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Sedans and Cars: Reviews, Rankings and Buying Guides

Sedans and hatchbacks remain some of the smartest buys on the market: efficient, comfortable, often cheaper to insure than a comparable SUV, and many now come as hybrids. This hub gathers every sedan, hatchback, wagon and small car guide on NextCarReview, starting with our ranked lists and most read reviews.

Compiled by Morgan Reyes
This page is a directory of our published guides on this topic. It is updated as new guides go live.

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Why a car still makes sense

SUVs dominate US showrooms, but a sedan or hatchback can still be the better choice for many drivers. Cars sit lower, which usually helps handling and fuel economy. They are often less expensive to buy than an SUV of similar size, and their smaller tires usually cost less to replace. If you rarely carry bulky cargo or drive on rough roads, a car can save you money every month.

Compact, midsize and full-size

Compact cars, like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra, are affordable, efficient and roomy enough for most commuters. Midsize sedans, including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, add rear seat space and a smoother highway ride, and they are popular with families who do not need a third row. Subcompact cars, like the Nissan Versa, focus on the lowest price. Luxury compact sedans from Acura, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and Lexus add refinement and more powerful engines.

Sedan, hatchback or wagon?

A hatchback has a rear liftgate instead of a trunk lid, which makes it much easier to load bikes, boxes or luggage. The Civic and Corolla are offered in both sedan and hatchback forms, and our comparisons explain how they differ. Wagons, like the Subaru Outback, give you SUV like cargo space with a lower, more car like driving position. If you often fold the rear seats down, look closely at a hatchback or wagon.

Hybrids are now the default in many models

Several of the best selling cars in America are now sold only as hybrids or offer a hybrid as a major option. The Toyota Camry, for example, is hybrid only, and Honda has leaned heavily into hybrid versions of the Civic and Accord. Hybrids suit drivers who spend time in traffic, and today they rarely require any change in habits. For full EVs, see our electric cars guide.

What to check before you buy

Look at the IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings for the exact model year. Check which driver assistance features are standard on the trim you can afford; features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring are common now but not universal. Compare insurance quotes, since rates vary between models and trims. If you plan to keep the car a long time, reliability history and resale value matter more than a small difference in price.

Buying your first car

For a first car, prioritize safety ratings, reliability and low running costs over power and features. Many new drivers do well with a compact car that has good crash test results and a simple, proven powertrain. Our guide to the cheapest reliable small cars and our first car buying guide are good starting points, and our car payment calculators help you check the monthly cost before you shop.

How this page is organized

We start with our ranked lists, including our most read guide to the best new cars of 2026. Then come individual reviews of sedans, hatchbacks and small cars, with the most read first. For head-to-head matchups such as Camry versus Accord or Civic versus Corolla, visit the car comparisons hub. For coupes and performance cars, see our sports cars hub.

A short car buying checklist

  • Decide between sedan, hatchback and wagon based on what you carry most often.
  • Compare the hybrid and gas versions if both exist, looking at price and yearly fuel cost.
  • Check that the safety features you want are standard on your trim, not in a package.
  • Sit in the rear seat and check headroom if you carry adults.
  • Test the infotainment system and phone pairing during the test drive.
  • Get insurance quotes for your top two choices before visiting the dealer.
  • Ask for a written out the door price that shows taxes, fees and any add ons, and compare it with your budget using our payment calculator.

Doing these checks before you negotiate keeps the conversation on the car you want at a price you have already worked out, rather than on the monthly payment a finance office suggests.

All guides in this section

Ranked car lists

Sedan, hatchback and small car reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a sedan cheaper to own than an SUV?
Often, yes. Sedans tend to cost less to buy, use less fuel and have smaller, cheaper tires than similar sized SUVs. Insurance varies, so compare quotes for the exact models you are considering.
Should I buy a hybrid sedan?
If you do a lot of city or stop and go driving, a hybrid can reduce fuel costs. Many popular sedans are now offered as hybrids or sold only as hybrids.
Is a hatchback better than a sedan?
A hatchback is more practical for bulky cargo because of its large rear opening. A sedan keeps cargo out of sight in a separate trunk. Driving feel and price are usually similar.
What is a good first car?
A compact car with strong IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings, a good reliability record and low insurance costs is usually a smart first car.

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