12) 2020 Mini Cooper Clubman
$30,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
Value: With the highest starting price in its class and below-average fuel economy, the Mini Cooper Clubman starts off poorly when it comes to value. In fact, it has the highest total cost of ownership on our list. Although it is costly, the Clubman is a solid choice for a subcompact car if you are looking for plenty of features and a high predicted reliability rating.
Quality: The Clubman features three robust powertrain options that provide ample speed and power. The Clubman is fun to drive, and its unique cabin design is accented with high-quality, soft-touch materials. All models come with the Mini Connected infotainment system and a 6.5-inch touch screen. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard.
11) 2019 Fiat 500
$16,495 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.3/10
Value: The Fiat 500’s starting price and fuel efficiency rate as average for the subcompact car segment. However, if you are looking for a good commuter car to get around the city, the Fiat 500 may be a good choice.
Quality: The Fiat isn’t the quickest car in its class, but it will get you around town. Its cabin features unique styling, but the use of low-quality materials and plastics cheapen its look. All models come with the brand’s easy-to-use UConnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touch screen. The Fiat 500 has good marks for safety. However its safety features are limited to a standard rearview camera and optional rear parking sensors.
10) 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
$20,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
Value: Ranked near the bottom of our list of subcompact cars, the Volkswagen Beetle is one of the pricier cars on our list. With its subpar fuel economy, you’ll pay more at the pump. Its predicted reliability rating is only average, meaning you may end up spending more than you want on maintenance. Overall, the Beetle isn’t a great value for the money.
Quality: Nostalgic buyers will gravitate toward the Beetle’s distinctive retro design. The car handles well and delivers a composed ride. Its cabin is attractive and comfortably seats four people, but its hard plastics detracts from its appeal. The Beetle is equipped with an easy-to-use but slightly outdated infotainment system and a 5-inch touch screen. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring.
9) 2020 Chevrolet Spark
$13,220 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
Value: The Chevrolet Spark has the lowest base price in its class. It gets decent gas mileage, and it has an above-average predicted reliability rating and a long list of standard technology features. Its total cost of ownership falls in the middle of our rankings.
Quality: With its weak powertrain, the Chevrolet Spark is best driven around town. Its small footprint and tight turning radius make it easy to maneuver around busy streets and park in cramped areas. The Spark’s basic cabin design uses lower-quality materials and has seats that lack support. Still, this car has a lengthy list of features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 7-inch touch screen. A rearview camera is standard. Rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking are optional.
8) 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage
$13,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 5.0/10
Value: The Mitsubishi Mirage boasts a low starting price, outstanding fuel economy, and the lowest total cost of ownership in the subcompact car segment.
Quality: The Mirage struggles to hold its own against rivals. Its engine feels slow and weak, and its ride is unpleasant. The cabin is roomy, but its extensive use of low-quality plastics makes it look cheap. The Mirage does shine with its easy-to-use infotainment system and 7-inch touch screen. It has good safety ratings and comes with a rearview camera.
7) 2019 Mini Cooper
$21,900 l U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
Value: The Mini Cooper’s total cost of ownership is one of the highest in the subcompact car class. In fact, its ownership costs over five years are more than $10,000 higher than most of its competitors in the segment.
Quality: The Mini Cooper feels quick, handles well, and is fun to drive. Its opulent cabin features synthetic leather and high-quality materials. The seating is plush and supportive. Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and an 8.8-inch touch screen are available. The Mini Cooper was named a Top Safety Pick for 2019. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and automatic headlights.
6) 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
$16,720 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
Value: The Chevrolet Sonic has a higher base price than many rivals, and it trails competitors in fuel economy and total cost of ownership, which means you’ll ultimately pay more to own this car than most of the other models on this list.
Quality: The fun-to-drive Sonic feels peppy and quick. Its roomy interior can seat five people comfortably. The Sonic has a stylish cabin, but its extensive use of hard plastics can make it look cheap. All models come with the user-friendly Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System and a 7-inch touch screen. A rearview camera is standard.
5) 2020 Hyundai Accent
$15,195 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10
Value: The Hyundai Accent features one of the lowest starting prices in its class. It achieves decent fuel economy and it's one of the cheapest models in the segment to own for five years.
