Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Unlocking Online Success: The Secret Weapon of Top Businesses (It's Not What You Think!)
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ 2024 Nissan Versa.
Buyers once had a wide selection of subcompact cars to choose from. But most entry-level sedans and hatchbacks have vanished from the market in recent years as automakers focus on building small crossover SUVs instead. The most recent casualty of this trend was the Kia Rio, discontinued after the 2023 model year. That leaves just two remaining entrants in the class, the Nissan Versa and the Mitsubishi Mirage.
Of these, the Versa is clearly the better choice. Fortunately, Nissan has continued to invest in its smallest model. It introduced an all-new version in 2020 and updated it again just last year. That gives the Versa two legs up over the aging Mirage, which was last overhauled in 2014. With a bigger engine, a higher-quality cabin, and more standard features, the Nissan beats the Mitsubishi in most key areas, yet it costs about the same. And where it lags behind — namely, in fuel efficiency and rear-seat accommodations — it's not by much.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage.
Positives.
Bargain-basement price well below $20,000. Impressive fuel economy. One of the best warranties in the industry and free scheduled maintenance.
Considerations.
Light on engine power and refinement. Cabin materials reflect the Mirage’s low price.
2023 Kia Rio.
Many value-priced vehicles require big sacrifices. The Kia Rio, however, is surprisingly well-equipped and attractive. This five-person car is available as a sedan or hatchback and is a great choice for those on a budget or anyone who wants a modest, reliable car with a smooth ride and a comfortable interior. It handles well, though it isn't sporty, and comes with a long list of available safety features. It provides great fuel economy and has an excellent warranty for added peace of mind. The Rio makes buying a low-cost car an appealing proposition.
The Kia Rio isn't the fanciest car, but it is a great value for those on a budget. It's fuel efficient and combines good standard safety tech with a modest yet attractive interior.
2024 Kia Forte.
Kia's playbook is simple: Beat the class leaders on features and price. The 2024 Forte accomplishes this quite handily with a sticker price that starts around $21,000 and includes a long list of goodies. And with styling inspired by Kia's upscale sports sedan, the svelte Stinger, the Forte is also a looker. But its top rivals cost a bit more for a reason: They're more fun to drive.
The Forte's competitors offer more variety, too, including hatchback and hybrid versions. But in this class, only the Subaru Impreza offers all-wheel drive.
Don't get us wrong. The Forte isn't bad behind the wheel. It's comfortable and easy to operate, handling daily drives with little fuss. But with one of the weakest base engines in its class, it lacks the zip of the Mazda 3, and its occasionally flinty ride lacks the polish of the Honda Civic's. Fortunately, the Forte's top-tier GT trim solves one of these issues with its 201-horsepower turbo engine. But it comes at a substantially higher price.
2024 Kia Soul.
The 2024 Kia Soul is the latest iteration of the successful formula that dates back to the first Soul in 2009. The likable Kia continues to embrace the box-like styling that initially set it apart, bringing the benefit of excellent interior space for a vehicle of its length. This makes it a terrific urban runabout that is maneuverable in tight quarters and a breeze to park in challenging spaces. Its 147-horsepower engine won't light up any drag strips, but combined with its continuously variable automatic transmission, it is a willing performer in town. The 2024 Soul is also more refined on the highway than you might guess. Engine noise and CVT thrum are kept low, and the suspension is tuned for driving ease, not sharp handling. Front-seat occupants enjoy very comfortable accommodations, and the three rear-seat passengers get more leg, hip, and headroom than the Soul's length would suggest.
2023 Nissan Sentra.
The Sentra has been part of the Nissan lineup for more than 40 years, and in 2020 the familiar compact sedan was completely redesigned.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta.
As U.S. automakers abandoned sedans in favor of more popular SUVs, Japanese and Korean carmakers filled the void. While those sedans have personalities all their own, some drivers feel the segment lacks diversity. There is still one German holdout in the compact sedan class, though: the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta.
