The car industry is flourishing again and more new car options are now available than ever before. Despite massive strides towards electric mobility, internal combustion cars still dominate the market. However, cars that use some electrification are showing substantial efficiency improvements.
The following vehicles offer the best performance, features, and overall value. From gasoline-only powertrains to hybrids and all-electric models, these are the best cars you can buy in 2023.
- 2023 Toyota Prius
- 2023 Honda Civic Si
- 2023 Nissan Altima
- 2023 Mazda 3
- 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- 2023 Kia Rio
- 2023 Hyundai Elantra
- 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
- 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- 2023 Subaru Legacy
2023 Toyota Prius
Via Toyota
Specifications
- MSRP: $27,650 USD / $36,650 CAD
- Engine: 2.4L I4
- Battery: 13.6 kWh Lithium Ion
- Power / Torque: 194 hp / 139 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 57 MPG combined / 4.7L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
Toyota has updated the Prius with a stunning exterior design, a smaller and lighter lithium-ion battery, an enhanced electric motor, and up to 75 more horsepower. These changes address complaints that the Prius is too slow and boring.
2023 Honda Civic Si
Via Honda
Specifications
- MSRP: $29,900 USD / $35,130 CAD
- Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged I4
- Power / Torque: 200 hp / 192 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 31 MPG combined / 8.7L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Limited
Our Take
The Civic Si is a sporty compact vehicle with a sharp manual gearbox, more affordable than the Volkswagen GTI. It offers the reliability and build quality you’d expect from Honda but could benefit from more power.
2023 Nissan Altima
Via Nissan
Specifications
- MSRP: $25,730 USD / $34,377 CAD
- Engine: 2.5L I4
- Power / Torque: 182 hp / 178 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 8 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 32 MPG combined / 7.9L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
Despite lackluster acceleration, its available all-wheel drive, spacious cabin, excellent fuel economy, and tech features make it a competent sedan and owning one worthwhile, especially at its price point.
2023 Mazda 3
Via Mazda
Specifications
- MSRP: $23,700 USD / $23,795 CAD
- Engine: 2.5L I4
- Power / Torque: 191 hp / 186 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 31 MPG combined / 8.2L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
Mazda’s compact sedan and hatchback stand out among other compact models due to their stylish design, luxurious interior, and enjoyable driving experience.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Via Hyundai
Specifications
- MSRP: $41,450 USD / $48,999
- Engine: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- Battery: 58 kWh Lithium Ion
- Power / Torque: 168 hp / 258 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 110 MPGe
- Basic Warranty: 5-year / 60,000-Mile
Our Take
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has won multiple awards for its striking appearance, fast charging capability, enjoyable driving experience, and smooth ride quality. The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 lineup now includes the Epiq, a flagship model with twin-motor all-wheel drive.
2023 Kia Rio
Via Kia
Specifications
- MSRP: $16,750 USD / $17,445 CAD
- Engine: 1.6L I4
- Power / Torque: 120 hp / 112 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 8.6 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 36 MPG combined / 7.0L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile
Our Take
The Kia Rio offers a lot of car at an affordable price. It provides a sophisticated driving experience that could rival more expensive cars, and a wide variety of standard equipment and good fuel economy.
2023 Hyundai Elantra
Via Hyundai
Specifications
- MSRP: $22,950 USD / $20,599 CAD
- Engine: 2.0L I4
- Power / Torque: 147 hp / 132 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 8.4 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 35 MPG combined / 7.8L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile
Our Take
The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish compact car boasting cutting-edge features and one of the smoothest transmissions available at a reasonable price point.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Via Toyota
Specifications
- MSRP: $36,000 USD / $46,900 CAD
- Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged I3
- Power / Torque: 300 hp / 273 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined / 9.8L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
Toyota is solidly entering the hot hatchback segment with the all-new 2023 GR Corolla. This three-cylinder pocket rocket offers standard all-wheel drive and impressive performance and handling, especially around the racetrack.
2023 Volkswagen GTI
Via Volkswagen
Specifications
- MSRP: $30,500 USD / $32,500 CAD
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4
- Power / Torque: 241 hp / 273 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 27 MPG combined / 8.8L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile
Our Take
The VW Golf GTI offers driving excitement thanks to its compelling powertrain and excellent handling, all wrapped in a versatile and reasonably priced package. Fortunately, the ride quality is not compromised despite its performance capabilities.
2023 Subaru Legacy
Via Subaru
Specifications
- MSRP: $25,400 USD / $32,900 CAD
- Engine: 2.4L Flat-4
- Power / Torque: 182 hp / 176 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 8 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 30 MPG combined / 7.8L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
The Subaru Legacy is a compelling family car with excellent value for money. It offers a roomy interior, all-wheel drive across all trim levels, and plenty of standard driver assistance technology and safety features. The Legacy lineup all come with CVT-equipped and features all-wheel drive.
