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You live in the city but want to add a car to your lifestyle. But which car should you choose? If you’re in the market for a new car to drive and park in the city, you probably want one that offers a tight turning radius, good city gas mileage, and a decent ride. It helps to have safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection too. Fortunately, there are plenty of new cars to pick from if you’re after a new car that’s capable of taking on crowded city streets.

Traffic moves along 42nd Street at sunset on June 2, 2019 in New York City
Commuters driving in traffic in New York | Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

The 2021 Toyota Prius

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota Prius is one of the best new cars for city dwellers. It boasts a 35-foot turning radius and a length of just 179 inches, making it pretty easy to maneuver and park. According to the EPA, you can also expect the Toyota Prius to deliver an EPA-estimated 54 mpg in the city. Consumer Reports says that the new Toyota Prius also handles responsively and rides comfortably. It comes standard with sought-after safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning too.

The 2021 Honda Insight

If the 2021 Toyota Prius isn’t quite your style, consider getting behind the wheel of the 2021 Honda Insight. At 184 inches long and with a turning radius of 37 feet, the 2021 Honda Insight makes driving city streets an easy feat. It’s pretty thrifty when it comes to fuel too. According to the EPA, this year’s model achieves an EPA-estimated 51 mpg in the city. Car and Driver reports that the 2021 Honda Insight is an “exceedingly pleasant vehicle to drive” too. Add in standard safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning, and the Insight is one of the best new cars for city driving.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has always made for an impressive pick. It’s affordable, and according to Kelley Blue Book, “shines in its driving experience.” It certainly helps city drivers that the 2021 Toyota Corolla is just over 182 inches long and boasts a turning radius of 37 feet. This year’s model is also available as a fuel-efficient hybrid, which delivers an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city. Further, consider that the 2021 model comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning, and it’s hard to beat what the Corolla has to offer if you’re after a new car for city driving.

The 2021 Mini Cooper

If you’re after a sportier vehicle, Consumer Reports says that the 2021 Mini Cooper is one of the best new cars for city driving. The two-door version is 151 inches long, while the four-door version is about 158 inches long. This year’s model also boasts a 36-foot turning radius, making it pretty easy to park. And according to the EPA? The Mini Cooper delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city. It’s also standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning. The only downside to this vehicle, in particular, Consumer Reports says, is that road noise is pretty noticeable. 

Choosing the best new car for city driving

There are plenty of cars that can take on crowded city streets. In fact, this list barely scratches the surface. So if these vehicles aren’t quite your style? Not to fear. There are plenty of options out there if you’re in the market for a new car for city driving.