Special Report

The Smallest Cars People Actually Drive

Courtesy of Fiat

Recent annual sales data from Kelley Blue Book, a vehicle valuation and automotive research provider, shows that this shift away from sedans and toward SUVs continues unabated.

Of course, many Americans would still prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Kelly Blue Book provided 24/7 Wall St. with a list of 25 sedans, hatchbacks, and subcompact vehicles that weigh less than 2,500 pounds. For context, a number of pickup trucks and SUVs on the road today weigh well over 5,000 pounds. One of the vehicles on this list barely weighs over one ton. These are all vehicles for the 2019 model year. To avoid repetition, only the lightest trim for each model is listed.  

As a general rule, subcompacts like the Ford Fiesta, compacts like the Honda Civic, and small two-seater sports cars like the Mazda Miata will have the best fuel economy. They might not be the most practical options, but cars like these are so lightweight that they can have well over twice the fuel economy of large SUVs or pickup trucks with less than half the weight, albeit also with less space and utility. These are America’s most eco-friendly vehicles

In addition to being cheaper because of fuel costs, smaller cars tend to also be relatively inexpensive. This is every auto brand’s cheapest model.

Click here to see the smallest cars on the road

Courtesy of Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

25. Honda HR-V
> Curb weight: 2,906 pounds
> Trim: LX Sport Utility 4D
> Horsepower: 141 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 30 MPG

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Kia

24. Kia Forte
> Curb weight: 2,903 pounds
> Trim: FE Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 147 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 31 MPG

Courtesy of Nissan

23. Nissan Sentra
> Curb weight: 2,889 pounds
> Trim: S Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 130 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 30 MPG

Courtesy of Chevrolet

22. Chevrolet Cruze
> Curb weight: 2,870 pounds
> Trim: LS Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 153 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 33 MPG

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Chevrolet

21. Chevrolet Sonic
> Curb weight: 2,857 pounds
> Trim: LS Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 138 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 31 MPG

Courtesy of Hyundai

20. Hyundai Elantra
> Curb weight: 2,844 pounds
> Trim: SE Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 147 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 29 MPG

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Toyota

19. Toyota Corolla
> Curb weight: 2,840 pounds
> Trim: L Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 132 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 32 MPG

Courtesy of Toyota

18. Toyota 86
> Curb weight: 2,817 pounds
> Trim: Coupe 2D
> Horsepower: 205 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 24 MPG

Courtesy of Mazda North American Operations

17. MAZDA CX-3
> Curb weight: 2,809 pounds
> Trim: Sport Utility 4D
> Horsepower: 148 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 31 MPG

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Honda

16. Honda Civic
> Curb weight: 2,771 pounds
> Trim: LX Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 158 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 32 MPG

Courtesy of Kia Motors America

15. Kia Rio
> Curb weight: 2,714 pounds
> Trim: LX Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 130 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 32 MPG

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

14. Hyundai Accent
> Curb weight: 2,679 pounds
> Trim: SE Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 130 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 31 MPG

Courtesy of Nissan

13. Nissan Kicks
> Curb weight: 2,639 pounds
> Trim: S Sport Utility 4D
> Horsepower: 122 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 33 MPG

Courtesy of MINI

12. MINI Hardtop 2 Door
> Curb weight: 2,625 pounds
> Trim: Cooper Hatchback 2D
> Horsepower: 134 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 30 MPG

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

11. Ford Fiesta
> Curb weight: 2,578 pounds
> Trim: S Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 120 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 30 MPG

Courtesy of American Honda Motor Co.

10. Honda Fit
> Curb weight: 2,568 pounds
> Trim: LX Hatchback 4D
> Horsepower: 130 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 31 MPG

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Toyota

9. Toyota Prius c
> Curb weight: 2,530 pounds
> Trim: L Hatchback 4D
> Horsepower: 73 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 46 MPG

Courtesy of FCA US

8. FIAT 500
> Curb weight: 2,505 pounds
> Trim: Pop Hatchback 2D
> Horsepower: 135 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 27 MPG

Courtesy of Alfa Romeo

7. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
> Curb weight: 2,487 pounds
> Trim: Convertible 2D
> Horsepower: 237 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 28 MPG

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of FCA US

6. FIAT 124 Spider
> Curb weight: 2,436 pounds
> Trim: Classica Convertible 2D
> Horsepower: 160 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 29 MPG

Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales

5. Toyota Yaris
> Curb weight: 2,432 pounds
> Trim: L Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 106 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 34 MPG

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Nissan USA

4. Nissan Versa
> Curb weight: 2,395 pounds
> Trim: S Sedan 4D
> Horsepower: 109 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 30 MPG

Courtesy of Mazda USA

3. MAZDA MX-5 Miata
> Curb weight: 2,339 pounds
> Trim: Sport Convertible 2D
> Horsepower: 181 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 29 MPG

Courtesy of General Motors

2. Chevrolet Spark
> Curb weight: 2,278 pounds
> Trim: LS Hatchback 4D
> Horsepower: 98 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 33 MPG

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors North America

1. Mitsubishi Mirage
> Curb weight: 2,018 pounds
> Trim: ES Hatchback 4D
> Horsepower: 78 HP
> Fuel economy (combined): 36 MPG

Essential Tips for Investing (Sponsored)

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.