2014 Compact Car Comparison - Kelley Blue Book

With so many options to choose from, picking the compact sedan that best suits your tastes and needs is more difficult than ever. And that's where this comparison comes into play. We drove six of the most popular compact sedans - a Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla - hundreds of miles over two days down the California coast to the San Diego area and back to Orange County to flesh out their differences.
Click here for the complete 2014 compact sedan comparison test:
www.kbb.com/car...
*Our comparison tests are different from most in that we keep the focus on comparison, not competition. We don't pick winners and losers because the right choice for one buyer is the wrong choice for another. Our goal here is not to tell you which small car to buy, but to make it easier for you to decide which is best for you.
Kelley Blue Book is your source for new car reviews, auto show coverage, features, comparison tests, and technology reviews. Subscribe to catch all the latest Kelley Blue Book videos. www.youtube.com...

[@casmatori]

I loved the guy in the old Accord coupe gesturing the camera @ 3:39.

[@johnsonl3656]

I want the car w/ mazda3's exterior, Corolla's interior, Sentra's trunk space, Civic's reliability, and Focus's handling. That makes a best compact car!

[@SIIKAP1]

The Mazda already has the best handling.

[@Jarl_69]

Mazda 3 is the clear winner. Focus is good, but resale value sucks and not as reliable. The rest are plain boring...

[@casmatori]

Now you need to do another comparison (2014 Compact Sedans Part 2) with the Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cruze, Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer.

[@bwxmoto]

I haven't watched yet, but let me guess. They are all just terrific, fabulous, great cars, but just appeal to "different types of buyers".. Right? Should I waste 6 min of my life watching this?

[@brentakasmitty]

u probably could have watched a minute of the video in the time it took u to type that...

[@bwxmoto]

Smitty I typed that in 3 seconds. I typed this in 2.

[@bwxmoto]

Smitty Actually I just watched the first min. I actually really like this guy, I think he's one of the best car reviewers on KZbin (for the type of review that he does). maybe I will watch it later. Bye.

[@bwxmoto]

***** Still haven't watched it. LOL

[@alexng4]

You guessed wrong. After taking the cars through the gautlet, it was then concluded that the 2014 toyota corolla is the sexiest car ever built, and hands down, the best car ever built in the past 25 years! It was epic.

[@MyerShift7]

Corolla and Civic are the only long term relationship cars here.

[@jaredshelton4718]

Forte is the best car here

[@Fabio_South]

the best car review I ever seen, master editing!!!

[@JDelta87]

I continue to enjoy your style of videos. It's called a Comparison video for a reason & that is exactly what you did. Compared the vehicles & put the information out for the consumer that's in the market to buy in this segment. Nice work!

[@joshuak5177]

Kia!!!

[@binny_binbin]

I am incredibly biased to the Civic, being a proud owner of one, but I never neglect how amazing other cars are. [Such as the Masza 3]. Honestly speaking, if Honda amped up the Civic [even if it meant simple things such as LED/Projection headlights, powered seats, etc (of course the engine and interiors are a thing)] it could rank up more. I also love how modern the Civic looks inside with the tiered gauges/dash.

[@DannyzReviews]

Ya I don't understand why Honda still hasn't implemented projected styled headlights in the civic by now.

[@aknsd2009]

It is to bad Honda doesn't do something about the interior noise level. I have had three rental car recently 2012/13 Honda and a Sentra. I did not like the Sentra at all but it was quiet driving on the freeway, the Civics were pure torture with the road noise. You can even hear the wheels spinning.

[@aknsd2009]

agree, I do need to amend my comment on the CIVIC, I understand that Honda has finally addressed the noisy interior. I drive a lot on the freeway and interior noise levels are a factor for me. I finally got to drive the new Ford Mustang ECO 4 and was really really impressed. I understand now why consumer reports compares it to the three series. I have owned 2 BMW 3's but the cost of repairs and maintenance gets tiresome.

[@aknsd2009]

BMW does offer 4 years of free maintenance with coverage from bumper to bumper, and with some promotions they offer 5 years of coverage. The only thing you have to pay for is windshield wipers and tires. But after that look out. Driving a 3 is a total pleasure, it always put a smile on my face. Yes the Japanese cars are reliable but so is my refrigerator and driving a Japanese car is as exciting as my refrigerator. I have a MB ML (bluetec) and a Prius, I bought the Prius it in an effort to be more green, and I was fascinated by it's technology. The styling on Japanese cars range somewhere between bland and boring, the thought of me driving an Accord, Camry or Altima is depressing.

