5 Good Compact Cars That Aren’t a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The all-new Honda Civic and the 2021 Toyota Corolla are definitely some of the best compact cars you can buy. However, these two popular models aren’t the only quality options. In fact, here are five good compact cars that aren’t a Civic or a Corolla.

2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition | Toyota

The all-new Honda Civic sedan starts at $21,700 according to Honda. Then there’s the ever-popular Toyota Corolla, which starts at $20,025 according to Toyota’s website. But here are some other options for a good compact car for those that want to see what else is out there besides these two leading contenders in the compact sedan class.   

Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza a good car? 

front grille view of a black Subaru Impreza on display at an auto show
Subaru Impreza | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Yes, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is a good compact car. While it may not be a “best-in-class” choice, it’s the only car in its class with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2021 Subaru Impreza starts at $18,795, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza earns praise for its “sporty handling.” It also boasts a spacious cabin and well-appreciated intuitive infotainment technology, but it doesn’t exactly earn any points for its punchy engine. The Impreza is not a Civic or a Corolla, but it is still a viable option in the compact sedan class. 

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is also a good compact car

A white 2021 Volkswagen Jetta driving in the city
2021 Volkswagen Jetta | Volkswagen

According to U.S. News and World Report, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta starts at $18,995. This compact car just received a new infotainment system that critics call user-friendly. The base engine has good fuel economy (up to 40 mpg on the highway) and it has a roomy cabin that provides a comfortable ride to passengers. 

How much does the 2021 Kia Forte cost? 

This year’s Kia Forte model starts at $17,890. The 2021 Kia Forte is another good compact car that’s not the Honda Civic or the Toyota Corolla. In fact, the 2021 Kia Forte is No. 3 in the compact sedan class on U.S. News’ list. 

The 2021 Kia Forte earned the Best Compact Car for the Money award because of its “outstanding combination of quality and value.” This model has everything most compact car shoppers are looking for and, in the higher trim levels, more. 

What about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra? 

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is another great compact car. Ranking consistently in the top half of the compact sedan class, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,650. This model offers an abundant list of standard features. In addition, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra has great fuel economy (up to 43 mpg on the highway) and it’s fresh off a full redesign. 

The Honda Civic and the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 tied for No. 1 compact car

A red 2021 Mazda3 Premium by a white-and-brown-wood house
2021 Mazda3 Premium | Mazda

According to U.S. News and World Report, the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 and the Honda Civic are tied for the No. 1 compact car in the compact sedan class. The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 has a satisfying powertrain, a long list of standard and available features, and a Premium trim interior that approaches luxury-level appointments. 

It’s called “sporty” and “fun-to-drive.” The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 is a good compact car that starts at $20,500. Overall, it is a great option among its competitors. However, its one major downfall is its tight rear seating. 

Good compact cars that aren’t a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic

a blue 2021 Honda Civic in action
Honda Civic | Honda

Although the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic are both popular and appealing, these other options in the compact sedan class are examples of what else is out there. While cars––in general––are dwindling in most classes, there are still plenty of models to choose from. While the Corolla and the Civic are great cars, they aren’t the only small car models on the market worth our attention.

RELATED: The Volkswagen Atlas Has Already Taken This Impressive Award Twice

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The Kia Telluride Slides Into the Top 5 of Another Best-Of List

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Summer is here, and the kids are out of school. That means it’s time for family road trips. Suitable SUV candidates abound, including the critically acclaimed Kia Telluride. However, even the most spacious SUV isn’t the best companion over hundreds of miles.

A roomy SUV should get decent gas mileage and offer a comfortable ride, too. Drivers also appreciate plenty of technology to keep passengers entertained during the trip. And the Kia Telluride delivers on all fronts. Here’s why CarFax says this midsize crossover is one of the best cars for your next vacation.

