Comparison Test: $23,000 Compact Sedan Challenge

[@tommieboi707]

thanks for all you do motorweek. ive been watching this since the 80s

[@jacobyo99]

Compact cars are so huge now, why would anyone need a midsize?

[@mituljariwala9821]

Jacob shreve they're expensive too. my 04 accord ex was 23k brand new. now the 16 civic is 23k too

[@dlawodnr93]

Jacob shreve mid size sedan owners willn say why would anyone need full size sedan? ex) K9, Avalon, Impala, etc..

[@azera55555]

They don't offer any hybrid compacts for some reason which is why I went for midsize. But nevertheless why do so many people want Suv's when these are available and are much much cheaper

[@jsiszero]

so that they don't get killed when everyone drives a midsize and SUVs

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

azera55555 What? here is a review for you. www.autobytel.com/hybrid-cars/car-buying-guides/10-best-compact-hybrid-cars-131630/

[@David-ow9bc]

John Davis the king of his business. Poise, confidence, friendliness make his presence pure pleasure. I am sure the public and his colleagues will miss him when he retires. A one of a kind. Thxs for you outstanding service

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Isn't he already semi-retired? He only does the voiceovers now. Honestly, I think MW set a trap for themselves by not having more recognizeable faces on the reviews. If he leaves for good, then the show would be pointless; they are the last ones to do a review on a given model and are not nearly as in-depth as the other auto reviewers.

[@manthony225]

The Kia is "not terribly memorable to drive" but it gets 2nd place?

[@jccoello]

The fact that it gives you so much features for so little money its a huge factor of the place! :D

[@manthony225]

If I didn't care if my car was memorable drive, I'd get a Carolla over a Kia.

[@jccoello]

manthony225 with that price? :)

[@misamisatv]

I like the Kia because it's cuter!

[@wolvesvape5100]

manthony225 I don't know how? For real!!!

[@HodsBroo]

Toyota Corolla is my choice for sure, never breaks!

[@mxer652]

I'm a truck guy but recently bought a 16 Civic turbo for my wife. I drove all brands and am fairly bias towards Chevy and initially thought I would be buying the new cruze. However after driving all of the major players it was clear how good the Honda really is. I can't argue with the results at all. She drives 100% city and averages 33mpg and we see mid 40s on the highway, the few times I drive it. Time will tell how it holds up, but so far its has been far more reliable them my 16 Silverado which is currently is a lawsuit to be lemoned.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

bboyce536 Are you serious? What specifically made you drop Chevy for Honda?

[@sportsMike87]

bboyce536 I can't take any Chevy seriously due to their incredibly annoying commericals.

[@mxer652]

July last year. I've owned 6 GM pickups and this will likely be my last.

[@mxer652]

Well I still have my 16 Silverado but in comparison to why I didn't pick the Cruze over the Civic was many things. First let me state that the new Cruze is leaps and bounds better then the old one, but it's still a cheap car. The materials feel cheap, the fit and finish seems lacking and even thought the engine has more power then before, its still felt lacking. The Honda we bought is a base Turbo and MSRP was cheaper then the Cruze's we were looking at. The Honda materials feel very good and the main thing was how the car handled and drove. For an economy car, this car is very engaging with the Turbo. I am a gearhead myself and Ive owned many 500+ Hp manual cars. I thought the CVT would be a joke, but honestly, I find it enjoyable. I try to steal my wifes car whenever I can for small errands and beat on it, while still managing 30+ MPG vs the 15mpg I get around town in my truck.

[@mxer652]

I don't have TV, only internet. Helps that I'm not forced to watch them, but I don't know who has their head up their ass far enough to think these ads are helping sales. I like the videos on youtube the guy does about if Chevy ads were actually real.

[@tommytufguy3432]

This is the first time I don't see the Mazda 3 being in the top two, let alone not in the top 4.

[@ryan16653]

Brad Lawson Mazda’s are always first have you seen their marketing budget

[@miatand1156]

I hate that company. Most overrated car ever. They make very troublesome cars with really poor quality and won't fix things under warranty. I was spoilt owning a most reliable Hyundai and many of my family have owned quality, reliable Hyundais and Kias amd the aftersales care would make Mercedes blush.

[@mitch7850]

Just shopped all these cars and went with the 2017 Cruze Premier. It should have definitely been on the list. The VW has been the same the last 10 years, the Cruze has a more upscale interior than all of these- much better lines- real leather on dash and actual chrome accents inside- same used in Cadillacs. Most connectivity and easiest to use touch screen by far. The Honda is nice, but the CVT was awful compared to the Cruze trans- which is conventional. The layout of controls much better than Civic- actual volume button! Also Cruze was one of the 2017 Consumer Reports top 10 picks. I'm not a Chevy fanboy either, this is my first Chevy- hands down it was the best car for the money. If your shopping definitely check out all, especially Cruze.

