the second row. Headroom: Ample with 39.8 inches in the front and 38 inches in the rear across all trims.
Kia Forte 2024	Seating: All trims accommodate five passengers. Front legroom is 42.2 inches across all trims, and rear legroom is 35.7 inches. Headroom: The headroom is 38.8 inches in the front and 37.5 inches in the rear for all trims.
Toyota Corolla 2024	Seating: All Corolla models have a seating capacity for 5 people. Legroom: Front row offers up to 42 inches, and the second row offers around 34.8 inches in the sedan and hatchback trims, while SUV trims provide slightly more space. Headroom: Varies slightly between trims, with most models providing approximately 38 inches in the front and about 37 inches in the rear.
Nissan Sentra 2024	Seating: All models seat 5 people comfortably with 43.8 inches of legroom in the front and 34.9 inches in the second row. Headroom: Ample with 38.9 inches in the front and 36.7 inches in the rear across all trims.
Volkswagen Jetta 2024	Seating: All trims can seat 5 people. Legroom: They offer 41.1 inches of legroom in the front and 37.4 inches in the second row. Headroom: Headroom is 38.5 inches in most trims, except for the GLI Autobahn trims, which have 37.9 inches in the front.

The Nissan Sentra leads in front-row legroom with a class-topping 43.8 inches, making it a premium choice for front-seat comfort. Following closely, the Hyundai Elantra also impresses with spacious interiors, offering 42.3 inches of front legroom and 38 inches in the rear, suitable for long drives.

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla both provide about 42 inches of front legroom, maintaining consistent comfort across trims. However, the Civic varies in headroom, offering up to 39.3 inches in its base models.

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta are also notable for their ample space, with the Impreza providing 39.8 inches of front headroom and the Jetta generous legroom at 41.1 inches in the front and 37.4 inches in the rear, emphasizing comfort in both rows.

Conversely, the Mazda 3 and Kia Forte focus on optimizing the available space within a more compact footprint. The Mazda 3 offers a snug 35.1 inches of rear legroom, which might be less comfortable for taller passengers, while the Kia Forte’s layout is designed to maximize the feeling of space efficiently within a smaller overall area.

Cargo Space

Comparison of Car Models with Cargo Space

Car Model	Cargo Space
2024 Honda Civic	Sedan: The trunk offers about 14.8 cubic feet of space. Hatchback: Provides approximately 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place.
2024 Mazda 3	Sedan: 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space. Hatchback: 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up.
2024 Hyundai Elantra	Offers a trunk space of approximately 14.2 cubic feet for all its sedan trims, providing ample room for luggage and other items. This capacity is consistent across both gasoline and hybrid models.
2024 Subaru Impreza	Hatchback: About 20.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. When the rear seats are folded down, the available space increases to 56.0 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items and versatile cargo solutions.
2024 Kia Forte	All Trims (Sedan): Offers about 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space.
2024 Toyota Corolla	Sedan: Offers about 470 liters of cargo space. Hatchback: Provides between 217 and 333 liters of space, depending on whether the model has a spare wheel.
2024 Nissan Sentra	Offers 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space across all trims. The rear seats feature a standard 60/40 split-folding design, enhancing the vehicle’s cargo flexibility and storage capacity.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta	Offers about 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space across all trims, providing ample room for storage needs without the rear seats folded down.

Leading in versatility, the Subaru Impreza hatchback provides substantial cargo space, with 20.4 cubic feet normally and an expansive 56.0 cubic feet with rear seats folded down, ideal for larger loads.

The Honda Civic follows, offering a flexible cargo solution with its hatchback variant, which includes up to 24.5 cubic feet of space, making it highly practical for various utility demands.

On the other hand, the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla present different cargo capacities across their sedan and hatchback models. The Mazda 3 hatchback offers 20.1 cubic feet, and the Toyota Corolla hatchback varies between 7.7 cubic feet and 11.8 cubic feet, adapting to different needs based on configuration. Meanwhile their sedan variants are the Mazda 3 at 13.2 cubic feet and the Toyota Corolla around 16.6 cubic feet.

The Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Jetta provide consistent cargo spaces across their range, with the Elantra offering 14.2 cubic feet and the Jetta slightly less at 14.1 cubic feet, both suitable for everyday utility.