Unlocking Online Success: The Secret Weapon of Top Businesses (It's Not What You Think!)
Learn More :: tiny.cc/makesuccess
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ 2024 Nissan Versa.
Buyers once had a wide selection of subcompact cars to choose from. But most entry-level sedans and hatchbacks have vanished from the market in recent years as automakers focus on building small crossover SUVs instead. The most recent casualty of this trend was the Kia Rio, discontinued after the 2023 model year. That leaves just two remaining entrants in the class, the Nissan Versa and the Mitsubishi Mirage.
Of these, the Versa is clearly the better choice. Fortunately, Nissan has continued to invest in its smallest model. It introduced an all-new version in 2020 and updated it again just last year. That gives the Versa two legs up over the aging Mirage, which was last overhauled in 2014. With a bigger engine, a higher-quality cabin, and more standard features, the Nissan beats the Mitsubishi in most key areas, yet it costs about the same. And where it lags behind — namely, in fuel efficiency and rear-seat accommodations — it's not by much.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage.
Positives.
Bargain-basement price well below $20,000. Impressive fuel economy. One of the best warranties in the industry and free scheduled maintenance.
Considerations.
Light on engine power and refinement. Cabin materials reflect the Mirage’s low price.
2023 Kia Rio.
Many value-priced vehicles require big sacrifices. The Kia Rio, however, is surprisingly well-equipped and attractive. This five-person car is available as a sedan or hatchback and is a great choice for those on a budget or anyone who wants a modest, reliable car with a smooth ride and a comfortable interior. It handles well, though it isn't sporty, and comes with a long list of available safety features. It provides great fuel economy and has an excellent warranty for added peace of mind. The Rio makes buying a low-cost car an appealing proposition.
The Kia Rio isn't the fanciest car, but it is a great value for those on a budget. It's fuel efficient and combines good standard safety tech with a modest yet attractive interior.
2024 Kia Forte.
Kia's playbook is simple: Beat the class leaders on features and price. The 2024 Forte accomplishes this quite handily with a sticker price that starts around $21,000 and includes a long list of goodies. And with styling inspired by Kia's upscale sports sedan, the svelte Stinger, the Forte is also a looker. But its top rivals cost a bit more for a reason: They're more fun to drive.
The Forte's competitors offer more variety, too, including hatchback and hybrid versions. But in this class, only the Subaru Impreza offers all-wheel drive.
Don't get us wrong. The Forte isn't bad behind the wheel. It's comfortable and easy to operate, handling daily drives with little fuss. But with one of the weakest base engines in its class, it lacks the zip of the Mazda 3, and its occasionally flinty ride lacks the polish of the Honda Civic's. Fortunately, the Forte's top-tier GT trim solves one of these issues with its 201-horsepower turbo engine. But it comes at a substantially higher price.
2024 Kia Soul.
The 2024 Kia Soul is the latest iteration of the successful formula that dates back to the first Soul in 2009. The likable Kia continues to embrace the box-like styling that initially set it apart, bringing the benefit of excellent interior space for a vehicle of its length. This makes it a terrific urban runabout that is maneuverable in tight quarters and a breeze to park in challenging spaces. Its 147-horsepower engine won't light up any drag strips, but combined with its continuously variable automatic transmission, it is a willing performer in town. The 2024 Soul is also more refined on the highway than you might guess. Engine noise and CVT thrum are kept low, and the suspension is tuned for driving ease, not sharp handling. Front-seat occupants enjoy very comfortable accommodations, and the three rear-seat passengers get more leg, hip, and headroom than the Soul's length would suggest.
2023 Nissan Sentra.
The Sentra has been part of the Nissan lineup for more than 40 years, and in 2020 the familiar compact sedan was completely redesigned.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta.
As U.S. automakers abandoned sedans in favor of more popular SUVs, Japanese and Korean carmakers filled the void. While those sedans have personalities all their own, some drivers feel the segment lacks diversity. There is still one German holdout in the compact sedan class, though: the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta.