[@DeeeBeee123]

The cruze is nice and sporty. But the backseat is so cramped. And the interior just seems small. And weird front seats. But other than that very stylish and sporty car

[@ruzzelladrian907]

I’d pick the Corolla because of standard Toyota Safety Sense C and full LED headlights, DRLs, and fog lights.

[@09NXN06]

I heard a lot of great things about the new Impreza.

[@omarkhanlilcurry]

Can you guys review an Imperial Star Destroyer please?

[@AlastorTheNPDemon]

"On our road test, we found the handling to be less than sporty. However, speed has proven to be superior, with lightspeed achieved in under three seconds."

[@omarkhanlilcurry]

Are you a lusty argonian?

[@AlastorTheNPDemon]

omar khan Nope, that's the girl. I'm the Sultry Argonian Bard.

[@abdullahzafar6126]

Cool video, can’t wait for a 2021 version of this 👍🏽👍🏽

[@vincedigiovanni7515]

Mazda should've been number 1. They've definitely stepped up their game in that last few years (2014+ models). I would know this, because I leased a 2015 Mazda 3 i touring hatch. Couldn't have asked for a better first car let alone first brand new car. Great on gas (30mpg city & 40mpg highway). Sophisticated yet a little on the sporty side in terms of appearance. Safe. Easy simple controls. Tf these people thinking lmao

[@jamesp504]

Vince DiGiovanni I disagree. The engine is mediocre at best, and the interior design is lazy. The navigation looks like a tablet was glued to the dash, almost like an afterthought. It's a handsome car, that handles well, but it's rather slow and overpriced. You can buy a much better car with more power for less money. That's the point of this comparison; what is the best value? Definitely not the Mazda.

[@vincedigiovanni7515]

How much power do you want out of a daily driver 4 cylinder engine though? 2.0 lower trim models have about 155 hp. 2.5 upper trim models have about 185 hp. It's not a racecar lol. 2017 models are even improved from my 2015. Even more car for money than before.

[@jccoello]

I like this video... finally the mazda is not on the top 3, that shows that this people its doing the comparison based on the rest of the consumers... not the "sporty driving kind of guy/gal" :D

[@CptPandy-tj9ty]

Love my Chevy Cruze

[@dustinanderson5886]

Under-rated its the best looking car of the bunch and the interior is in a class of it's own. Plus it's rated top 10 for reliability. Honestly I think they just hate on it because its a Chevy. If it had a Honda or Toyota badge they'd never shut up about it.

[@bluesky5384]

Cool.

[@noredcr]

The Mazda isn't in the top 4? Who paid you guys off? 😂

[@jeepthing98]

Just commented the same thing how the hell did the archaic Jetta get higher honors here?

[@jamesp504]

noredcr I personally think it sucks. The base model isn't worth buying, and the highest trim isn't exactly worth what they're asking. It handles well, but it's not as powerful as it should be and that navigation screen looks like an afterthought, like a tablet adhered to the dash.

[@lookitsrain9552]

The jetta is such an outdated gutless turd with the 1.4

[@jeepthing98]

Passthedutch 9890 none of the cars tested were base models, but yeah I wouldnt buy a hubcap equipped stripped model of any of these. im not shocked the Civic ranked 1, im shocked the lame duck Jetta ranked so high.

[@Fadic4]

noredcr it looks so ugly. Too girly. The interior with that aftermarket looking tablet is a horrible idea.

[@jlcii]

Love the new civic, totally agree with this choice.

[@kmckenzie2461]

I would take the Kia Forte S. Cabt beat the warranty, features, and price. My sister got a 2017 Forte S for well under $20,000.00 and it has Apple Car Play with a huge screen and so much more in a very sharp looking package. Plus akia is very reliable. Whe had a 2011 Kia Sould before it with 80,000 miles on it and it was an excellent car. Keep up the good work Kia.

[@paulhenry913]

Drove the Civic bought a Impreza sport and love it

[@Slim1986]

of course Civic #1

[@alpzepta]

Hyundai Elantra is the best. Everything look like they are $50000. I'm so impressed and they have nice welcome melodies chime. Honda have non of that hahahaha!

