Most Reliable New Cars: 2020 Models – Car and Driver

Launched within the U.S. for 2007, Honda’s Match can be discontinued after the 2020 mannequin 12 months. Perennially one of many extra entertaining automobiles within the sub-compact class, the small five-door hatchback additionally gives the most individuals and cargo area due to its glorious packaging and “magic” rear-seat, which flips up in addition to folds flat.

This 12 months, the front-wheel drive Honda Match is on the market in 4 trim ranges: LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L, with costs beginning proper round $17,000. A factory-installed navigation system is not supplied, however three of the 4 trim ranges have customary Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Beneath the hood is a energetic 130-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with both a six-speed guide transmission or a repeatedly variable (CVT) automated (which drops the horsepower to 128). With the CVT gas economic system estimates are 33 mpg metropolis and 40 mpg on the freeway, that are among the many highest in its class.

With costs beginning round $15,000, Mitsubishi’s smallest automobile is without doubt one of the most inexpensive new automobiles in the marketplace. Solely the Chevy Spark prices much less. Although the Mirage lacks energy, refinement, and sure key driver-assistance options, it does provide spectacular inside area, strong guarantee protection, sturdy gas economic system, and, in response to homeowners surveyed by JD Energy, glorious preliminary high quality.

Accessible as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback, the Mirage is powered by a loud 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that makes simply 78 horsepower. That’s gentle, even for this class. In our testing, zero to 60 mph takes practically 13 seconds. ES, LE, SE, and GT trim ranges are supplied, and most embrace a CVT automated transmission, although a five-speed guide is customary on the ES. EPA gas economic system estimates with the CVT are 36 mpg metropolis and 43 mpg freeway. This 12 months, Mitsubishi made an automated local weather management system customary on all fashions.

One of many largest small automobiles on this record, the Nissan Sentra is all-new for the 2020 mannequin 12 months and the compact sedan has improved its recreation. Sharp new bodywork, which imitates the model’s bigger Altima and Maxima fashions, provides the Sentra the look of one thing dearer than it’s. A redesigned inside options higher-quality supplies and finer particulars. There’s extra cabin area as effectively, together with extra customary expertise and an extended record of driver-assistance options.

A brand new platform and suspension have improved trip high quality and dealing with and its new engine, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder, is extra highly effective, and delivers higher gas economic system, 29 mpg metropolis and 39 mpg freeway. With 149 horsepower and a normal CVT automated, this entrance driver remains to be one of many slower automobiles in its class, reaching 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, however its worth is correct, and in response to homeowners surveyed by JD Energy, the standard is there. The Sentra’s base worth is simply over $20,000.

The Chevy Spark is GM’s smallest mannequin and the least costly new automobile in America. The tiny five-door hatchback isn’t precisely lust worthy, however it’s a robust worth, gives prime quality and drives higher than a $14,000 automobile ought to. With its 98-hp four-cylinder and the elective CVT automated, it’s additionally a rocket ship in comparison with its rival, the Mitsubishi Mirage. In our testing, the front-wheel drive Spark reached 60 mph in 10.7 seconds, and it’s in all probability a bit faster with the five-speed guide, which is on the market on all trim ranges.

Sadly it additionally requires 7.6 seconds to go from 50 to 70 mph. When merging onto a freeway, full throttle isn’t advised, it’s required. With the CVT, its gas economic system rankings of 29 mpg metropolis and 38 mpg freeway are additionally a bit disappointing for such a small automobile. Inside, a big 7.0-inch touchscreen is customary, together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The Volkswagen Jetta is constantly well-liked with consumers searching for upscale fashion and options on a funds. The compact four-door has base worth under $20,000 and there are a lot of fashions to select from, all that includes turbocharged engines and well-equipped cabins. For 2020 each Jetta will get the newest model of VW’s infotainment system, which features a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and R-Line fashions now provide a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, whereas the top-tier SEL and SEL Premium get customary wi-fi smartphone charging.

Most fashions are powered by a responsive 147-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder, whereas the sportiest of the bunch, the Jetta GLI, which discovered a spot on out 10Finest record, will get the 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch automated from the Golf GTI. A six-speed guide can also be accessible. Gas economic system rankings with the bottom engine and the eight-speed automated are spectacular at 30 mpg within the metropolis and 40 mpg freeway.

Hyundai is already whipping out its all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra, which options smooth new bodywork and a rise of inside area. The 2020 Elantra remains to be accessible, and it’s nonetheless fascinating, however its shelf life is sort of up.

