While the market for compact cars continues to shrink, there remains a dedicated fan base who keeps resisting the move toward SUVs as the default vehicle option.

Part of the reason they can remain so loyal to their vehicle of choice is because of the strong new options that continue to be pushed out each year by the manufacturers still working in this segment.

Take for example the Hyundai Elantra, a compact ride that’s been in the U.S. market for more than 30 years, and is now on its seventh generation.

I recently spent some time testing the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, which stands out in the segment due its bold design, including distinct creasing and angles, that make it stand out among compact sedans, along with some of the best technology in the segment.

Competing with popular vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Sentra is no picnic, but the Elantra does a strong job of holding up as an overall package — even if it may not lead the segment in all categories.

Read on for a full breakdown on this standout sedan that gives you a lot for a reasonable price.

When a vehicle has been around for 50 years, like the Honda Civic can boast, it obviously has some good things going for it.

But even a popular model like the Civic needs to change now and then, and for 2022 the Honda Civic has undergone its latest reimagining — the 11th overall generation of the vehicle.

The results have paid off, with this compact ride being selected as the 2022 North American Car of the Year.

The redesigned Civic — which comes in sedan and hatchback versions — encompasses an upscale and roomy interior design, a sharper looking exterior, and the inclusion of additional safety features to bring the vehicle into the modern era of high-tech cars.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2022 Honda Civic, and I’m back with a full report.

Despite the seemingly unstoppable trend toward SUVs and other larger vehicles, the class of small but fun-to-drive cars still has its share of devotees.

One such contender in this niche category is the Mazda3, which comes in sedan and hatchback models.

This vehicle hasn’t had a full redesign since 2019, but the 2021 version does introduce some new engine options and make other slight refreshes.

I recently got a chance to test out the impressive 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback model, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up, and who might be a good fit for this vehicle.

In the compact car segment, the Mazda3 fills a very specific role: Typically this sporty little ride will appeal mostly to driving enthusiasts, while the masses generally shy away and move toward more traditional best-sellers. But should they?

I recently spent some time in the 2020 Mazda3 hatchback, which carries over most of the 2019 version’s reinvention, and I’m back with a full report on whether it has the goods to try to move beyond its traditional role in the compact world.

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Featuring Mazda’s unique front overhang and grille design, and extra-sharp side lines, the exterior of the Mazda3 features a striking design that will garner lots of positive feedback. The only downside of the design is that it allows for poor rear visibility.

When we start talking size, remember that this is a compact car. So by nature it’s small, and it has limited storage space compared to its rivals in the segment. The rear seats are tight for adults (but good for children). For families, I would recommend moving up to a larger sedan (within the brand, the Mazda6 is a strong option that’s more roomy than the Mazda3).