[@xXBurntBaconXx]

I know its not a sedan, but if it was my money I would buy a base model, Civic Hatchback. $20k, 170hp 1.5L Turbo (In the Sedan you have to go for a higher trim, on the hatchback its standard), 6-sp manual. AUX and Bluetooth are standard.

[@AndyZULUL]

They managed to make a 2017 video look like is from early 2000

[@williamheinsinger7390]

Honda is the BEST , I have a 2005 Accord 2 dr 4 cylinder auto trans with 338, 000 miles on the ORIGINAL MOTOR and TRANSMISSION STILL RUNS like a CHAMP 💪👍

[@grandemage]

Rather odd to not have Ford or Nissan in the mix... =/

[@Rosso488]

They are so overdue for a remodel that’s why they were left out.

[@carwrtr1]

The Ford Focus should have been in this test. It’s beyond time that Motorweek started testing cars with automatic transmissions; most Americans drive automatics. Manual transmissions are in the minority!

[@chuckers40]

It would be interesting if Motorweek does this same test with the hatchback counterparts. I don't think you would get the same exact results with the sedan versions. The new look Subaru Impreza is the real sleeper of the bunch.

[@AlarakTheHighLord]

after driving my 2016 dodge dart I'd rather drive my 98 1ton dually or 94 suburban

[@ryushishiratori2312]

the dart is probably one of the worst compacts out there, so yeah.....

[@jamesp504]

Greg H The dart is literally the worst compact available

[@danr4197]

Good luck with that "Earth Dreams" in the Civic!!

[@renaudgiguere7496]

Why would anyone buy a sedan over a hatchback is beyond me... Hatchbacks are so practical and have such big cargo capacity compared to sedans, and they look so much better. I never even considered buying anything that wasn't hatchback or station wagon....

[@zhbvenkhoReload]

You guys only driving automatic ones?

[@runforit420]

No Ford Focus? Not a surprised because Ford really hasn't done anything to it except apply some lip gloss in a new front end in 2015. It's still the same car underneath when it was launched in early 2011.

[@josemendoza4645]

Subaru needs to take civics CVT strong points and apply it to their car. I get torn between the civic, corolla, subaru . They all have their strong suits . Civic is fun and powerful , Carolla is cheap and durable, Subaru is safe and practicle. I'd take either 3 honestly, but the AWD and new global platform top safety rating Subaru just has something all the others strive for.

[@HobbyTimeSeattle]

Civic for the win!

[@woohunter1]

How did the civic beat the awd Subaru?

[@jmdzero]

so i went to the Honda site and did a build comparison. I think this scenario should be re-done as the Kia Forte had more HP and features than the Honda Civic for same price @ $23k!! I think Hyundai would of faired better also I would have picked a Mitsubishi Lancer before a Jetta. Can't wait till A.I. is doing "unbiased " we humans would have only the emotional factor or 1st impression vote!?

[@canddmeyer]

MW takes the info from Cars.com but doesn't provide a link. How come no link to the Cars.com comparo?

[@MartyMcFly451]

I like Honda it's nice

[@justabagel5173]

id buy a focus

[@geigerzoola6642]

Why is the Kia 2nd place? Swap it with the Elantra or the Mazda

[@SweeneyJeffreyJ]

I think the new civic has had some reliability problems, but I’m not sure.

[@brandontollison7800]

Why no Ford Focus?

[@76carmel]

Also, the Focus is starting to show its age. The current generation model is in its 6th model year, so Ford will eventually remodel the car.

[@justabagel5173]

i have a manual and mines fine .

[@spook5756]

Brandon Tollison well, because they're overall shitty cars.

[@rudytaneloruxy9491]

You can get a hyundai elantra gt 6 spd for this price. It loses on MPG and Lane assist but smokes everyone of these cars in the dollar to content to fun dept. I test drove one and I would eat the minor fuel costs to drive something thats way more fun then these cars and arguably better looking then most or all of them. If you enjoy driving test drive a gt before you purchase any of these othere. Unless you live in a super snowy place, then the Subie might make sense. Drifting subies in sno is super fun.

[@nlpnt]

Elantra GT moves to the new generation platform in a matter of months - I sat in one at NYIAS, it's impressive. If you like the current one better, wait for a clearance deal.

[@rudytaneloruxy9491]

nlpnt I mis spoke, I meant to say I test drove a sport. Although when the GT arrives with the same rear suspension and 200 Hp engine I will look at that as well. Anyway the sport with a manual is pretty dam awesome for under 23k. The only thing that sucks is the dual clutch is supposed to be significantly better at MPG. Hyundai isnt very good at MPG in general and have been busted a few times for inflated MPG claims.

