Showing posts with label compact. Show all posts
Showing posts with label compact. Show all posts

Friday, January 9, 2026

2026 VW Jetta SE: The Brand’s Affordable Compact Sedan

 

Highlight: This is one of the few vehicles that starts under $30,000. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $28,715 (Base MSRP): $25,720

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; hill descent control; a tire pressure monitoring system; a spare tire

Sunday, October 19, 2025

2025 Ford Maverick Lobo: The Brand’s Spirited Sport-Tuned Compact Truck

 

Highlight: The Maverick is about the same size as the original Ford Ranger less the manual transmission.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $42,345 (Base XL MSRP): $29,840

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; front passenger sensors; electronic blind spot lane changing system; lane keep assist; a rear camera; lane departure warning; lane centering; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Monday, May 19, 2025

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: A New Design Language And Name Change

 


Highlight: The compact sedan will soon be available as a hatchback.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $31,445 (Base Trim MSRP): $ 23,165

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Monday, October 23, 2023

2023 Dodge Hornet GT AWD: The Brand’s All-New Italian Built Entry-Level Compact Crossover


Highlight: The Hornet shares a platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,325 (Base Model – LE): $32,330)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; AWD; a radar active cruise control system; an electronic stability control; electronic roll-over mitigation; a traction control system; automatic high beam controls; a blind spot monitoring system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a tire inflator kit

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

2023 Toyota Prius Limited: No Longer A Fuel-Efficient Ugly Duckling

Highlight: According to fueleconomy.gov, the Toyota Prius LE has a fuel driving range of 644 miles.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $37,445 (Base Model – LE): $28,545

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a radar-activated cruise control system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; a lane departure alert system with steering wheel assist; a brake assist system; an electronic blind spot monitor system with rear cross traffic alert; a hill start control assist system; a heated power outside folding mirrors; a backup camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Friday, March 3, 2023

2023 Kia Niro EV Wave: The Brand’s Compact EV Wears A New Design


Highlight: The hatchback-like Niro EV has a driving range that exceeds 250 miles.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $47,765 (Base Wind Model: $40,875)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; a tire mobility kit and monitoring system; ABS; an electronic stability control system; a hill-start assist control system; an electronic parking brake; low anchors and tethers for children; a blind spot collision warning system; rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist; a lane keeping assist system; a lane following assist system; a lane departure warning system; a driver attention warning system; a high beam assist system; an intelligent speed limit assist system; a navigation-based smart cruise control system; a rear view camera; and a highway driving assist system

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

2023 Buick Envision Essence: The Brand’s Compact Crossover


Highlight: Buick’s stylish Envision is imported from China.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $40,695 (Base Preferred FWD Model: $34,795)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features:  airbags with passenger sensors; automatic emergency braking; forward Collision Alert; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System; a following distance indicator; Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning; a Tool Kit; Intelligent High Beams; a Rear Cross Traffic Alert System; a teen driver system; and HD backup camera

Standard Equipment (Base Preferred FWD): 18-inch wheels with a light charcoal metallic finish; 9-Speed automatic transmission; noise canceling technology; deep tinted windows; LED head, tail, and Daytime Lamps; single zone air conditioning; an 8-inch infotainment screen; cloth trimmed seating; rear and center armrests; carpeted floor mats; keyless start; interior ambient lighting; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a silver roof rack with cross rails; manual liftgate; heated power adjustable exterior mirrors; and body color door handles with chrome stripe

Thursday, January 26, 2023

2023 Kia Niro SX Touring: New Design Looks More Like A Hatchback

 

Highlight: The Niro can be outfitted with an optional navigation-based cruise control stop-and-go cruise control system

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $36,435 (Base$27,785)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; rear view mirror; tire mobility kit; hill start assist; stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a blind spot warning system; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist system; a radar activated cruise control with stop and go system; a co-pilot assist system; a tire mobility kit; and a rear traffic cross assist system

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

2022 Audi Q3 S Line 45 TSI AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level Compact Crossover

 

Highlight: All-wheel drive is standard on all models.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $49,195 (Base Model: $37,595)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; traction control; stability system; back up camera; front and rear parking sensors; rear view camera; a forward collision warning system; a lane departure warning system; an electronic blind spot warning system; a high beam assist system; side assist with rear cross traffic and parking assist; a spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system

Sunday, November 20, 2022

2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited Plug-In AWD: An All-New Electrified Compact Crossover


 Highlight: This is the first time the Tuscon is available with an electrified powertrain.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $44,540 (Base Model: $36,695)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features (Limited): airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a 360-degree camera; forward collision brakes; lane keep assist system; a high beam assist system; a driver assistance warning system; a heated side mirrors with turn signals; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE AWD: The Brand’s Plug-In Compact Crossover


Highlight: This plug-in hybrid is capable of driving off of a 45 mile electric range.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $50,731 (Base XE Model: $41,515)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; pre collision system with pedestrian detection; a lane tracing assist; automatic high beams; a lane departure alert system; a radar activated cruise control system; a road sign assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist control; a trailer sway control system; anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer and a spare tire

