Compact cars are not what they used to be. They are no longer just a cheap, small car meant to be a teenager’s first car or a temporary means of transportation. Instead, many compact cars now push ahead with modern luxury and safety features historically only found on bigger and more expensive cars.
Check out some of the most popular compact cars below to see what they have to offer:

1. Kia Forte
Kia has been through some rough years in the past, but the brand has completely reimagined itself. The 2021 Kia Forte not only looks great, it also comes with many great features. Auto emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and driver attention warning are just some of the safety features that come standard on all trims. However, if you opt for the higher trims, more great features await. The GT Forte comes with a 201hp turbocharged engine with 18 inch wheels and other sporty design elements. This car is still able to get an impressive 27mpg city and 35mpg highway.

2. Volkswagen Golf
The 2021 Golf might sound worse than the other cars on this list with its EPA fuel efficiency of only 23mpg city and 30mpg highway, but there is a good reason for it. The 2021 Golf features a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces an impressive 228hp. That much horsepower matched with a compact car makes the all new Volkswagen Golf an absolute joy to drive. The car also includes modern features such as rear traffic alert and parking assist to make it as safe and convenient as possible.

3. Toyota Corolla
The 2021 Corolla has a very different look than the older Corollas many people are used to. This car still brings Toyota’s industry best reliability, but also tacks are flashy design elements such as 18 inch wheels, bronze/black side rocker panels and rear diffuser accent on the top trim option. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and increased stabilizer bar spring rates are also available which make this car not only safe to drive, but also very responsive and fun.

4. Honda Civic
When you buy a Honda, you know you’re getting a car that is reliable and drives very well. The 2021 Honda Civic is no exception to this rule. However, this car has many features that many would not think of in a Civic. A 450 watt premium sound system, 18 inch alloy wheels, and leather trimmed seats are just some of the features available on the new Civic. No Honda is complete without a great engine and transmission so of course the 2021 Civic does not disappoint. It comes with a 1.5 liter turbocharged engine and a continuously variable transmission that maximizes both power and fuel efficiency depending on the situation.