[@aknsd2009]

On the Japanese build quality you will have no arguments from me. If they would just do something about their styling. If you read the latest review by Consumer Reports on the Chevy Impala (V6 only) they rated it higher than the Lexus ES. That was a shock. The newest car I am anxious to see being put into production is the Chevy Bolt (2017), if in fact they can achieve the 200 miles per charge as they are claiming, good bye Prius and hello Electric. That would be doable. If I put solar panels on the roof, that would then be a cheap drive. Would love a Tesla, but I don't see that in the budget.

[@robertschneider3391]

I have a 2014 Ford Focus SE Hatchback with 25,000 miles and problem free. The dual-clutch had a few recalls and ever since then it's been driving great. My favorite part of the 14 Focus is the steering and braking.

[@jamslam5641]

Bought a Honda Civic and no regrets. Get 50MPG HWY!!!!!!

[@72sohaney]

Not sure as to why all these comparisons, whether its KBB, Motortrend, etc., have to occur along "hundreds of miles of coastal highways in sunny California". How about some tests in January and February in Northwest Indiana, where real-world road conditions (and practically un-conditions) and some Arctic temperatures would certainly test a cars refinement.

[@EAS573182]

Look people, the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are probably more fun to drive than their Toyota/Honda counterparts. That being said, NONE of these cars are "sports cars" or meant to race. People buy these cars for reliability, re-sale value, safety, gas mileage, and THEN fun. If you want a car that zips around with authority, spend some more money. I REALLY like the Mazda 6, but ultimately I chose a Toyota Camry XSE.

[@Mbrace818]

The Mazda 6 also has the best gas mileage of the midsized sedans.

[@EAS573182]

Miles Wright I believe that's only true if you get the i-ELoop option, which is available on the higher trims.

[@Mbrace818]

KZbin Aneesh​​​​​ No, I mean among the non-hybrid non-diesel 4 cylinder midsized sedans, the newest generation Mazda 6 is one of the best in terms of gas mileage. I know at the very least it has the Camry, Accord and Altima beat, unless we're talking about hybrid or diesel models. The 6 is also smaller though which is probably part of the reason (it's lighter). Not saying it's overall better though. These days it seems like everything is a trade off when choosing a new car. One car is good for x while this car is good at y, etc. Toyota and Honda are probably still the most reliable. Heavier cars are also inherently safer because that's just physics.

[@brittoncoil2518]

Aneesh S man I feel sorry for you. A lackluster interior, no fun to drive, boring to look at, and doesn’t do anything well other than be reliable which the Mazda 6 can also do

[@samlung2724]

Yeah. If people want a sports car they will get one. Like an Si, wrx, etc...

[@handas2]

Crossover test. Also, crossover offroad comparison. Do more off road tests!!

[@aknsd2009]

While my new car was in the shop for a minor bumper dent, I was given a 2013 Honda Civic as a rental. The interior noise was deafening. I like the handling, dash layout, ease of use but the interior road noise on CA freeways was brutal.

[@NewEraKing714]

opinions on the kia forte? and kia in general? im really liking the forte but after reading alot of bad reviews on kia maybe i should just stick to a honda civic?

[@ryanfrisby7389]

I’m that one weird person who thinks the Forte looks the best

[@Tubaman638]

As always KBB puts out great and honest reviews. BUT this is also missing, in my opinion, 4 big competitors. The Chevy Cruze, VW Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Dodge Dart.

[@3656761]

Wish you had included the Elantra and Dart. I know the Dart might not be as appealing to all, but I really liked it. It was peppy, roomy, had intuitive controls and comfy seats. The Elantra is nice too, but I thought the interior a bit cheap and plasticky...but I got 30 mpg from the Dart and 41 mpg from the Elantra on identical highway trips. Why such a huge difference? The Mazda3 was the most fun to drive, but had road and tire noise and a tight back seat and trunk. If not for the bad gas mileage and resale the Dart would be my favorite...but I have yet to drive the Sentra.

[@Essjay2k]

I think I he Nissan sentra actually looks good. Better than the civic or corolla. Though maybe wider bumpers would be an improvement. And a small spoiler.

[@MarcG7424]

If you want reliability and resale value Toyota and Honda are the best hands down. The Civc and Mazda 3 the most fun to drive. It was just a 3 car race as far as I'm concerned.

[@chuckers40]

For those that own compact cars, Do you prefer the sedan versions or the hatchback versions? I tend to see slightly more sedans than the hatchbacks The Sub-Compacts (Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta etc) it's the other way around.

