Choosing the right car, especially for new drivers or those on a budget, can be a daunting task. Safety, reliability, and affordability are often top priorities. If you’re in the market for a good small car that ticks all these boxes, you’re in the right place. Based on rigorous safety evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and reliability ratings from Consumer Reports (CR), we’ve compiled a list of recommended small cars that offer peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Why Choose a Small Car?
Small cars are an excellent choice for many drivers, particularly those navigating city streets or seeking fuel efficiency. They are typically more affordable to purchase and operate than larger vehicles, making them budget-friendly options for students, commuters, and small families. While some might have concerns about the safety of smaller vehicles, modern engineering and safety features have made many small cars remarkably safe. The models recommended here have all undergone stringent safety testing and meet high standards for crashworthiness.
For those prioritizing safety without sacrificing practicality and economy, a good small car can be the ideal solution. Our recommendations are categorized into used “Best Choices,” “Good Choices” offering more affordability, and top-rated new models, ensuring there’s a safe small car for various needs and budgets.
Best Used Small Cars: Top Safety and Reliability
For buyers considering the used car market, we’ve identified “Best Choices” among small cars that offer an exceptional combination of safety and reliability. These vehicles have achieved “good” ratings in key IIHS crash tests, including the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, and at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. Where rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these models also earned 4 or 5 stars overall. Furthermore, “Best Choice” selections include standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems with “advanced” or “superior” ratings from IIHS for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
Reliability is equally important, and these recommended used small cars boast above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) from Consumer Reports for most listed model years. They also have commendable emergency handling scores and short dry braking distances, enhancing overall safety and driver confidence.
Among the top picks for used small cars in the “Best Choices” category are:
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Toyota Corolla (sedan or hatchback): Starting at around $10,600 for the 2017 sedan or 2019 hatchback models, the Toyota Corolla is renowned for its longevity and fuel efficiency. Its consistent high safety ratings and reliability scores make it a standout choice.
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Toyota Prius: Priced from approximately $13,800 for the 2017 model and newer, the Toyota Prius is not only fuel-efficient but also highly rated for safety and reliability. Its hatchback design also provides added versatility for cargo.
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Mazda 3 (sedan or hatchback): For a slightly sportier driving experience without compromising safety, the Mazda 3, starting around $16,400 for 2021-22 models, is an excellent option. It combines agile handling with top safety scores and solid reliability.
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Honda Civic (sedan or hatchback): Beginning at about $17,600 for 2021 or newer models, the Honda Civic is another perennial favorite in the small car segment. It offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and strong safety credentials.
These “Best Choice” used small cars provide a high level of safety and reliability, making them smart buys for those prioritizing these factors in a pre-owned vehicle.
Good Used Small Cars: More Affordable, Still Safe
For car buyers seeking even greater affordability in the used market, the “Good Choices” category presents excellent options. These small cars maintain a strong emphasis on safety, meeting the same IIHS and NHTSA safety criteria as the “Best Choices.” They also uphold the standards for above-average reliability and braking performance. The primary difference lies in potentially older model years, which translates to lower purchase prices.
“Good Choices” represent a sweet spot for value-conscious buyers who do not want to compromise on safety and reliability. While they may lack the advanced automatic emergency braking systems standard in the “Best Choices,” they still provide robust crash protection and dependable performance.
Notable “Good Choices” among used small cars include:
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Mazda 3 (sedan or hatchback): Starting at a more accessible price of around $5,800 for 2014-17 models (built after October 2013), earlier models of the Mazda 3 remain a solid choice. They offer the same engaging driving dynamics and commendable safety ratings as newer versions, but at a lower cost.
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Ford C-Max Hybrid: For those interested in a hybrid at a lower price point, the Ford C-Max Hybrid, available from about $7,100 for 2015-16 models, is worth considering. It provides good fuel economy along with satisfactory safety and reliability.
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Honda Civic sedan: The 2014 Honda Civic sedan, priced around $7,900, offers Honda’s renowned reliability and safety in a more budget-friendly package. It remains a practical and safe option for daily driving.
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Toyota Prius: Earlier models of the Toyota Prius (2014-16, built after November 2013), starting around $9,400, continue to be excellent choices for a safe and fuel-efficient small car. The Prius’s reputation for longevity and low running costs makes it a smart used car purchase.
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Subaru Impreza (sedan and wagon): For those needing all-wheel drive in a small car, the Subaru Impreza (2019-20 models), starting at approximately $13,200, is a unique option in this category. Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive provides added traction and stability, and the Impreza maintains good safety and reliability scores.
These “Good Choices” demonstrate that it’s possible to find safe and reliable used small cars without exceeding a tight budget. Careful selection from this list can lead to significant savings while still prioritizing safety and dependability.
Top New Small Cars: For the Highest Level of Safety
For buyers prioritizing the latest safety technology and features, new cars are the way to go. Our recommendations for new small cars are all winners of the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. This signifies the highest level of safety performance in crash tests and crash prevention. These new models all come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking and have demonstrated average or better reliability in Consumer Reports surveys. They also excel in emergency handling and braking tests, and receive good or better ratings for ease of use of their controls.
While new cars come with a higher price tag, they offer the most advanced safety features and the peace of mind of a new vehicle warranty. For those who can afford it, choosing a top-rated new small car is an investment in the highest level of safety available.
Leading new small cars that meet these stringent criteria include:
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Subaru Impreza: Starting around $23,400, the new Subaru Impreza continues its tradition of safety and now includes even more advanced features. Its standard all-wheel drive and Top Safety Pick+ award make it a standout new small car for safety-conscious buyers.
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Mazda 3 (sedan or hatchback): Priced from approximately $24,300, the latest Mazda 3 maintains its sporty appeal while adding top-tier safety. Its Top Safety Pick+ designation and engaging driving dynamics make it a compelling new small car.
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Toyota Prius: The redesigned Toyota Prius, starting around $28,300, elevates both style and safety. With its Top Safety Pick+ award and legendary fuel efficiency, the new Prius is a leader in the hybrid small car segment.
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Toyota Prius Prime: For those seeking a plug-in hybrid with top safety ratings, the Toyota Prius Prime, starting around $33,600, is an excellent choice. It combines electric driving capability with the safety and reliability of the Prius family.
These top-rated new small cars represent the pinnacle of safety in their class. They offer the latest advancements in crash protection and accident avoidance, making them the safest choices for those purchasing new.
Conclusion: Safe Small Cars are a Smart Choice
When it comes to choosing a vehicle, especially for safety-conscious individuals or families, Good Small Cars offer a compelling blend of safety, reliability, and affordability. Whether you opt for a “Best Choice” used model, a budget-friendly “Good Choice,” or a top-of-the-line new car, prioritizing safety ratings from IIHS and reliability data from Consumer Reports is crucial. The models listed here represent some of the best small cars available, providing peace of mind and dependable transportation for years to come. Remember to always check for recalls and ensure the vehicle meets your specific needs and budget. Choosing a safe small car is a responsible decision that prioritizes your well-being and offers excellent value.