Purchase Price

Comparison of Car Models with Purchase Price

Car Model	Purchase Price
2024 Honda Civic	LX Sedan: Starts at $23,950 MSRP. Sport Sedan: Begins at $25,550 MSRP. EX Sedan: Priced from $26,950 MSRP. Touring Sedan: Available from $30,550 MSRP. LX Hatchback: Starts at $26,045 MSRP. EX-L Hatchback: Begins at $28,950 MSRP. Sport Touring Hatchback: Priced from $32,545 MSRP. Si: Available from $29,100 MSRP.
2024 Mazda 3	Mazda3 2.5 S Sedan: $24,170 Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport: $24,690 (Sedan), $25,690 (Hatchback) Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred: $26,190 (Sedan), $27,390 (Hatchback) Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Edition: $29,060 (Sedan), $30,260 (Hatchback) Mazda3 2.5 S Premium (6MT): $30,350 (Hatchback only) Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $35,450 (Sedan), $36,650 (Hatchback)
2024 Hyundai Elantra	SE Trim: Starts at approximately $21,625. SEL Trim: Begins at around $23,575. N Line Trim: Offered from about $27,065. Limited Trim: Priced starting at $26,975.
2024 Subaru Impreza	Base Trim: Starts at approximately $22,995. Sport Trim: Begins at around $24,995. RS Trim: Offered from about $27,885.
2024 Kia Forte	LX: Starts at $19,790. LXS: Priced at $20,290. GT-Line: Begins at $22,290. GT with Manual Transmission: Offered from $25,190. GT with Dual-Clutch Transmission: Costs $24,490.
2024 Toyota Corolla	The 2024 Toyota Corolla starts at approximately $22,050 for the LE model and goes up to $27,150 for the higher-end XSE model.
2024 Nissan Sentra	The base model of the 2024 Nissan Sentra, the S trim, starts at approximately $20,890. The mid-range SV model begins at around $21,820. The higher-end SR trim is priced starting at $24,815.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta	The base S trim starts at approximately $21,435. The Sport trim is priced at $22,585. The SE trim begins at $24,875. The higher-end SEL trim is listed at $28,825.

Leading in affordability, the Kia Forte starts at $19,790 for the base LX model, making it the most cost-effective choice among its peers.

The Hyundai Elantra follows, offering great value from $21,625 for the SE trim to $27,065 for the sportier N Line, balancing cost with advanced features.

The Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla are competitively priced, with the Jetta starting at $21,435 and the Corolla at around $22,050, both providing reliable options in the compact car market. Slightly above, the Subaru Impreza starts at $22,995, appealing particularly to those seeking all-wheel drive at a reasonable price point.

In contrast, the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 cater to a broader financial spectrum; the Civic ranges from $23,950 for the base LX to $30,550 for the high-end Touring sedan, while the Mazda 3 stretches from $24,170 for the base sedan to $36,650 for the premium hatchback.

Maintenance Costs

Comparison of Car Models with Maintenance Costs

Car Model	Maintenance Costs
Honda Civic 2024	Costs Over 10 Years: Approximately $5,245, which is below the industry average for sedans. Highlighted by its economic maintenance compared to peers. (source)
Mazda 3 2024	Annual Maintenance: Estimated at around $450, lower than the U.S. average of $700. Ten-Year Cost: Expected total around $5,409. Regular maintenance includes oil changes every 5,000 miles and brake inspections every 20,000 miles. (source)
Hyundai Elantra 2024	Annual Costs: Around $452 for maintenance and repairs, favorable compared to industry average. Ten-Year Costs: Potentially around $5,880, making it a cost-effective option over the long term. (source)
Subaru Impreza 2024	Typical Costs: Comparable to industry standards for similar compact cars. Known for reliability and lower-than-average repair needs. (source)
Kia Forte 2024	Annual Maintenance: Generally around $350, which is quite competitive. Risk of Major Repairs: Lower than many competitors, enhancing its value proposition. (source)
Toyota Corolla 2024	Annual Costs: Typically around $362, noted for its affordability in maintenance. Service Intervals: Regular service every 5,000 miles; comprehensive checks at 15,000, 30,000, and 60,000 miles. (source)
Nissan Sentra 2024	Annual Maintenance: Around $401, lower than the compact car average. Severity of Repairs: Generally minor, with a low frequency of severe issues. (source)
Volkswagen Jetta 2024	Annual Maintenance Cost: About $632, which includes routine and less frequent significant repairs. Ten-Year Costs: Approximately $5,622, slightly lower than the industry average for similar vehicles. (source)

Leading the pack for economical upkeep, the Kia Forte presents the lowest annual maintenance cost at approximately $350, significantly undercutting its competitors.