[@coureurdebois]

so... no winner was selected? remember people want a OUTCOME or CONCLUSION just as much as they want the "meat" of the content. in a comparison there should always be one that comes out as a better package or deal. that would be like comparing the Corvette C7 to the base Jag F type and not tell which one is simply better to go with OR which one you prefer. then again, maybe im wrong and the toyota was the winner... if thats the case your ending should always be your strongest point and let people know "THIS ONE IS THE BEST PACKAGE"

[@abdullahzafar6126]

Waiting for a 2021 version of this 👍🏽

[@jimlewis9260]

Kia all the way more for the money and looks great

[@cocotaveras8975]

jim lewis Agreed! Especially for the looks great part because it really does appear to be awesome :)

[@grandemage]

No Cruze, Jetta or Dart... It's actually a little bothersome these cars couldn't find their way into the mix if KBB is going to bother with a decent review of what's available to most of North America.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Lots of cars without mention, Elantra, and so...

[@NeutralGenericUser]

LMAO @ a brony commenting in a car review video. Just fucking LOL

[@PaulHojda]

I'd rather the hatchback version of these cars. They're more practical (if you put the back seats down), and generally look better and more youthful

[@burns1210]

How Nissan even sold one of those is beyond me.

[@GuitarChris69]

focus, I have the ST and its amazing

[@bradh6185]

I was looking at mid size sedans. Every one had at least one thing that sucked so bad that I wouldn't own it- except the Hyundai Sonata. But while at the Hyundai dealership, I drove the Elantra Sport...and bought it with $4500 in rebates. Maybe they are trying to make room for the redesigned 2016's. Whatever the case, the 2015 Sport rides and handles well enough to make it comfortable and the 2.0 has enough power to make it not sluggish. There is a lot of leg room. The touch screen won't make you punch the windshield. And...NO CVT!

[@MrNicholg]

1:43, that's all you need out of this.

[@evolutionisreal1366]

Like kia Mazda and Toyota

[@SpecialKdot06]

Did anyone see the kid giving the peace sign at 3:39? Hahaha

[@shparilka]

With regards to cheapness , that's not the word you should use. If I buy one of those hotcakes with all the bells and whistles, it will cost me close to 30 jeez.

[@lenerio7736]

Hi i have a questiom does all these compact cars can survive the winter in canada? Coz i,live im edmonton Alberta were the snow is uterly hardcore thats why i am searching for a car that can handle the snow with a cheaper price?

[@kbb]

Renel John Bustos The only compact car to offer all-wheel-drive is the Subaru Impreza (starts under $19,000). An Impreza equipped with proper winter tires might be the car you've been looking for.

[@dlawodnr93]

Renel John Bustos get Range Rover

[@dlawodnr93]

Kelley Blue Book

[@saud4391]

I think kia and Mazda... good choice

[@rynewiegel2811]

Where's the Dodge Dart?

[@johanmichael6624]

Wish the Forte was sold in Europe -.-

[@Allcarnews]

What about the Cruz and impreza

[@kcmega007]

I actually had a chance to drive the Honda Civic ( older version ) eco 2011 model. my experience with it, wasn't that great, yes the interior does look stylish, on the dash but driving it , is a different story, and comfort .. I rather drive my own Corolla S 2015 model,, I love the steer wheel and handles more better. I know, I am comparing a older civic ,, but still a good car.

[@gene978]

hmm. this is what every car shopper wishes they could do. Drive the competition back to back. I believe these should be added to the list of things to judge. SOUND LEVELS. A decibel meter app. can be found on any smart phone. Smiles per mile! And SOUND SYSTEM QUALITY. You have a LE Corolla and a TOP LEVEL EX FORTE? Seems weird to compare

[@jouncsenxie8984]

Hi. I'm about to get a Honda Accord exl v6 but before I do that I'd like to know what's the navigation system. Also what's different compared to the touring model. Bigger in size , anything.

[@miguelircontar]

the guy at 3:39 throwing up the piece sign lol

[@xBris]

I would have liked to see a vw in that comparison.

[@TomDeVito]

Um KBB you forgot the dodge dart and Chevy Cruze and a whole bunch of other compacts. But I can't blame you cause your comparing the top 5 best selling compacts

[@And3rson1294]

Cruze and Lancer are long in the tooth compared to most of the cars here. true they should have gotten a subie but I am amazed for all the clamoring for the dart I have only seen a few on the road

[@tropicallover19]

How do I get to drive cars and compare like you guys.

[@flykirwan]

why isn't the dodge dart in this?

[@cistym]

While all these cars are great, and I would say the Mazda3 wins from my tests, I would like the cute guy going after the camera even more.

[@danario97]

No VW Jetta? :(

[@luisjurado4206]

Daniel Towle In your head

[@jaredshelton4718]

VW sucks balls

[@holeong933]

Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Kia Forte are tied on this comparison.

[@bradleymeyer9775]

I don’t find the Corolla’s interior polarizing.

[@jxmar_]

Civic

[@owngallardo]

chevy cruz and the elantra are missing! not to mention the other guys.

