Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
2024 Toyota Corolla.
A staple of Toyota's lineup for nearly 60 years, the Corolla remains one of the best-selling compacts in the U.S. thanks to a combination of reliability, utility, and value. Toyota continues to refine the formula with the 2024 Toyota Corolla.
But the Corolla isn't especially inspiring to drive. It's not quick, not particularly dynamic, and it won't tickle your heart rate in a tight turn. For that, you want a competitor like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Corolla also falls short in trunk space, trailing rivals such as the Civic or Hyundai Elantra, although the Corolla hatchback option makes this less of an issue. The Nissan Sentra and Subaru Impreza are also worth a look. Still, the Corolla remains competitive for good reason. Buyers today, like before, will find it offers a compelling mix of features and price to suit their needs.
2023 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra stands out from other compact sedans with its sharply creased and faceted sheet metal as well as its broad grille with integrated wraparound headlights. But don't think that it's only about style, because it also has plenty of substance to prove its worth. In the Hyundai lineup, the Elantra fills the gap between the smaller Accent and midsize Sonata. Much like the larger Sonata, the Elantra is offered in several variants that include an affordable base trim, very efficient hybrids, and a sporty alternative. It goes one step further with a higher performance Elantra N model with 276 horsepower.
2023 Toyota Prius.
A complete makeover for 2023 turned Toyota’s ugly duckling hybrid into a true beauty. The five-seat compact hatchback lost headroom and cargo space in its transformation but gained improved handling, a more comfortable ride, an updated interior, and a 60% boost in power while retaining its best-in-class fuel efficiency. The base model actually gained 1 mpg over the old L Eco trim.
The Kia Niro hybrid, the competitive set’s only crossover, is slightly pricier but has a tad more cargo space than the upper 2023 Prius trims; the Hyundai Elantra hybrid is about the same size, costs less, and comes close to matching the Prius lineup in fuel efficiency; and Toyota’s own Corolla hybrid costs less and is about the same size.
Crossovers and SUVs are rapidly replacing sedans and sedan-like hatchbacks such as the Prius in car shoppers’ affections, but the Prius still has a few direct competitors, and in most comparisons, the Prius wins.
2023 Hyundai Sonata.
The Hyundai Sonata is a sedan with something for everyone. Its lineup of nine trims includes three gas engines and a hybrid for those who prioritize fuel economy. The base engine delivers good performance, but midrange trims get a more responsive option. There's also the performance engine of the N Line. The interior is comfortable and uses high-quality trims that are uncommon on a sedan at this price. Add in a comprehensive infotainment system and a wide range of standard and available safety features, and the Sonata is a great choice.
The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which is due for a redesign for 2023, have long been the go-to choices in this segment. They're strong competitors with similar features, but they both come at a higher price.
2024 Toyota Camry.
The 2024 Toyota Camry is the epitome of the sensible sedan. It offers plenty of room for five, excellent safety features, efficient engines, and all of the features drivers expect in a modern family sedan. Available in 13 different trim levels, the Camry can be configured as a basic commuter car, a sharp-handling sport sedan, or a near-luxury cruiser. The base engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 203 horsepower to the front wheels through an eight-speed transmission. For a little extra boost, the optional V6 offers a healthy 301 hp. If fuel efficiency is the top priority, the Camry Hybrid models offer up to 52 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Regardless of trim level, all Camry models deliver a smooth, comfortable ride and a quiet cabin. Passenger room is generous in the front and rear, with excellent visibility in every direction. The interior design mixes classic analog gauges with a large touchscreen display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on even the base trim level. Higher trim levels offer a heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, and high-end audio systems. Safety isn't optional, as every Camry comes with a wide array of high-tech features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive radar cruise control.
2024 Honda Accord.
Positives.
Exterior is still fresh after last year's redesign. Spacious backseat and trunk. Hybrid models are quick and extremely fuel-efficient.
Considerations.
No all-wheel-drive option. Not as much rear headroom as in some rivals. Key competitors offer more power.
