These Tiny Cars Are Easy to Parallel Park
A small car may be the practical choice if you regularly drive and park in the city. The short length makes them easy to maneuver, and many of these models are surprisingly roomy inside. With low base prices and excellent gas mileage, most of these small cars could save you serious money. We’ve ranked these 10 shortest cars based on their total length, from shortest to longest. (Related: Shortest SUVs)
How We Ranked the Smallest Cars
1. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage • 12 ft 7.4 in
- Price: $17,795
- Body Styles: Sedan, Hatchback
- Fuel Economy: 39 mpg*
- What We Like: Cheap; great mpg; relatively spacious; great warranty
- What We Don’t: Feels cheap; weakest engine among rivals; 4-star NHTSA crash-test rating
The Mirage is one of the most fuel-efficient choices in its class. It also has an excellent warranty. And the Mirage is one of the least expensive new cars you can buy. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the least-refined choices in its segment, with a relatively coarse ride and a downmarket cabin. Its 78-horsepower 3-cylinder is the weakest engine on the market.
Shopping for a Used Mirage?
The Mirage is in its fifth generation, introduced for the 2014 model year. Any older fifth-generation model (2014-2023) will be broadly similar to the 2024 shown above, so you can save money by purchasing a used model.
2. 2024 Mini Cooper Hardtop • 12 ft 8.2 in
- Price: $25,800 (2 Door), $26,800 (4 Door)
- Fuel Economy: 25-31 mpg*
- What We Like: Fun to drive; unique retro style; 2- and 4-door models
- What We Don’t: Expensive; so-so mpg; small back seats
The Mini Cooper does things differently from the rest of the small-car set. That puts it at a disadvantage in this practicality-minded ranking. It’s tight on rear-seat space, not particularly fuel-efficient for its size, and pricer than most other cars on this list (especially in higher trims). However, what it lacks in functionality, it makes up for in personality and performance.
The exterior styling is iconic, and the cabin features unique touches, such as the aeronautically inspired gauges. It also has an 8.8-inch touchscreen nestled in a large, circular bezel.
The standard engine is a 134-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder mill that makes for decent acceleration in this small car. The range-topping 228-horsepower 4-cylinder engine in the JCW makes it a terrific performance machine, but the mid-tier 189-horsepower engine in the Mini Cooper S is the right balance of performance and comfort. A manual transmission is available with the 4-door model.
Shopping for a Used Mini Cooper?
To the untrained eye, one generation of the modern Mini Cooper could be mistaken for another, but three generations of the nimble runabout exist. The current generation was introduced for the 2014 model year. In 2019, Apple CarPlay and wireless device charging became available. Several driver assistance features were made standard in 2020. The car was refreshed for the 2022 model year.
3. 2023 Mazda Miata • 12 ft 10.1 in
- Price: $28,050
- Type: 2-Seat Convertible
- What We Like: Fantastic price; simple controls; light and agile
- What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars; small cabin
Mazda’s iconic Miata is a playful 2-seater convertible that provides a lively ride whether equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic. This roadster is sporty and agile around curves. Inside, the Miata features well-bolstered seats on soft cloth upholstery. All trims come with the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. Upper trims add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Standard advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) include blind spot warning (BSW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB).
Shopping for a Used Miata?
The Miata has had nearly identical styling and many of the same features in the 2016-2023 model years. It received a horsepower boost in 2019 and a hardtop version, the Miata RF, in 2017.
4. 2024 Hyundai Venue • 13 ft 3 in
- Price: $19,800
- Fuel Economy: 31 mpg*
- What We Like: Cheapest SUV on the market
- What We Don’t: 4-star crash test rating; only 121 horsepower; no AWD; tiny 31 cu ft cargo area
The Hyundai Venue is not particularly agile and does not offer all-wheel drive, but it provides great fuel economy and is one of the more affordable options in the segment. The Venue’s layout is geared towards passenger space, so there’s limited room for cargo. Still, the Venue has two rows with solid head and legroom. The standard touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Venue has ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and driver attention alert.
