Best Subcompact Sedans by Gas Mileage

Buyers expect some compromises in entry-level sedans and hatchbacks. The Kia Rio certainly isn't sporty or luxurious, but it offers a surprising level of refinement and features given its price point. Both four-door and five-door hatchback versions of the Rio offer nice creature comforts, a good balance between a comfy ride and sharp handling, and an incredible roster of available driver-assist and safety features. Add in a low purchase price and excellent fuel economy, and it's easy to see why the Rio is a favorite in its segment.

In terms of overall size, the Kia Rio is in the middle of the category. The sedan is the same length as the Hyundai Accent. It's 3 inches longer than the [Mitsubishi Mirage] (/mitsubishi/mirage/), and it's a little more than 4 inches shorter than the NissanVersa. Like its challengers, both sedan and hatchback versions of Rio call themselves five-seaters but seat four adults more comfortably.

If you're shopping for a car that costs less than $20,000, you're likely looking for a model that won't flatten your budget when it comes to ownership costs. The Accent delivers nicely on this front. Its generous warranty provides years of protection from repair expenses — better warranty coverage than rival subcompacts, such as the [Mini Hardtop]/mini/hardtop/). And its excellent gas mileage keeps your fuel bills low. It's more fuel-efficient than the competing Chevrolet Spark.

Unfortunately, this little Hyundai is tight on cargo space. And safety features, such as blind-spot warning, aren't available; the Nissan Versa offers this amenity and more. Still, if you can cruise past those shortcomings, you'll find the Accent is both capable and economical.