A compact, the 2020 Elantra sedan is available in SE, SEL, Worth Version, Eco, Restricted, and Sport trim ranges. Most are powered by a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and this 12 months Hyundai ditched its typical automated for a CVT. The change will increase its mixed and metropolis EPA fuel-economy rankings by 2 mpg, whereas its freeway determine goes up by three. The turbocharged Eco mannequin is now extra fuel-efficient as effectively. A brand new stop-start system bumps its fuel-economy 1 mpg throughout its EPA rankings. General, the Elantra’s EPA fuel-economy rankings are among the many better of all compacts, with a number of trims rated at 40 mpg or greater on the freeway.

For extra sport and cargo area, the five-door Elantra hatchback is packing 201 turbocharged horsepower. All 2020 Elantras come customary with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, and dual-zone automated local weather management, which is without doubt one of the causes the mannequin stands out as a cut price.

The Kia Rio has extra customary options in addition to a brand new engine and transmission this 12 months. Kia has changed its 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automated with an all-new 120-hp 1.6-liter 4 and a CVT automated. Its energy could have decreased, however its gas effectivity has shot approach up. Its EPA rankings at the moment are 33 mpg metropolis and 41 mpg freeway, that are up by 5 and Four mpg, respectively.

The sharp trying Rio is on the market in two physique types, a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Rio sedans can be found in LX and S trim ranges, whereas each hatchback is within the S trim. Each provide a refined trip, agile dealing with, and an enthralling inside. Costs begin under $17,000 and each mannequin now has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The S mannequin provides a middle armrest, cruise management, a rear USB outlet, split-folding rear seat with adjustable headrests, and keyless entry however solely prices about $700 extra.

Kia and Hyundai are a part of the identical firm, and the compact Forte shares its chassis and powertrains with the equally sized Hyundai Elantra. The 2 are even constructed on the identical meeting line, however it’s the Kia that will get the upper preliminary high quality ranking.

Redesigned final 12 months, we’ve praised the 2020 Forte sedan for its low worth, nice gas economic system, and lengthy record of ordinary options. For 2020, it’s accessible in FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX and the brand new GT trim ranges, however not like the Elantra, it isn’t supplied as a hatchback. Most Fortes have the identical 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and CVT automated as most Elantras, nonetheless the bottom FE additionally gives a six-speed guide. At our check monitor, with the CVT, the Forte required 8.2 seconds to succeed in 60 mph. Not dangerous for this class.

A mechanical twin to the Elentra GT and N Line, the Forte GT will get the identical 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and both a six-speed guide or seven-speed dual-clutch automated. The GT-Line has the seems to be of the high-performance GT mannequin however is with out the turbocharged engine and suspension upgrades.

Hyundai’s smallest sedan, the Accent, is constructed on the identical meeting line and makes use of the identical chassis and powertrains because the Kia Rio. However this time it’s the Hyundai with the higher preliminary high quality ranking.

In contrast to the Rio, the Accent is on the market in only one physique fashion, a four-door sedan. Three trim ranges can be found, SE, SEL and Restricted. They’re all powered by the identical 120-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which trades peak horsepower for gas effectivity. The SEL and Restricted come customary with the CVT automated, whereas the bottom Accent SE gives a six-speed guide or the CVT. Its base worth of simply over $16,000 is with the guide.

With the automated the small sedan has EPA estimates of 33 mpg metropolis and 41 mpg freeway, and the light-weight Accent is enjoyable to drive. It feels energetic and it’s simple to pitch it into corners. Its suspension additionally smooths out tough roads adequately and the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named it a High Security Choose.

The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic has the perfect preliminary high quality of any small automobile you should purchase in response to JD Energy. We’ve additionally praised the Sonic for its spunky turbocharged engine, customary 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity and ample space for storing. However the Sonic received’t be round for much longer, Chevy will discontinue it on the finish of the 2020 mannequin 12 months.

Accessible as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback the Sonic is obtainable in LS, LT, and Premier trim ranges. Entrance-wheel drive is customary and all the line up is powered by a 138-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automated. It’s a responsive mixture; the Sonic recorded a zero-to-60-mph time of 8.5 seconds at our check monitor, however it’s thirsty for this class. We managed simply 31 mpg in our 200-mile freeway gas economic system check, Three mpg decrease than its EPA estimate.

It’s inside is surprisingly quiet and effectively outfitted for its $17,595 base worth. A 7.0-inch infotainment display screen is customary, together with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.