The Kia Telluride’s smooth ride

2021 Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition | Kia

The Kia Telluride packs a V6 capable of 291 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional, which might be useful if you encounter some rough weather on your trip. This SUV can reach 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, according to Consumer Reports. That makes it one of the leaders of its class in terms of acceleration.

The transmission is also a good match for the engine, providing smooth power delivery at all speeds. And CR says the Telluride offers an extremely comfortable ride, complemented by a quiet interior. It’s definitely a great place for passengers of all ages to catch a nap during the ride.

The Kia Telluride isn’t very confident around corners, but that’s unsurprising given its size. Body lean is noticeable, and it’s hard to maneuver on narrow city streets. Still, the Telluride’s exceptional braking restores some driver confidence.

The Telluride’s fuel efficiency is one of its best qualities, rated for 20/26 mpg city/highway. CarFax estimates that drivers can get around 489 miles on a single tank. The only two vehicles of the Telluride’s size that can do better are the Honda Odyssey and Mazda CX-9.

How big is the Kia Telluride?

The Kia Telluride can accommodate up to eight passengers. The door openings are wide and tall enough for all riders to climb inside comfortably. Large windows provide great visibility, and the driver’s seat is high enough for a clear view of the road.

The seats are also wide and comfy, and the standard synthetic leather upholstery makes the Telluride feel upscale. Adults have plenty of room in the first two rows, but the third row is predictably tighter. The first two rows feature extensive manual seat adjustments that some rivals don’t offer, especially for the second row.

The first two rows of seats also have the most padding and support, which are essential for long drives. For some extra comfort, you can equip these seats with heating and ventilation. Higher trims also feature dual-zone automatic climate control and rear sunshades to keep everyone at a comfortable temperature.

Like other SUVs and minivans, the Kia Telluride also offers an optional intercom system. It amplifies the driver’s voice even over the sound system to keep rowdy backseat passengers in check. 

No matter the trim, Telluride brims with premium materials that hold up well over the years. It also has abundant cargo space, with 46 cubic feet behind the third row. And it can tow 5,000 pounds.

Useful standard features on this midsize SUV

Every Kia Telluride comes with smartphone integration and five USB ports so that everyone can charge their entertainment devices quickly. The standard HD Radio supplies crisp and clear audio during the trip.

Drivers will also appreciate the Telluride’s abundant safety features that come standard. The last thing you want during a vacation is to get into an accident far from home. Fortunately, the Telluride is well-equipped and pleasant to drive during even long road trips.

RELATED: The 2021 Kia Telluride Breaks Other SUVs’ Hearts With Another Win

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Carfax Snubs the Honda Pilot, Picks Rival Volkswagen Atlas for This Top 10 List

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For many, road trips are an exciting summer tradition. However, in an uncomfortable vehicle, this otherwise fun event becomes significantly less pleasant. If you’re looking for a comfortable SUV for long rides, check out the Volkswagen Atlas. It made Carfax‘s list of the 10 best road trip cars of 2021. But blatantly missing from the roundup is one of the most popular midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot.

The Honda Pilot didn’t make the cut on Carfax’s list

In choosing the best vehicles for this list, Carfax considered several factors. Of particular importance is highway fuel economy. However, reliability, seat comfort, high safety ratings, and a pleasant driving experience combine to create a vehicle that’s excellent for road tripping.

In addition to the Volkswagen Atlas, the list includes nine other models. They are the Honda Odyssey, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback, Honda Ridgeline, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Ford Mustang GT Convertible. 

The Atlas ranks sixth on Carfax’s list, sitting just behind the Toyota Highlander. It also joins the Kia Telluride, one of its major competitors, in the roundup. However, one of the Atlas’ other big rivals, the Honda Pilot, is conspicuously absent.

What makes the Volkswagen Atlas such a great road trip SUV?

Several perks make the Volkswagen Atlas an excellent option for road trips, Carfax reports. The Atlas gets 24 mpg on the highway, which translates to about 468 miles between each fill-up. This is excellent for longer trips, as it can save a significant amount of money.

