Compact Sedans are generally the least expensive models to purchase and are often the cheapest to run and maintain. This makes these compact cars ideal as practical small family vehicles:

1. Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI is very reminiscent in many ways to the Volkswagen GTI but is more practical than its hatchback cousin. This is a roomy sedan with rapid acceleration and impressive braking ability. Featuring the same 228–horsepower engine as the Golf GTI, the 2020 model is the most high performance Jetta so far. Offering fuel economy figures of 25 mpg in the city and up to 32 mpg on the highway this is also an economic car to run. Safety tests for the Jetta awarded results of 5-stars across the board. Safety features include blind spot warning, post collision braking and forward collision warning.

2. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic Sedan is a high-performance, economic compact vehicle which many are viewing as the best of 2020. Available in several trim levels, the base Civic Sedan has an impressive 30 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway. Also in base trim this model offers 158-horsepower while EX versions can reach 174-horsepower. This 2020 version has not changed much from the 2019 model which may set it back somewhat from other sedans. That being said it is an economic and safe option. Crash tests produced 5 star results and safety features include lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a collision mitigation braking system.

3. Mazda Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 Sedan is one of the more compact sedans of 2020 meaning it is a little short on room. This model does, however, have premium interior design and very sharp handling making it a fun drive. It stands out in looks and styling making it appear a more expensive vehicle than it actually is. Offering 186 horsepower, this is a powerful little car with decent 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway in terms of fuel efficiency. This is a safe car with 5-stars in crash tests, smart brake support, RADAR cruise control and lane departure warnings.

4. Kia Forte

The Kia Forte offers a lot of extras for the money making it a nice economic sedan option. Technology interfaces in this model are very easy to use so all those extras are practical. It does lack a little in the interior space department and isn’t as sporty as some models but is nonetheless a solid compact sedan. Fuel economy figures boast 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. It’s conservative on power offering around 147-horsepower. The safety ratings for collisions could be better with just 4 out of 5 stars. This model does, however, have rear cross-traffic collision warning, blind spot warning and forward collision avoidance.

5. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla sedan is one of the top sedans of the year in terms of safety. A long list of safety features such as automatic high-beams, lane departure alert with steering assist and a pre-collision alert system make this a good small family car. Top marks in crash safety tests also cement this sedan as a safe bet. This is not as powerful as most of its 2020 competitors with just 139 horsepower in basic trim. The Corolla, however, does get 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway in terms of fuel economy.