Buyers Guide: Best Small Cars for 2023

In an era where the world is rapidly evolving towards more sustainable and practical transportation options, small cars have taken a predominant role. These compact marvels offer the perfect blend of efficiency, style, and affordability, making them a top choice for many discerning drivers. 

In this article, we list the best examples of these nimble and compact cars in no particular order. From sleek and aerodynamic designs to impressive fuel efficiency, small cars are ideal for city driving because they are easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. They are also typically more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles. 

1. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
2. 2023 MINI Hardtop 2-Door
3. 2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback
4. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
5. 2023 Nissan Leaf
6. 2023 BMW M2
7. 2023 Subaru WRX
8. 2023 Toyota Prius Prime
9. 2023 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
10. 2023 Nissan Versa

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Via Chevrolet

Specifications

• MSRP: $26,000 USD / $38,995 CAD
• Engine: Permanent Magnet Synchronous AC Motor
• Battery: 65 kWh Lithium-Ion 
• Power / Torque: 200 hp / 266 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 120 MPGe combined / 416 km per charge
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is an electric car known for its affordable price, spacious interior, and long range. The Bolt EV also comes with a standard DC fast-charging port, so you can quickly charge it up on the go. 

Amenities include a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a suite of driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.

2023 MINI Hardtop 2-Door

Via MINI

Specifications

• MSRP: $25,800 USD / $29,900 CAD
• Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged I3
• Power / Torque: 134 hp / 162 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 32 MPG combined / 6.0/100km combined 
• Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile

Our Take

The Mini Cooper is known for its go-kart-like handling, thanks to its short wheelbase, wide track, and lightweight construction. It’s a blast to drive on winding roads, and it’s very responsive. It also has an iconic retro-modern design.

The Mini Cooper is a small car, but it is surprisingly spacious for its size. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s enough room in the back for two adults to sit comfortably.

2023 Mazda3 Hatchback

Via Mazda

Specifications

• MSRP: $22,500 USD / $23,900 CAD
• Engine: 2.5L I4
• Power / Torque: 191 hp / 186 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 27 MPG / 8.2L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The Mazda3 hatchback is well regarded in its segment for its appealing styling, spacious interiors, and enjoyable driving experience. Although a small car, the 2023 Mazda3 wants to compete with luxury brands by offering a higher-quality feel. 

It boasts a sleek design and brisk performance, with two potent four-cylinder options: a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and a peppier turbocharged engine with the same displacement.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Via Toyota

Specifications

• MSRP: $23,155USD / $23,500 CAD
• Engine: 2.0L I4
• Power / Torque: 169 hp / 151 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 35 MPG combined / 6.7L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist are all part of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which comes standard on every Corolla.

With a base price of $23,000, the Corolla is one of the cheapest small cars on the market, and its gasoline-only and hybrid powertrains are among the most fuel-efficient available.

2023 Nissan Leaf

Via Nissan

Specifications

• MSRP: $29,155 USD / $41,200 CAD
• Engine: Permanent Magnet Synchronous AC Motor
• Battery: 40.0 kWh Lithium-Ion
• Power / Torque: 214 hp / 251 lb-ft
• Drive-train: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 111 MPGe / 364 kms per charge
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The 2021 Nissan Leaf stands out as an electric vehicle due to its affordability, eco-friendliness, and practicality. It offers a commendable all-electric range, making it suitable for daily commuting. 

The Leaf’s advanced ProPILOT Assist system provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience. Its spacious interior, user-friendly tech features, and responsive acceleration create a pleasant driving experience.

2023 BMW M2

Via BMW

Specifications

• MSRP: $62,000 USD / $76,500 CAD
• Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-Six
• Power / Torque: 453 hp / 406lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 19 MPG combined / 11.6L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile

Our Take

The M2 uses a “detuned” version of the 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six seen in the contemporary M3 and M4, yet it still produces a remarkable 453 hp. Two automatic transmissions—a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed M Steptronic—are available.

The M2’s manual gearbox brings to mind the iconic muscle cars rapidly disappearing from the roads. However, its superior traction and body control allow it to be surprisingly nimble. 

2023 Subaru WRX

Via Subaru

Specifications

• MSRP: $30,600 USD / $32,495 CAD
• Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged Flat-4
• Power / Torque: 271 hp / 258 lb-ft
• Drivetrain AWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 22 MPG combined / 10.8L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on the 2023 Subaru WRX, giving it superior traction and handling in any weather. Its turbocharged Boxer engine makes it quick off the line and able to pull away from the competition, and its track-tuned suspension allows for precise handling and a smooth ride. 

The WRX comes equipped with a high-quality safety suite and a multimedia system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime

Via Toyota

Specifications

• MSRP: $33,445 USD / $38,150 CAD
• Engine: 2.0L I4 + 2 AC Motors
• Battery: 13.6 kWh Lithium Ion
• Power / Torque: 220 hp / 139 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 54 MPG combined / 4.5L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The new Prius Prime has a lower and broader one-motion profile than the previous generation. Since it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), you can charge the Prius Prime to extend its EV driving range. 

The Prius Prime has a more potent 2.0L engine than the hybrid Prius and offers an available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system that uses a motor to power the rear wheels when extra traction is required (Electronic On-Demand AWD).

2023 Subaru Impreza

Via Subaru

Specifications

• MSRP: $20,800 USD / $23,295 CAD
• Engine: 2.0L I4
• Power / Torque: 152 hp / 145 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 31 MPG combined / 9.0L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

Although the Subaru Impreza may feel sluggish even with the available five-speed manual, its strengths are its class-leading Symmetrical AWD system, safety features, and reliability.

It’s a comfortable car with adequate amenities and is easy to live with. The cabin boasts comfortable armrests, soft-touch plastics, and a superb fit and finish. If you’re in the market for an Impreza and fuel economy is a must, the CVT gets better mileage than the manual gearbox.

2023 Nissan Versa

Via Nissan

Specifications

• MSRP: $15,380 USD / $18,298 CAD
• Engine: 1.6L I4
• Power / Torque: 122 hp / 114 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 10.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 35 MPG combined / 7.7L/100km combined
• Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

The Nissan Versa is a great small sedan with good ride quality, plenty of storage space, cutting-edge safety features, and—the best part—excellent gas efficiency. 

Sadly, the five-speed gearbox that helps you extract more power from the unimpressive four-cylinder engine is exclusive to the entry model. The new Versa is still a reasonably priced, luxurious subcompact sedan with an unexpectedly large variety of driver-assistance technologies.