[@kalaniruiz3065]

We're is the Hyundai Elantra

[@luisjurado4206]

In Your Hearth

[@timhiltonsuperstar]

Where is the Dodge Dart? The Cruze? This is Amurrica ain't it?

[@sibasam]

Cruze is outdated and the Dart has shitty reliability...

[@timhiltonsuperstar]

Says the expert

[@sibasam]

tim hilton What? I didn't say i was an expert,....but unless you have been living under a rock, the Cruze has looked the same for like 5 years now, and looks really boring...and after reading reviews about the Dart on Kelly Blue Book and Motortrend and Cars.com AND edmunds.com i think it makes sense to why they didnt bring them into the "compact" segment, Plus, most of the cars look way better then the ugly Cruze...but if the Dart was as reliable, it'd prob be second nicest after the Mazda 3.

[@timhiltonsuperstar]

So you think that cars should be restyled every 2 or 3 years...hmmm...that only happens when they are not selling out like the Cruz

[@holeong933]

American cars copy Japanese cars like Toyota and Honda thinking that America is smart and all that, when the Corolla has sold over 40 million of them, which is more than the Civic.

[@jaekob2743]

No Jetta or Impreza?

[@turab16]

where is the cruze?

[@bradm6287]

No Verano?

[@evilpeach2]

Where are you Chevy Cruze?

[@noakhrot]

ACTUAL MPG??? mpg is the ONLY reason I want to replace my suburban.

[@MrParraaa]

No Cruze :( c'mon KBB

[@briseries]

What about the Hyundai Elantra!?

[@jxmar_]

BRian Wong what about it?😂😂😂

[@onesmallserving4803]

Buick Verano

[@freegamingsolutions]

no dodge dart?

[@prateeksrivastava386]

mid size sedan comparisons

[@ChiHuynh-lu9oz]

where is the Dart and Cruze?

[@emilsponga2081]

cruze is on dealers lots. cant sell them due to problems they are having

[@markwilliams6378]

emil sponga True lol

[@jumyrmacabuag3990]

but how about chevrolet cruze? where is chevrolet?

[@epicman148]

Not a compact sedan

[@seb5945]

I'm a Mazda3 type of guy. If I had a restraining order to stay away from Audi A4, I'd totally buy a Mazda3. I currently drive a G37.

[@wendellmanalo1197]

where is Mitsubishi?

[@Underhills]

WHY is it more expensive to make a good looking car? When they are basically made from the same materials, why are cheap cars so ugly and very expensive ones so much better looking? I've never understood why. To draw a good looking product is no more expensive than to draw an ugly one - and most cars are ugly. I can't think of any other industrial design product thats less aesthetic in average than cars. 8 of 10 are down right ugly! I've seen some pretty nice prototypes of cars from all manufacturers, but when they hit the fabric lines they all end up looking way less exiting.

[@scorchy84]

You guys really don't like Hyundai huh?

[@gracenickel8938]

NISSAN

[@mykullee]

lol peace yo 3:39

[@DiegoPerez-gb6xk]

3:39 hahahaha

[@jxmar_]

Diego Perez 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@xBlakeTV]

WT* WHERE IS DODGE DART !

[@Apptrailers760]

Oside ca

[@NewChannels]

Basic... Car starting at 17 Thousand dollars. I need a raise in pay.

[@21hmontalvo]

No Chevy Malibu?

[@BDOC99714]

Chevy Malibu is midsize not compact.

[@casmatori]

Chevrolet's entry would be the Cruze.

[@jxmar_]

Humberto Montalvo that’s a midsize sedan! You meant Chevy Aveo😂😂😂😂

[@huhu1945]

Mazda 3 has more hp than the forte.

[@chrisdblue]

Really Kelly blue book? Where is the dart or cruis!? This review is stupid... I'd choose dart.

[@icantw8]

3 looks so fugly though. Looks like a wagon.

[@markwilliams6378]

Who wants to see the cruze ? It's a accident waiting to happen . I'm sorry but GM cars need to stay off the list . The most recalls in car history.

[@DanielSparten]

Kia is basically crap. Ford is okay. Toyota and Honda are the one of the best cars that are smack down good and acceptable and most new drivers drive them. Nissan is trying to be luxurious but feels like crap. Mazda is pretty nice with its quality but not as reliable compared to other. Top 3 cars in my opinion would be Toyota, Honda, Mazda.

[@MJT-DA]

How is the kia crap?

[@shattersphere92]

@@MJT-DA Maybe Kia was crap in their old days now they are catching up to other brands looks better than the Corolla and Civic

[@MJT-DA]

@@shattersphere92 he just doesn't want to admit that their kia stinger was car of the year in 2018

[@Saytheodd]

Life is too short to live life in beige! these cars suck