[@nlpnt]

In general it's easier to program automatics (of all types) to get better MPG on the test protocol since engineers can control the shift points, which isn't *quite* cheating since if you drive similarly in similar conditions you will get that; manuals tend to post worse official numbers but are more likely to equal or even better them in the real world.

[@rudytaneloruxy9491]

nlpnt Thats probably a good point, if you pick your gears properly with the MT it should be closer. Somehow Im sure my MpGs will be worse just because I want to spin the motor more with an MT just for fun.

[@Animefreak242]

"Fun to drive" isn't a category. Why is something so subjective always brought up? And how could the Forte, which "isn't terribly memorable to drive", be in second place?

[@peten6445]

i have to disagree with the vehicle picks. The jetta is junk. The hyundia would have been a better pick.

[@PresidentJackBauer]

The forte is worse than the Elantra

[@MatthewTheCCMA]

I cannot believe the Jetta beat the corolla 😂😂😂😂

[@MatthewTheCCMA]

Lolol I should have looked at the comments. 😂 I was so excited the. I saw you guys decided to not say even a WORD about the Corolla.

[@Mr.Worf63]

My 2016 Elantra GT is a great car , 173Hp , 38Mpg ( Highway ) Well equipped at the GL model level .

[@honkhonkler7732]

Why is there no Ford Focus? That car is right among the top of the class.

[@RomanM803]

Mazda 3 Honda civic Hyundai Elantra Subaru Impreza

[@misamisatv]

Lol that jaylen bond really is unpopular everywhere he goes isn't he. xD

[@jrodscluster]

Mazda 3 should definitely be top 4. 2.0 engine with 155hp, 32mpg combined, by far the best interior in its class at any trim level. you guys should have some car people review these cars not john and stacy from texas lol

[@Lenoch_]

This dude and "BEE-EM-DUBBEYA"

[@nlpnt]

Rematch with manual hatchbacks. please!

[@ViperVenom]

what about the Focus

[@davidaubin3902]

No question Civic won. Looks great, interior great. Nice style.

[@justabagel5173]

won

[@aaronphillips5197]

Why no Sentra??!?

[@2Kriss2Kross]

Because the Sentra is a dreadful appliance with garbage quality, reliability, and drive and wouldn't have made it to the top anyways.

[@aaronphillips5197]

Mr. Hand well I don't really agree with it being unreliable and dreadful... I just think that it has now been placed into the same maturity and the corolla when people say that it is an appliance..

[@esteban75lover23]

Aaron Phillips it's a shit bucket tbh

[@bludmakesgrassgrow]

Subaru all day, AWD trumps everything else

[@paulhenry913]

I drove all and the Impreza sport is the clearly the better car

[@andresukhoo5078]

do a 2020 edition!

[@Pechelo75]

And where is the Ford Focus?

[@MugatuJag]

A Honda Civic trouble-free yeah right, Hondas just aren't what they used to be, they make great engines but they're not reliable anymore

[@Trendyflute]

Five cars and you give us four places? I mean, I know the 80/20 rule but this is ridiculous!

[@dontknow7427]

Moterweek always picks the ones that nobody buys or the least popular ones like Subaru Mazda Volkswagen

[@spook5756]

I'd like to see the results after 40,000 mile long term test.🤔

[@DeeeBeee123]

Or 150,000 miles. Because the Volkswagen kia and Hyundai wouldn't have made it. Lol it would be Corolla and civic like always 🙄

[@randybruno5057]

No Nissan ?

[@TAEbot]

Mazda 3 & Impreza would be my top choice especially the Subaru w/ awd and still less than the civic.

[@jonnyg234]

MAZDA 3 ❤️

[@mr.c493]

Civics are strong cars but this new design is ugly. The rear bumper has all those plastic that are not necessary. I've seen too many already missing those black attachments, im not sure what's the purpose of having them. To me, the corolla is the best looking. The Jetta drives horrible, I test drove one and the transmission shifts poorly.

[@misamisatv]

I like the way the sedan looks, but I hate the rear tail lights of the coupe.

[@mr.c493]

Richard Joash Tan grow up dude. The only one full of shit is YOU!

[@KehY91]

Are you kidding me? Where's the Mazda 3?!

[@HiFiInsider]

Wow! Toyota didn't even make the list but the VW did.

[@sportsMike87]

VW designs are about as exciting as watching paint dry

[@TommyboyGTP]

Where's the Nissan Sentra???

[@sirot5561]

A KIA in second place? 😂😂😂😂

[@usmcp]

No Ford focus? Hmm

[@Fadic4]

I'm shocked.

