Tomorrow Tech's video: The 7 Compact Cars That Will Make You Forget About SUVs

2023 Toyota Prius Prime. The 2023 Prius Prime represents a quantum leap forward for Toyota’s small, five-seat plug-in hybrid. The sedan-styled hatchback outclasses its predecessor in every category but roominess. Toyota also gave the new Prime a huge increase in power (only the 2023 Mini Countryman PHEV can match its horsepower) and vastly improved ride and handling. The Kia and Mini are a bit sportier and more fun on twisty roads, but performance driving isn’t the principal reason shoppers seek out these small PHEVs. 2023 Toyota Prius. A complete makeover for 2023 turned Toyota’s ugly duckling hybrid into a true beauty. The five-seat compact hatchback lost headroom and cargo space in its transformation but gained improved handling, a more comfortable ride, an updated interior, and a 60% boost in power while retaining its best-in-class fuel efficiency. The base model actually gained 1 mpg over the old L Eco trim. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla The Toyota GR Corolla hatchback is nothing like the pedestrian Corolla that's known mainly for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and general competency as a commuter car. The GR version is a high-performance, rally racer-inspired hot hatch built by Toyota's internal performance engineering group known as Gazoo Racing. It's powered by a unique turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and nearly as much torque. The GR Corolla is only available with a manual transmission, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. 2024 Subaru Impreza. Subaru has made its name by, in the parlance of today, staying in its lane. Compared to its larger Japanese competitors, Subaru’s focus on practical, affordable, and adventurous cars and SUVs has earned it a loyal fanbase. It hasn’t hurt that, for a time, the automaker also dominated global rally racing, highlighting the brand’s robust build quality and advanced all-wheel-drive systems. 2023 BMW M2. BMW built its reputation in the U.S. with compact sporty sedans and coupes, but in the past decade, those vehicles have gotten ever larger. The 2 Series represents a return to the days of smaller footprints. The M2, the smallest vehicle in the lineup, still delivers on performance. Last year, the M2 went on hiatus while the all-new 2023 BMW M2 was being finalized. The M2's performance is certainly a step up, 2023 Mercedes‑Benz EQE Sedan. Mercedes-Benz entered the EV market by starting the EQ sub-brand, introducing the EQS sedan last year with great success. The EQS is essentially an all-electric version of the iconic Mercedes S-Class flagship and the follow-up, the new EQE sedan, is a midsize version. Even though it’s smaller and less expensive, the EQE packs a mighty punch and is an excellent choice for buyers seeking green luxury. When the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE goes on sale later this year, it will be available in four trim levels, starting with the base EQE 350+ and climbing to the high-performance AMG EQE. In regard to the all-important range question, the EQE is estimated to return up to 400 miles on a charge, but that figure still needs to be verified with real-world testing. There’s also an EQE SUV on the way, just in case the naming isn’t confusing enough. $$$ 2024 Acura Integra. # # # Positives. Sleek exterior design. Class-leading rear-seat and cargo space. Offers the only six-speed manual transmission in its class. Considerations. Similar package and performance as more affordable Honda Civic models. Not as quick as some rivals. No all-wheel-drive option.