Shopping for a Used Venue?
The Venue was introduced as an all-new model for the 2020 model year. It was initially offered with a manual transmission in some models, which dropped from the lineup in 2021. All used Venues have similar styling.
5. 2024 Kia Soul • 13 ft 9.2 in
- Price: $19,990
- Fuel Economy: 30 mpg*
- What We Like: 62.1 cu ft of cargo space for under $20K; funky styling
- What We Don’t: 4-star crash-test rating; no AWD
The Kia Soul continues to deliver unmistakable styling thanks to its futuristic front-end design and boxy layout. That profile gives way to plenty of cargo space and two rows of spacious seating. The Soul offers a lot of features for a low starting price. The standard infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is nestled in the middle of a clean, modern dash design. The base engine provides decent power. There is no AWD, but a terrific 10-year/100,000-mile warranty backs the front-wheel-drive (FWD) powertrain.
Shopping for a Used Soul?
The Kia Soul has been on the market since 2008. The current third-generation model arrived for the 2020 model year. 2020 and 2021 models are available with a manual transmission, but the 2022 is not. Kia refreshed the Soul for 2023, updating the styling and removing the 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine option.
6. 2024 Jeep Wrangler 2-Door • 13 ft 10.8 in
- Price: $32,095
- What We Like: Iconic off-roader, convertible top, five engine options, plug-in hybrid option, endless opportunities for customization, good starting price, fun, reliable
- What We Don’t: Impractical, poor mpg, so-so crash-test scores, not as comfortable as rivals
The Wrangler is an icon thanks to its incredible off-road prowess, convertible top, and seemingly limitless customization options. It has a relatively low starting price, and it’s a blast to drive and ride in. The 4-door Wrangler Unlimited is the way to go if you regularly carry more than one passenger. The Unlimited has plenty of legroom and good cargo capacity. The Wrangler offers several powertrain options, with horsepower ranging from 270 to 470. If you prioritize fuel economy, the Wrangler 4xe PHEV is worth considering.
If you’re looking for something comfortable and refined, it’s not for you. The Wrangler isn’t as practical as other midsize two-row SUVs; it returns poor gas mileage, its ride is rough, and its crash-test ratings are mediocre.
Shopping for a Used Wrangler?
While the Wrangler’s styling has remained relatively consistent for decades, the current generation dates back to 2018. Since then, the Wrangler has gained more safety features and an available turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Jeep added the 4xe PHEV to the lineup partway through the 2021 model year. For 2024, Jeep updated the Wrangler’s grille and infotainment system.
7. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI • 14 ft 0.8 in
- Price: $31,765
- Fuel Economy: 23-28 mpg*
- What We Like: Best mix of fun and practicality
- What We Don’t: Golf R trim is expensive
With a standard 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Golf GTI isn’t the most powerful hot hatchback on sale, but it’s a well-rounded option. The peppy engine offers an excellent throttle response and enjoyable acceleration. We’re fans of the smooth manual transmission, but the optional dual-clutch automatic provides sharp shifts and doesn’t sap any fun from the powertrain.
Around corners, the GTI offers nimble handling. Some hot hatchbacks require drivers to compromise comfort for performance, but that isn’t the case with the GTI. In addition to being enjoyable to drive, the GTI is smooth, refined, and comfortable, with a ride that won’t beat you up. Despite its compact size, the GTI offers 34.5 cubic feet of total cargo space.
The Golf R is an even more powerful version of the GTI with 315 horsepower and all-wheel drive (AWD). However, it’s costly for a compact hatchback – nearly as expensive as an Audi S3.
Shopping for a Used Volkswagen GTI?
Volkswagen redesigned the Golf GTI for 2022. However, VW has sold a GTI since 1974, so plenty of used options exist. The previous generation was introduced in 2015. A redesigned infotainment system with smartphone compatibility joined the lineup in 2016, as did more optional ADAS features. The 2-door model was discontinued in 2017, leaving only the 4-door hatchback. Volkswagen refreshed the GTI’s exterior and interior design for the 2018 model year. More standard safety features were added in 2020.
