The “hot hatch” category may not be the best-selling type of vehicle in this SUV world we live in, but it’s a segment where many drivers are truly invested and want to keep alive.
These sporty little cars are performance-oriented hatchbacks with fun-to-drive personalities, focused less on transporting the family and cargo space, and more on pure enjoyment of the drive itself.
One of the longtime greats in the hot hatch segment is the Golf GTI, and I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn model. The latest version of the Golf GTI loses its manual transmission option, but still delivers a performance that driving enthusiasts will love.
Technology gets updated with mixed results, but no one can deny the driving experience in the new Golf GTI, which should continue to have its share of fans.
Read on for a full breakdown of how the 2025 Golf GTI holds up vs. other hot hatch competitors — including the Toyota GR Corolla, Honda Civic Type R, and more.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Price as tested $42,295
- Best feature Sporty drive quality
- Rating 3.5 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Hot hatch lovers looking for a fun little ride
People looking for a smaller car these days have fewer options than ever before, but thankfully many in the segment are sticking around for the long haul.
And if you’re looking for something that’s pretty high-end in design but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, your choices are even more thin.
One vehicle that does check this box in 2025 is the compact Mazda3, which comes in both a sedan and hatchback version. It’s attractive, sporty, fun to drive, and it looks and feels more expensive than the price tag would indicate.
I recently tested a 2025 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition AWD sedan, and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up against the remaining compact offerings — such as the Honda Civic, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2025 Mazda3
- Price as tested $31,095; starts around $24K
- Best feature Stout performance, sharp looks/design both inside and out
- Rating 3.5 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Sedan buyers who want some fun in their daily drive, and don’t need much interior space
Automakers are wisely leaning into their hybrid lineups as the switch to EVS happens at a slower pace than many had anticipated.
One brand with a strong hybrid lineup is Hyundai, including its midsize sedan offering — the Sonata hybrid, which competes mainly with hybrids from Toyota (Camry) and Honda (Accord).
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited hybrid, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up in this resurging category of vehicles.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2025 Hyundai Sonata hybrid
- Price as tested $38,810
- Best feature Strong tech features, unique design and roomy interior
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Sedan buyers looking for strong fuel mileage from a hybrid that’s paired with a stylish vehicle design
Hybrids are a major discussion right now in the auto industry as companies pull back on their plans to expand EV lineups.
Many people want fuel efficiency, but still want to be able to go to the gas station, at least until EV prices come down and EV infrastructure is improved.
To reach these people now, vehicles like the 2025 Hyundai Elantra hybrid are plugging the gap and earning increased interest. Offering strong fuel mileage, attractive design, and an affordability EVs can’t deliver yet, they are seeing increased interest.
I recently tested a 2025 Elantra hybrid, and I’m back with a full report on this sold hybrid sedan option — which competes with vehicles such as the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Corolla hybrid and Toyota Prius.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2025 Hyundai Elantra hybrid
- Price as tested $30,810
- Best feature Fuel economy, sharp design, affordability
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Buyers who need a smaller car with strong fuel mileage, bold design and a friendly price tag
Kia’s continued presence in the sedan field with its K4 and K5 offerings shows they are serious about sticking it out in this segment, as many other OEMs are dropping sedan lines to focus on SUVs.
And to spice things up, they have some interesting options available, including the 2025 Kia K5 GT, a turbocharged powerhouse I recently had the pleasure of pedaling.
The K5 is the larger of the two Kia sedan offerings, and this GT offering shows they are able to provide buyers with an option that doubles as both a solid family commuter ride and a fun weekend getaway car.
Read on to learn more about the 2025 Kia K5 GT, and how it holds up against the remaining midsize SUVs battling for critical market share.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2025 Kia K5 GT
- Price as tested $39,625 (starts around $27K)
- Best feature Sharp design, powerful GT model is a blast to drive, strong tech and safety features
- Rating 4.5 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Sedan buyers who like the Kia design, but want a more powerful vehicle option
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