According to Carfax, the Atlas offers a smooth and pleasant ride experience. Its seats are spacious enough for adults to be comfortable even in the second row, and the seating remains comfortable even over long periods of time on the road. However, reviewers note the third row is slightly cramped and will likely be comfortable only for children.

The cabin offers “storage nooks galore,” making it an excellent option for longer road trips. Expect a pocket for cell phones in front of the gear selector and a spacious console between the front seats.

Additionally, Carfax praises the roomy and comfortable interior. This SUV can seat seven and still has room for suitcases. If you want slightly more room, you can opt for captain’s chairs in the second row. However, this will mean the Atlas will seat only six people.

Specs and features of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas starts at around $31,555. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque is also available.

The Atlas comes with a wide range of standard safety features. They include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning.

Behind the third row, the Atlas offers 20.6 cubic feet of storage space. With the third row folded down, the SUV offers 55.5 cubic feet of space. And with both rows folded, the Atlas boasts an impressive 96.8 cubic feet of space.

All in all, the Volkswagen Atlas offers abundant standard safety features, comfortable seats, and room to spread out. This makes it an excellent option for any road trip. Although SUVs such as the Honda Pilot certainly offer their own advantages, you may want to consider the Atlas if you plan to head off on cross-country adventures.

RELATED: The Top U.S. Cities for Your Summer Road Trip According to Tripadvisor

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3 Best Cars for Your Summer Beach Adventures

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Options abound for fun summer vacation cars, but you should look for several factors when picking the best beach mobile. And, of course, your choice will ultimately depend on your needs and wants. But one of these three models will fit the bill for your summer beach adventures.

Rugged beach SUV: 2021 Jeep Wrangler

This one is a no-brainer for off-roading fans. That’s because the beach is one of the Wrangler’s “natural habitats,” Carfax notes. And that’s mostly because Jeep designed this SUV with the outdoors in mind. The Wrangler can easily navigate rocky inclines and uneven terrain, but it can also handle sandy beaches and surrounding environs.

The Wrangler Unlimited can do that because it packs a powerful V6 and comes with four-wheel drive. On top of that, this SUV boasts a removable roof and doors, allowing occupants to experience the beach breeze. Furthermore, the Wrangler’s interior is easy to clean, and that includes sand and water.

Plus, the Wrangler provides 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space to carry your recreational gear. The Unlimited starts at about $32,000, well worth the price thanks to its many great outdoorsy features.

Spacious beach mobile: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Though the Wrangler might be the stereotypical beach SUV, the Chrysler Pacifica is the ideal vehicle for larger groups. After all, it’s a minivan, so it comes with all the pros and cons of a people hauler. That said, the Pacifica’s features and specs make it a great option for families heading to the beach, Carfax reports.

With its seats folded down, the Pacifica can hold up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo, which is almost double the Wrangler’s max capacity. This massive amount of space means you can haul your group and their stuff to the beach.

The Pacifica starts at about $35,000, but it also provides plenty of optional upgrades that make it an even better option for beach vacations. For example, the Pacifica’s optional rear-seat entertainment system keeps kids entertained on the road.

Sporty beach car: 2021 Ford Mustang convertible

Last, a Ford Mustang convertible is a perfect pick for the beach. Like the Pacifica, the Mustang isn’t meant to traverse dunes. But unlike the Pacifica, the pony car trades utility for sheer fun. After all, the Mustang is an American icon that’s thrilling to drive and supremely stylish.

But with its max cargo capacity of only 11.4 cubic feet, the Mustang won’t be a family choice. But for folks looking for a solo trip or a getaway with a few friends, a Mustang convertible is an enjoyable way to go on that trip.

Its standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces an impressive 310 hp, and plenty of other engine options make the Stang even more fun to drive. Plus, the convertible starts at about $32,600, a highly affordable yet powerful car.

RELATED: The Top U.S. Cities for Your Summer Road Trip According to Tripadvisor

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