2023 Toyota Crown.
2024 Toyota Corolla.
A staple of Toyota's lineup for nearly 60 years, the Corolla remains one of the best-selling compacts in the U.S. thanks to a combination of reliability, utility, and value. Toyota continues to refine the formula with the 2024 Toyota Corolla.
But the Corolla isn't especially inspiring to drive. It's not quick, not particularly dynamic, and it won't tickle your heart rate in a tight turn. For that, you want a competitor like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Corolla also falls short in trunk space, trailing rivals such as the Civic or Hyundai Elantra, although the Corolla hatchback option makes this less of an issue. The Nissan Sentra and Subaru Impreza are also worth a look. Still, the Corolla remains competitive for good reason. Buyers today, like before, will find it offers a compelling mix of features and price to suit their needs.
2023 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra stands out from other compact sedans with its sharply creased and faceted sheet metal as well as its broad grille with integrated wraparound headlights. But don't think that it's only about style, because it also has plenty of substance to prove its worth. In the Hyundai lineup, the Elantra fills the gap between the smaller Accent and midsize Sonata. Much like the larger Sonata, the Elantra is offered in several variants that include an affordable base trim, very efficient hybrids, and a sporty alternative. It goes one step further with a higher performance Elantra N model with 276 horsepower.
2023 Toyota Prius.
A complete makeover for 2023 turned Toyota’s ugly duckling hybrid into a true beauty. The five-seat compact hatchback lost headroom and cargo space in its transformation but gained improved handling, a more comfortable ride, an updated interior, and a 60% boost in power while retaining its best-in-class fuel efficiency. The base model actually gained 1 mpg over the old L Eco trim.
The Kia Niro hybrid, the competitive set’s only crossover, is slightly pricier but has a tad more cargo space than the upper 2023 Prius trims; the Hyundai Elantra hybrid is about the same size, costs less, and comes close to matching the Prius lineup in fuel efficiency; and Toyota’s own Corolla hybrid costs less and is about the same size.
Crossovers and SUVs are rapidly replacing sedans and sedan-like hatchbacks such as the Prius in car shoppers’ affections, but the Prius still has a few direct competitors, and in most comparisons, the Prius wins.
2023 Hyundai Sonata.
The Hyundai Sonata is a sedan with something for everyone. Its lineup of nine trims includes three gas engines and a hybrid for those who prioritize fuel economy. The base engine delivers good performance, but midrange trims get a more responsive option. There's also the performance engine of the N Line. The interior is comfortable and uses high-quality trims that are uncommon on a sedan at this price. Add in a comprehensive infotainment system and a wide range of standard and available safety features, and the Sonata is a great choice.
The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which is due for a redesign for 2023, have long been the go-to choices in this segment. They're strong competitors with similar features, but they both come at a higher price.
2024 Toyota Camry.
The 2024 Toyota Camry is the epitome of the sensible sedan. It offers plenty of room for five, excellent safety features, efficient engines, and all of the features drivers expect in a modern family sedan. Available in 13 different trim levels, the Camry can be configured as a basic commuter car, a sharp-handling sport sedan, or a near-luxury cruiser. The base engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 203 horsepower to the front wheels through an eight-speed transmission. For a little extra boost, the optional V6 offers a healthy 301 hp. If fuel efficiency is the top priority, the Camry Hybrid models offer up to 52 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Regardless of trim level, all Camry models deliver a smooth, comfortable ride and a quiet cabin. Passenger room is generous in the front and rear, with excellent visibility in every direction. The interior design mixes classic analog gauges with a large touchscreen display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on even the base trim level. Higher trim levels offer a heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, and high-end audio systems. Safety isn't optional, as every Camry comes with a wide array of high-tech features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive radar cruise control.
2024 Honda Accord.
Positives.
Exterior is still fresh after last year's redesign. Spacious backseat and trunk. Hybrid models are quick and extremely fuel-efficient.
Considerations.
No all-wheel-drive option. Not as much rear headroom as in some rivals. Key competitors offer more power.
2023 Toyota Crown.