[@J-O-N-]

I can't trust motor week reviews anymore. You put Kia above Toyota? I'm not a fan of either but even I know this is wrong

[@alexcuellar484]

civic easily crushes all

[@kelvinchannel9592]

I'm a huge fan of chevy but the cruze look so cheap compared to the other competitors

[@red58fury]

Ill stick with my 1995 Corolla with over 248,000 miles on it as my dirty daily for now. Our 5 series in the weekend and long distance car.

[@michaelc.6306]

just over $23K The Nissan Sentra SL without the additional moonroof package... with great size, great handling, comfortable ride, nice dual zone Climate, Alloy Wheels, LED Projector headlights, & Navigation is Very Nice & would beat MOST of these Hands Down!

[@jamesp504]

Michael C. No it wouldn't. It's one of the slowest cars in it's class, it's rather hideous, has a cvt, handles like crap... they didn't include it because no one wants one.

[@michaelc.6306]

Have you driven one?

[@misamisatv]

You probably won't receive an answer. "Armchair" car experts are everywhere.

[@michaelc.6306]

misamisatv True That! I thought perhaps they were out Test driving a Sentra Turbo ;)

[@WazVlogz]

Better version of the hyundai elantra!!?? How dare you

[@jeepthing98]

"Time is short so we'll only talk about the top 4" I will gladly sit in front of my PC or look at my phone for a full 10-12 minutes to see how these cars did top to bottom. I'm actually curious what was #8, but my guess is the Corolla after getting hit with the ugly stick for 2017 and being just the boring appliance it has been for years. How the Jetta beat the Mazda3 here baffles me. The Jetta hasn't been restyled in nearly a decade inside or out, and has terrible resale value and dubious reliability. The Mazda3 has a gorgeous high quality interior, is actually engaging to drive and doesn't have the reliability or resale issues like the VW or Kia.

[@BMan100]

I'm going to miss the Dodge Dart...

[@AlarakTheHighLord]

B-MAN I hate my dodge dart it's super slow and bad on gas

[@tomhertz1614]

+Greg H (Zergling) Be grateful you have a car. People in Africa would love a dart :)

[@BMan100]

I had one in mexico for two years, loved the sound of the engine, I was getting around 750Kms per tank, the 2.0 is slow but the car rides really well.

[@AlarakTheHighLord]

B-MAN if it had at least 200 hp or a v6 the car would be perfect

[@tomhertz1614]

+B-MAN I love my 2.0 at high revs taking corners.

[@th-l8936]

Where's the Ford Focus?

[@th-l8936]

MRT Hi! That's great about your Focus. We used to have one, but we traded it in for a new Volvo S90. Fair enough what you said about the body, but the description says that the video is an assembly of the 8 best sellers, and there are way more Focus than Impreza and Forte.

[@carsanmar13]

Hey what the fuck...where's the nissan sentra?

[@A1_Gass]

how is a kia sporty wtf

[@brabus3295]

I think the Mazda should have been 1st. The Honda is garbage and looks ugly.

[@maximusareilius2262]

no way kia beats mazda and toyota. no way.

[@incheon]

I used to love Honda until they went with cvt, completely ruins the ride for me. Tried finding a manual almost impossible. Last hopes are type r and si for me I guess.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

incheon I'd be impressed if you picked up the Type R. Lots of people are getting squirmy at the pricing

[@olaco5150]

Unfortunately, I don’t like Asian cars at all. I really don’t get connected to those bad looking designs and performance

[@Kingthin]

Sorry I grew up watching u guys. At this point I think Honda and Toyota pay you off. The Mazda 3 is far better and refined compared to a plastic lame civc

[@miguelircontar]

Team Corolla.

[@connordurham8216]

I’m sorry but this seems biased because the Corolla is a way better value

[@WeKnowTheTruth2012]

Pros: Light and simple mechanica Great gas Easy to drive Cons: Slow slow slooow unless they have turbo even then SLOW Cheap plastics very cheap cheap everything lol

[@swanblake]

just horrible motorweak

[@SuperCookieGaming_]

honda is not hassle free driving. the transmission on both my mom and dad’s honda were broken after only 50k miles both needed to get a new trans. i will never buy a honda

[@MrCarGuy]

Corolla would be the most reliable but I would personally go GM or VW.

[@Tabish13327]

kia is better version of Hyundai elantra 😂😂😂😂😂

[@josemanuel5749]

Forte... The only one with rear A/C ( Why the others brands dont put it >:v )

[@kballard5415]

Cruze