8. 2024 Nissan Kicks • 14 ft 1.1 in
- Price: $20,790
- Fuel Economy: 33 mpg*
- What We Like: Class-leading mpg
- What We Don’t: No AWD; 4-star crash-test rating
The Nissan Kicks offers a surprising amount of cargo space given its small footprint. It provides a comfortable front row and comes standard with plenty of in-car and safety technology.
It’s better to look at this car as a tall hatchback than a sport utility vehicle. The Kicks does not offer AWD, and its only engine is underpowered. However, it makes up for those shortcomings with terrific fuel economy and a low starting price.
Shopping for a Used Kicks?
The Kicks was introduced for the 2018 model year. Some standard and optional safety features were added for 2020. Additional standard and optional content was added in 2021, and the exterior and interior styling was updated. The 2022 and 2023 model years had few updates.
9. 2024 Mini Countryman • 14 ft 1.8 in
- Price: $32,650
- What We Like: Fun styling; nimble; available as a plug-in hybrid; powerful optional engines
- What We Don’t: High price; no crash-test data; tiny 3-cylinder 134-hp base engine; only 47.6 cu ft of cargo space
The Mini Countryman is one of the pricier options in the segment but backs it up with a uniquely styled cabin, playful handling, and some of the liveliest engines on this list. The base engine isn’t among those powerplants, so consider the Countryman S. For 2022, the Countryman gained a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen and lane departure warning. It provides adequate passenger space but is short on cargo room. The cost of the fun handling is that it may be too stiff a ride for some shoppers.
Shopping for a Used Countryman?
The current generation of the Mini Countryman arrived for the 2017 model year. A plug-in hybrid version was added to the lineup in 2018. The 2021 model gained a modest styling update. The 2022 and 2023 model years saw few updates.
10. 2024 Buick Encore GX • 14 ft 3.1 in
- Price: $25,600
- Fuel Economy: 27-30 mpg*
- What We Like: Lots of cargo room, spacious cabin, strong fuel economy
- What We Don’t: So-so base engine, competing SUVs have nicer cabins
The 2024 Buick Encore GX is a decent choice for drivers seeking a subcompact SUV that’s relatively roomy and fuel-efficient.
Encore GX buyers can choose from two engines. The standard engine is a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder that makes 137 horsepower, or you can upgrade to a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive (AWD) models get a 9-speed automatic.
Gas mileage is important to many SUV buyers, and the Encore GX shines in this area; with its standard engine, it’s one of the most fuel-efficient picks in its class. This Buick also offers excellent cargo capacity, with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo room with all seats in place and 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. And even though it has a subcompact footprint, it has ample room for a family’s belongings.
The Encore GX also provides a generous range of standard equipment, including an 11-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
There are also a couple of weaknesses to consider. First, even though this SUV’s base engine is fuel-efficient, it delivers lackluster acceleration; rivals have more robust powertrains. Also, while the cabin is pleasant, materials quality is spotty. Other SUVs in this class have nicer cabins.
Shopping for a Used Encore GX?
Buick introduced the Encore GX to the lineup in 2020. The 2021 model added wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio as standard features. The Encore GX received refreshed styling and a new digital dashboard for 2024. A smaller version of this vehicle, called the Encore (without the “GX”), was available from 2013-2022.
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FAQs
What is the smallest car in the U.S. in 2024?
The smallest car in 2024 is the Mitsubishi Mirage. It is 12 ft 7.4 in long.
What is the smallest car in the world?
The smallest car in the world is the Peel P50, a 3-wheeled car made from 1962 to 1965.
How We Ranked the Smallest Cars
We rank the smallest cars by their overall length and cap the ranking at the Top 10. Our rankings are based on the latest models, but since many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our insights also apply to used models.
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