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The Honda Civic is one of the most popular choices for the compact car segment, with its good driving dynamics, attractive design, practicality, and high fuel economy. However, the Civic might not be for everyone. While the Toyota Corolla is a common alternative to the Civic, there are some other affordable choices. Check out these three cheaper Honda Civic alternatives. 

Affordable compact cars to get instead of a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla

Front angle view of red 2023 Honda Civic, highlighting cheaper compact car alternatives that are not a Toyota Corolla
2023 Honda Civic | Honda

The 2023 Honda Civic has a starting price of $24,650 MSRP, while the 2023 Toyota Corolla starts at $21,550 MSRP. For more affordable alternatives to the Civic that are not a Corolla, here are three models to consider, along with their starting prices (MSRP):

  1. 2023 Mazda3: $22,550 MSRP 
  2. 2023 Hyundai Elantra: $20,500 MSRP
  3. 2023 Subaru Impreza: $19,705 MSRP

Mazda3 is a cheaper and fun-to-drive alternative to the Honda Civic

Front angle view of blue 2023 Mazda3, cheaper Honda Civic compact car alternative that's not a Toyota Corolla
2023 Mazda3 | Mazda

The 2023 Mazda3, which starts at $22,550 MSRP, is not only cheaper than the Honda Civic, but it’s also fun-to-drive. It provides precise steering, good handling, and a smooth ride. And it offers peppy engines. The most powerful one is the available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates an output of up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. 

Other highlights of the Mazda3 are its upscale interior and user-friendly infotainment system. Models like the Civic and Corolla have greater brand recognition and are more practical than the Mazda3. However, as detailed by Car and Driver, the Mazda3 is a great choice for those who prioritize driving enjoyment and premium quality. 

Hyundai Elantra is a budget-friendly compact car

Front view of gray 2023 Hyundai Elantra
2023 Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai

Another cheaper compact car alternative to the Honda Civic that’s not a Toyota Corolla is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra. It has a starting price of $20,500 MSRP. In addition to its budget-friendly price, the Elantra offers great value with its many standard features, even for the base model. Also, it features a unique exterior design, lively and efficient engines, and good handling.

Making the Elantra even more affordable is its generous warranty coverage. It has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, the Elantra offers a complimentary maintenance plan, with three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.

Subaru Impreza: Affordable Civic alternative with standard all-wheel drive

Front angle view of blue 2023 Subaru Impreza
2023 Subaru Impreza | Subaru

The third compact car on our list of affordable Honda Civic alternatives is the 2023 Subaru Impreza, which starts at $19,705 MSRP. The calling card of the Impreza is its standard all-wheel drive. It’s the cheapest new car available with all-wheel drive. This makes the Impreza a good choice for drivers that need all-season traction, including those that live in a location with harsh winters. 

Additionally, the Impreza gets good fuel economy, features many safety technologies, and has a comfortable interior with a surprising amount of legroom and headroom.

Three cheaper Honda Civic alternatives that are not a Toyota Corolla include the 2023 Mazda3, 2023 Hyundai Elantra, and 2023 Subaru Impreza. For budget-minded compact car shoppers, these are three models that are worth a closer look.

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