Sunday, September 18, 2022

2022 Mazda CX-30 AWD 2.5 Turbo: An Affordable Alternative To Some Of The Premium Luxury Compact Crossovers


Highlight: All-wheel drive is standard on all models. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $35,875 (Base model 2.5L: $23,425)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; temporary spare tire; a tire pressure monitoring system; rain sensing wiper system; a rear-view camera; a driver attention alert system; a lane departure warning system; a smart brake support system; high beam control; a lane keep assist system; and a traction control system

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport AWD: Luxury Brand Redesigns Compact Crossover


Highlight: The NX is also available as a plug-in and a hybrid.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $56,830 (Base Model NX 250: $39,426)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection system; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; a lane departure alert with steering assist; a lane trace assist system; automatic high beams; an electronic blind spot monitor with a rear cross traffic alert; a rear camera; a vehicle stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and race inspired paddle shifters

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

2022 MINI Cooper S Hardtop: Quirky, Spirited And Fun-To-Drive


Highlight: The German engineered subcompact is available as a convertible too.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $36,250 (Base Model: $23,750)

Seating Capacity: 2 (honestly no rear seat room for adults)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; cornering brake control; a hill assist system; rear parking distance control; a lane departure warning system; automatic high beam headlights; heated exterior mirrors and a rearview camera

Standard Equipment (S 2-Door FWD Manual): 16-inch wheels; hood scoop air intake; brake ducts; performance control; run flat tires; a Black mesh grill; LED front fog lamps; manual operated front sport seats; a variety of driving modes; a front center armrest; split-folding rear seat; and a 9-inch infotainment screen

Saturday, April 2, 2022

2022 Hyundai Kona Limited: The Brand’s Affordable All-Electric Subcompact Crossover

 

Highlight: According to Hyundai, the Kona was the first Hyundai SUV available with a fully-electrified powertrain in the U.S.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $43,840 (Base SEL)$34,375 

Seating Capacity: 4 (Hyundai says 5)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; rear view camera; forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection; automatic high beam assist; an electronic blind-spot collision avoidance assist with a rear cross-traffic; traction control system; a lane keep assist system; a radar activated stop-and-go system; a lane following assist system; a stability system; a hill start assist system; tire pressure monitoring system; a parking distance warning system; and a tire mobility kit

Monday, January 10, 2022

2022 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Turbo N Line: The Brand’s Peppy Compact Sedan

  

Highlight: The roomy compact is available with a manual transmission.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $26,530 (Base SE)$20,875)

Seating Capacity: 5 (a tight fit)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection; automatic high beam assist; an electronic blind-spot collision avoidance assist with a rear cross-traffic; traction control system; a hill start assist system; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and compact spare tire

Thursday, October 7, 2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250: The Brand's Entry-Level Compact Crossover

 


Highlight: The GLA is a front wheel drive crossover.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $48,620 (Base Model GLA: $37,280)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; an electronic blind spot system; an electronic stability system; traction control; a rear view cameral and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment:18-inch wheels; start-stop engine; an 8-speed automatic transmission; power front seats with driver’s lumbar support; 3-position memory front seats; pseudo leather seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; rear privacy glass; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a power liftgate; heated power side mirrors; a touchpad controller; keyless entry; a push button ignition starter system; and a MBUX touchscreen and voice activated infotainment center; LED headlights and taillights

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

2021 Mazda3 Premium Turbo AWD Sedan: The Peppy 250-Horsepower Compact

 


Highlight: The brand’s sporty sedan pushes out over 227-horsepower and 250-horsepower with its 2.5-liter  engine, using regular fuel and premium fuel, respectively.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $33,990 (Base model: $21,645)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; temporary spare tire; a tire pressure monitoring system; rain sensing wiper system; a driver drowsy detection system; a rear view camera; a lane departure warning system; a smart brake support system; a lane keep assist system; and a traction control system

Thursday, July 8, 2021

2021 Lexus NX 300 F Sport AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Entry-Level Performance Compact Crossover

  


Highlight: The NX is based off of the hot-selling Toyota RAV4.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $51,785 (Base NX Model$38,635)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; lane tracing assist system; a road sign assist; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; a back up camera; automatic high beam headlights; traction control system; and an electronic blind spot monitor; first aid kit; and vehicle stability control

Standard Equipment (NX): 17-inch wheels; front wheel drive; a 6-speed automatic transmission; three driving modes; an all-speed radar cruise control system; a smart access entry system; push button ignition system; power folding outside mirrors; automatic headlights; keyless entry access; roof rails; carpeted floor mats; power front seats; rear center armrest with dual cupholders; tonneau cover; a dual zone ventilation system; Siri eyes free mode; and Amazon Alexa compatibility 

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Only Front Wheel Drive Car

Highlight: In 2013, when the CLA was launched, it became the brand’s first compact.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $57,665 (Base MSRP: $37,645)

Seating Capacity: 5-passenger

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a crosswind assist system; an electronic stability control system;  a hillstart assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and rain sensing windshield wiper

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; a 7-speed automatic transmission; front wheel drive; a panorama roof; power front seats with a three- position memory; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; leather-like seats; rear seat center armrest with cupholders; sport seats with integrated headrests; new generation touchpad; split folding rear seats; heated power side mirrors; and a 7-inch infotainment screen

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