Buying Guide Index

Cars.com Recommended Hatchback and Wagons

By Cars.com Staff  Cars.com

To qualify as a Cars.com Recommended vehicle, models must have average or higher ratings in crash tests, reliability and mileage within their classes.

Recommended Cars
Cars are listed in alphabetical order by their class.
Compact Cars
Honda Fit
$15,175- $16,910

  • Fit Sport gains more aggressive styling for 2012

  • Additional sound-deadening material for 2012

  • 1.5-liter four-cylinder

  • Available paddle shifters with automatic transmission

  • USB input for MP3 players and flash drives

Kia Soul
$13,900 - $19,600
  • More powerful and fuel-efficient drivetrains
  • Styling updates 
  • Standard USB/iPod input
  • Available backlit speakers
Mazda Mazda3
$15,200 - $23,400

  • Sedan or four-door hatchback

  • Light exterior restyling

  • Interior tweaks

  • Highway mpg up to 40

  • New seat fabric patterns

  • Manual or automatic transmission

Nissan Cube
$14,980 - $18,520

  • Manual or CVT automatic

  • Seats five

  • Bulldog-inspired styling

  • Adjustable rear seats

Scion xD
$15,345 - $16,250

  • Standard Bluetooth connectivity, including audio streaming

  • Standard Pioneer CD stereo with HD radio

  • Six airbags

  • Standard ABS

  • Optional Toyota Racing Development performance parts

Subaru Impreza
$17,495 - $29,095

  • Redesigned for 2012

  • Sedan or four-door hatchback

  • New 2.0-liter four-cylinder

  • Manual or CVT 

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Larger interior

Toyota Yaris
$14,115 - $16,400

  • Redesigned for 2012

  • No sedan version

  • New version larger than previous model

Luxury
Acura TSX
$29,810 - $35,350

  • Four-cylinder or V-6

  • Sedan or wagon

  • Manual or automatic 

  • Long standard features list

Audi A3
$27,270 - $30,850

  • Turbocharged gas or diesel four-cylinder engines

  • Available all-wheel drive 

  • Available dual-clutch transmission

  • Optional Open Sky sunroof

  • Coupelike silhouette

Audi A4
$32,500 - $36,400

  • Available eight-speed automatic transmission

  • Sedan or Avant wagon

  • FWD or AWD

  • Available LED daytime running lights

Volvo C30
$24,950 - $31,850

  • New Premier Plus and Platinum trim levels

  • 227-hp, turbo inline-five engine

  • Glass rear hatch

  • Manual or automatic 

  • Available blind spot warning system

© Cars.com 02/17/2012