Close behind, the Toyota Corolla maintains its reputation for affordability with yearly costs around $362, making it one of the most cost-effective choices in its class.

The Honda Civic and Mazda 3 also offer appealing long-term maintenance costs, with the Civic estimated at $5,245 over ten years, slightly lower than the Mazda 3’s $5,409. Both models emphasize affordability and predictability in expenses, appealing to cost-sensitive consumers.

The Hyundai Elantra closely aligns with this trend, with its annual maintenance estimated at $452, reflecting its competitive positioning.

Meanwhile, the Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta maintain moderate maintenance costs. The Impreza is noted for its reliability, translating to steady expenses, while the Jetta’s annual cost of about $632, though higher, aligns with its solid build quality and reliability over a decade.

Comparison of Car Models with Resale Value

Car Model	Resale Value
2024 Honda Civic	Depreciation: Projected to depreciate by about 16% over five years. Resale Price: Expected to be around $24,353 after five years. (source)
2024 Mazda 3	Resale Value: Known for good resale value within its segment. Retention Rate: Estimated to retain about 66.7% of its original value after five years. Resale Price: Expected to be around $20,035 after five years. (source)
2024 Hyundai Elantra	Depreciation: Expected to retain about 78% of its value by the end of the fifth year. Resale Price: Anticipated to be around $19,799 after five years. (source)
2024 Subaru Impreza	Resale Value: Expected to hold its value well over time, with a retention rate of about 81% after five years. (source)
2024 Kia Forte	Depreciation: Retains about 68.9% of its value after five years. Resale Value: Considered strong in the compact car segment. (source)
2024 Toyota Corolla	Resale Value: Expected to have strong resale value, retaining about 69% of its value by the tenth year. (source)
2024 Nissan Sentra	Depreciation: Expected to depreciate by 23% after five years. Resale Value: Projected resale value of around $20,033. (source)
2024 Volkswagen Jetta	Depreciation: Anticipated to depreciate by about $4,478 in the first five years. Resale Value: Expected to be approximately $22,274 at the end of five years. (source)

The Toyota Corolla leads with an exceptional projected retention rate of 94.21% after the first year, underscoring its robust resale demand. The Subaru Impreza follows closely, expected to retain 81% of its value after five years, indicating strong durability and buyer trust.

The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra also demonstrate excellent value retention, with the Civic expected to depreciate by only 16% over five years, and the Elantra projected to hold 78% of its value, positioning them as wise choices for long-term investment. The Kia Forte and Mazda 3 are similarly robust in their market segments, with the Forte retaining about 68.9% of its value and the Mazda 3 around 66.7% after five years.

Conversely, the Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Sentra display competitive but slightly higher depreciation rates within the category, with the Jetta’s value decreasing by about $4,478 over five years, and the Sentra expected to depreciate by 23%.

Crash Ratings

Crash Ratings for 2024 Compact Car Models

Model	Crash Ratings
2024 Honda Civic	NHTSA Ratings: 5-star overall crash-test rating, 5 stars for side crash tests, 4 stars for frontal crash tests. IIHS Ratings: ‘Good’ in several crashworthiness tests. NHTSA Source, Carfax Source
2024 Mazda Mazda3	NHTSA Ratings: Not specifically listed, assumed competitive. IIHS Ratings: Typically ‘Good’ across major tests. IIHS Source
2024 Hyundai Elantra	NHTSA Ratings: Excellent safety profile with high ratings. IIHS Ratings: Strong performance in safety tests. NHTSA Source, IIHS Source
2024 Subaru Impreza	NHTSA Ratings: Consistently high scores in crash tests. IIHS Ratings: Good ratings in crashworthiness. IIHS Source
2024 Kia Forte	NHTSA Ratings: Generally performs well in government testing. IIHS Ratings: Expected to continue strong performance in crash tests. IIHS Source, NHTSA Source
2024 Toyota Corolla	NHTSA Ratings: 5-star overall. NHTSA Source
2024 Nissan Sentra	NHTSA Ratings: Included in 5-Star Safety Ratings, specifics not detailed. IIHS Ratings: ‘Good’ in moderate overlap front and side impact tests. NHTSA Source, IIHS Source
2024 Volkswagen Jetta	NHTSA Ratings: High marks in front and side crash tests. IIHS Ratings: Good protection in multiple crash scenarios. NHTSA Source, IIHS Source

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla excel with top safety accolades, each securing a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from IIHS, illustrating their commitment to passenger safety. Notably, the Civic is recognized for its robust safety features across various types of collisions.

The Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Jetta also display exemplary safety, with the Elantra boasting an excellent safety profile from both NHTSA and IIHS, and the Jetta receiving high marks in front and side crash tests, ensuring good protection in multiple crash scenarios.

Conversely, the Subaru Impreza and Kia Forte provide solid safety assurances, with consistently high scores and good performance in government and IIHS testing, respectively. Meanwhile, the Mazda 3, though not specifically listed for NHTSA ratings, is assumed competitive, maintaining ‘Good’ ratings in major IIHS tests.

The Nissan Sentra rounds out the group by participating in the NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings, highlighting its strong safety performance in crash tests. Each model’s ratings reinforce their respective reputations for safety, making them desirable options for safety-conscious buyers.

Safety Features

Comparison of Car Models with Safety Features

Car Model	Safety Features
2024 Honda Civic	Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Traffic Jam Assist Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) ACE™ Body Structure for enhanced safety Comprehensive airbag system 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions Multi-Angle Rearview Camera Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and auto high-beam headlights
2024 Mazda 3	Smart Brake Support for collision prevention Mazda Radar Cruise Control for distance maintenance
2024 Hyundai Elantra	Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Smart Cruise Control Lane Following Assist
2024 Subaru Impreza	EyeSight Driver Assist Technology Pre-Collision Braking Throttle Management Lane Departure and Sway Warning Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
2024 Kia Forte	Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Lane Keeping Assist Driver Attention Warning Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning Electronic Stability Control
2024 Toyota Corolla	Safety Sense 2.0: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
2024 Nissan Sentra	Safety Shield 360 includes: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection Rear Automatic Braking Blind Spot Warning Lane Departure Warning High Beam Assist Rear Cross Traffic Alert
2024 Volkswagen Jetta	Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Stability Control technology Front-Impact Airbags Side Impact Airbags Overhead Airbags for rollover protection Seatbelt Pretensioners Security System with Ignition Disable Device

Leading in active safety technology, the Mazda 3 stands out with Smart Brake Support and Radar Cruise Control, offering top-tier systems within its class.

Similarly, the Toyota Corolla incorporates Safety Sense 2.0, which includes Pedestrian Detection and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, showcasing its comprehensive safety offerings.

The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra also highlight significant safety technologies. The Civic comes equipped with Collision Mitigation Braking and Road Departure Mitigation, making it an attractive option for families. The Elantra enhances its safety profile with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Following Assist, positioning it as one of the safest in its segment.

Subaru’s Impreza is notable for its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which is highly regarded for ensuring security.

The Kia Forte and Nissan Sentra also deliver substantial safety features, with the Forte focusing on collision-avoidance and the Sentra boasting Safety Shield 360 for all-around protection.

The Volkswagen Jetta, while more traditional, maintains a focus on essential safety with robust airbags and stability control systems.

Conclusion

The following table provides a comprehensive comparison of key specifications across various models of 2024 compact cars. Each car is ranked within specific categories including engine performance, fuel efficiency, interior and cargo space, and purchase price, leading to an overall ranking.

This detailed evaluation aims to assist prospective buyers in identifying the vehicle that best meets their needs and preferences.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla excels with the highest overall ranking, scoring 73 points. Its top performance in multiple categories, including fuel mileage, interior space, and safety features, sets it apart as the best overall compact car.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra follows with a strong overall score of 54 points, highlighted by its impressive engine horsepower and torque, as well as solid safety features.

The 2024 Honda Civic and 2024 Mazda 3 are close competitors, with overall scores of 50 and 47 points, respectively. Both models offer a balanced mix of performance, interior space, and crash ratings, making them excellent choices for everyday driving.

The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta, despite excelling in drivability, handling, and visibility, ranks lower overall with 38 points due to weaker scores in categories like resale value and maintenance costs.

At the lower end, the 2024 Subaru Impreza and 2024 Kia Forte have overall scores of 35 and 31 points, respectively. While they offer competitive purchase prices and maintenance costs, they lag in cargo space and engine performance.