Quality: The Accent provides a comfortable ride overall, but it can feel choppy on rough pavement. Its cabin is well-appointed despite its wide use of hard plastics. The Accent has a roomy interior and comfortably seats up to five people. All models get Bluetooth, a USB port, a 5-inch touch screen, and a rearview camera.
4) 2020 Nissan Versa
$14,730 |U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Value: Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Versa retains its below-average starting price. Its total cost of ownership is average for the subcompact car class. With its high fuel economy, you’ll find yourself filling up at the gas station less frequently. Its stellar predicted reliability rating also means you may end up saving money on repairs.
Quality: Ranked high on our list of subcompact cars, the Versa sports a recently redesigned cabin trimmed with soft cloth upholstery and higher-quality plastics. However, the Versa's power and acceleration are subpar. All models come with a 7-inch touch screen; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. The Versa’s long list of standard safety features includes forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera.
3) 2020 Toyota Yaris
$15,650 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
Value: The Toyota Yaris, a finalist for our 2020 Best Subcompact Cars for the Money award, boasts a below-average starting price and an above-average predicted reliability rating. It sits in the middle of the class when it comes to total cost of ownership.
Quality: The Yaris is sporty and handles well, but it can be slow to accelerate and feels underpowered on the road. Its interior is stylish and packed with plenty of features such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-inch touch screen. The Yaris comes with a rearview camera and received high marks for safety.
2) 2020 Kia Rio
$15,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
Value: The Kia Rio’s starting price is comparable to rivals in the subcompact segment. Named a finalist for our 2020 Best Subcompact Cars for the Money award, the Rio gets great gas mileage. It has an above-average predicted reliability rating and the fourth-lowest total cost of ownership in its class.
Quality: Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Rio handles well and delivers a smooth ride. Its seats are comfortable, but adults may feel cramped in the back. Even with its use of hard plastics, the Rio’s cabin is more attractive than most rivals' interiors. All models get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touch screen. The Rio received good marks for safety and is equipped with a standard rearview camera.
1) 2020 Honda Fit
$16,190 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
Value: Named the winner of the 2020 Best Subcompact Car for the Money award, the Honda Fit provides top value at an affordable price. The Fit's exceptional fuel economy contributes to its low ownership costs.
Quality: The Fit tops our subcompact car rankings for its roomy interior and cargo area, comfortable seats, and quality materials. It delivers an ample amount of power but its acceleration can be sluggish. Buyers can add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touch screen. All models come with a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance features is available.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Now that you know the 2020 Best Subcompact Car for the Money, check out all of the other winners of our 2020 Best Cars for the Money awards.
If you’re still trying to decide which subcompact car is right for you, check out our subcompact car rankings. When you are ready to buy, take a look at our new car lease deals and purchase deals pages.
Looking to save some money? Check out our Best Price Program for pre-negotiated prices that you can find at your local dealer. Buyers can save an average of more than $3,000 off of the sticker price by going through our Best Price Program.
The 12 Best Subcompact Cars for the Money in 2020
- 2020 Honda Fit
- 2020 Kia Rio
- 2020 Toyota Yaris
- 2020 Nissan Versa
- 2020 Hyundai Accent
- 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
- 2019 Mini Cooper
- 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage
- 2020 Chevrolet Spark
- 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2019 Fiat 500
- 2020 Mini Cooper Clubman
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Here’s the Ranking From the U.S. News Best Subcompact Cars for the Money Award
Known for top-notch fuel efficiency at a low starting price, subcompact cars suit drivers on a budget. Most models on the market today provide a compelling mix of quality and value at an affordable price. With a glut of subcompact nameplates at dealerships today, how do you know what to look for?
We can help you narrow your search with this list of the contenders for our Best Subcompact Car for the Money award. The award and this ranking are based on each model’s quality and overall value.
To measure vehicle value, we use TrueCar average transaction prices and Vincentric five-year total cost of ownership data. Our quality assessment comes from U.S. News scores and rankings, which are derived from a combination of expert reviews from the automotive press, as well as safety and reliability data. Note that our scores and rankings are updated frequently, so the scores mentioned in this slideshow may not match the scores in our reviews.
Check out our list to learn which subcompact car can make the most of your money.