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12 Best Compact Cars for Retirees To Buy In 2024

Cruise into retirement with confidence in the best compact cars for the coming year.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Some retirees looking for a new vehicle might consider a compact car the right choice.

Buying a compact vehicle can be a smart money move since they usually cost less. These smaller cars also tend to get more miles per gallon and leave you with less wasted space.

So, which compact cars are right for retirees in 2024? Here are a few you might want to include in your search.

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Kia Forte

Check out the Kia Forte if you’re looking for a stylish sedan that can also save you money on gas. The Forte gets an estimated 31 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway.

And if you're trying to get ahead financially, the Forte is also one of the more affordable compact cars on the market right now, with an MSRP of $19,990.

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Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback offers you a compact car with a hatchback that can make it easier to get things into and out of the back end: Say goodbye to having to lean down to get items from a typical trunk.

You can get a Civic Hatchback for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $24,950.

Nissan Sentra

The roomy Nissan Sentra gives you plenty of space for groceries or things you may need for new hobbies or volunteer projects.

It also can be easy on your wallet, as you get a robust 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on highways.

A Sentra at your local dealer has an MSRP of $20,890.

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Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta’s digital cockpit makes it easy to have everything you need at your fingertips while driving. You even get navigation tools on your digital dash right in front of you.

The Jetta gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles on highways. It has an MSRP of $21,435.

Chevy Trailblazer

The Chevy Trailblazer is a compact SUV that gives you the perks of an SUV in a smaller vehicle.

One of the best reasons for retirees to get an SUV is the higher ride height, allowing you to see better when driving. The Trailblazer has an MSRP of $23,100.

Audi A3

Check out the 2024 Audi A3 if you want a more luxurious compact car. The vehicle comes with plenty of safety features. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named last year’s model as a Top Safety Pick Plus.

With an MSRP of $35,800, the A3 is slightly pricier than other compact cars. But it can still fit into the budget of many retirees.

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Toyota Corolla

The 2024 Toyota Corolla offers plenty of options for retirees, including 15 different colors and trims to choose from.

The Corolla is also compatible with Apple and Android phones, making it easy for you to safely drive hands-free with your phone connected to the car.

Pick up a Corolla with an MSRP of $22,050.

Volvo EX30

Check out the Volvo EX30 if you want an all-electric car with the safety features Volvo is known for.

The Volvo EX30 can travel up to 275 miles per charge. You can get one for an MSRP of $34,950.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

The luxury Alfa Romeo Giulia is sure to turn heads with its unique design. It also has plenty of safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

At an MSRP of $43,340, the price is on the higher side. But it could still be a good option if you have room in your budget.

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Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV is a great option if you want something compact that allows you to see over traffic better. Or perhaps you'll like the higher cargo area where you don’t have to bend down as much.

Pick up a CX-5 crossover SUV for an MSRP of $29,300.

Mercedes Benz C-Class

The compact Mercedes Benz C-Class sedan offers plenty of luxury in a small package. The sporty sedan has a large touchscreen and plenty of safety features to keep you protected.

Last year’s model of this sedan earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS.

However, the small C-Class does come with a big price tag compared to other compact cars. Expect to pay a MSRP of $46,950 for one.

Ford Bronco Sport

The rugged Ford Bronco Sport is another option for a compact SUV. It could be a good choice if you plan to engage in outdoor activities after you retire and need a vehicle to help you with equipment for hiking or biking excursions.

The Bronco Sport gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. It sells for a MSRP of $29,795.

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Bottom line

A compact car can be a great option if you're on a fixed budget and need more time to build up your savings.

Many of the cars on this list will also appeal to retirees because they offer safety features that keep you protected, good visibility, or large displays that can help you with navigation.

So, consider these cars the next time you head to the dealer lot.

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