Which 2017 Compact Sedan Won the Ultimate Comparison Test Against 7 Rivals?

The 2017 Honda Civic emerged as the clear winner in a comprehensive eight-car compact sedan comparison, scoring a decisive 724 points by excelling in driving dynamics, interior quality, and overall value. The group test, which included benchmarks like a sub-$23,000 price and 31 MPG combined fuel economy, revealed that despite the popularity of SUVs, compelling and technologically advanced sedans still offered exceptional value. The final ranking was: 1. Honda Civic, 2. Kia Forte, 3. Subaru Impreza, 4. Volkswagen Jetta, 5. Toyota Corolla, 6. Hyundai Elantra, 7. Mazda3, 8. Chevrolet Cruze.

How Did the 2017 Honda Civic Dominate the Competition?

The Honda Civic impressed judges by feeling "almost a size class above the field." Its strengths were broad and decisive:

• Fun-to-Drive Character: The Civic felt planted and confident on winding roads, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that judges praised for its responsive, conventional automatic-like behavior. This type of transmission is known for optimizing fuel efficiency by using a pulley system instead of fixed gears.
• High-Quality Interior: A stylish, well-appointed cabin with a unique digital instrument cluster gave the Civic an upscale feel that belied its price tag.
• Practical & Clever Storage: A highly configurable center console with abundant storage space, including a pass-through for larger items, was a standout feature.
• Strong Value Proposition: For its as-tested price of $22,975, the Civic included a generous suite of features that made it feel like a fantastic deal.

The primary criticisms involved the touch-sensitive climate controls in higher trims and an occasionally over-sensitive forward collision warning system.

What Were the Key Strengths of the Other Top Contenders?

The sedans that rounded out the top three each had distinct advantages that appealed to specific buyer needs.

• 2nd Place: 2017 Kia Forte ($21,540): The Kia Forte scored high on its extensive list of available active safety features, including a rare lane centering system. It also boasted luxury touches like a hands-free trunk and a driver-centric cockpit. However, its optional sport-tuned suspension delivered an uncomfortably firm ride.
• 3rd Place: 2017 Subaru Impreza ($22,519): The Subaru Impreza’s biggest draw was its standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a system that powers all four wheels for improved traction in adverse weather, a feature unmatched in this price range. It also aced child-seat installation and offered excellent visibility. Its main drawback was a sluggish drivetrain, a trade-off for the added weight of the AWD system.

Which Sedans Offered the Best Balance of Practicality and Performance?

The mid-pack finishers presented solid all-around packages with specific highlights and shortcomings.

• 4th Place: 2017 Volkswagen Jetta ($22,815): Judges praised the Volkswagen Jetta’s peppy 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and surprisingly large trunk. It also handled crisply, but its interior was let down by hard plastics.
• 5th Place: 2017 Toyota Corolla ($22,865): The Toyota Corolla earned major points for making a full suite of crash avoidance technology standard on every model. It also offered a roomy backseat and two years of complimentary maintenance. Its driving experience, however, was criticized as uninspired.
• 6th Place: 2017 Hyundai Elantra ($21,360): The Hyundai Elantra represented the best value, packing features like dual-zone climate control and a sunroof for the group's lowest as-tested price. Its cabin materials and driving dynamics, however, felt budget-oriented.

Why Did the Mazda3 and Chevrolet Cruze Finish at the Bottom?

While each had admirable qualities, the seventh and eighth place finishers were hampered by significant compromises.

• 7th Place: 2017 Mazda3 ($22,670): True to its reputation, the Mazda3 was hailed as the most fun-to-drive car in the test. It also featured a luxurious interior. These positives were outweighed by a very small cabin and a noisy, firm ride that compromised daily comfort.
• 8th Place: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze ($22,465): The Chevrolet Cruze delivered best-in-test fuel economy of 38.4 MPG. However, it lacked available crash avoidance features at its price point, and judges found its auto stop-start system—which shuts off the engine at idle to save fuel—to be overly intrusive.

What Is the Best 2017 Compact Sedan for You?

Based on our assessment experience, the right choice depends heavily on your priorities. Here is a quick guide:

• For the Best All-Arounder: The Honda Civic remains the top recommendation for its blend of style, space, driving enjoyment, and technology.
• For Maximum Safety Tech on a Budget: The Kia Forte offers advanced driver aids, while the Toyota Corolla includes crucial safety systems as standard equipment.
• For All-Weather Capability: The Subaru Impreza is the only option with standard all-wheel drive.
• For Driving Enthusiasts: The Mazda3 provides the most engaging drive, but be prepared for a stiffer ride and less space.

When shopping for a 2017 compact sedan, prioritize test drives to see which car’s strengths align best with your daily needs. The competitive nature of this class means there are several excellent choices, but the Honda Civic’s comprehensive excellence makes it the benchmark for the model year.