7 Cars To Buy If You Live in a Big City

Not all vehicles have what it takes to make it in a big city. Drivers will often avoid buying big cars, like trucks, that have a harder time fitting into tight parking spaces or driving down narrow side streets. The better approach is to explore smaller, compact cars which are safe to drive and won’t strain your budget too much to purchase.

In alphabetical order, city dwellers should look into buying these seven cars.

• Starting price: $32,995

Drivers in big cities seeking a luxury car for less have found it in the 2024 Acura Integra. Last year, U.S. News & World Report included the 2024 Acura Integra in its roundup of the 2023 best city cars. A year later, the same model and year was included in their roundup of the safest small cars in 2024.

The luxury small car has received praise for its extra cargo space, comfortable handling, strong engine and low starting price. But the biggest benefit might just be its plethora of safety features designed to keep drivers and passengers safe. In addition to standard features like pedestrian detection and blind spot monitoring, the Acura Integra has a few convenient optional features worth checking out. Drivers may be sold on the purchase after exploring the front and rear parking sensors or the windshield wipers that are designed to sense rain.

• Starting price: $25,345 to $33,000

If you’re looking for an all-around practical compact vehicle for the price, the Honda Civic is likely your best bet. 

Considered one of the best city cars in 2023, the 2025 Honda Civic ranked first place in Car and Driver’s roundup of the best compact cars for 2024 and 2025. While it may be a little noisy on the road, the Honda Civic makes up for it with a roomy and attractive interior cabin, good fuel economy and affordable pricing.

• Starting price: $22,775

The good gas mileage and fuel economy associated with the 2024 Hyundai Elantra helped the compact sedan secure a spot in this roundup, along with its roomy seating and cabin and attractive styling.

The Elantra also comes equipped with a slew of safety features ideal for day or night city driving like automatic high-beam headlights, forward automatic emergency braking and cyclist detection (optional).

• Starting price: $21,145 to $26,545

Readers will note the 2024 Kia Forte has the cheapest starting price out of any compact vehicle mentioned in this roundup. 

Drivers in big cities may decide to buy the Kia Forte thanks to its price tag, but that’s not the only benefit they’ll receive. According to U.S. News, the compact sedan’s other perks include its spacious cabin, great fuel economy and more standard driver-assistance features for 2024 with the GT-Line trim.

• Starting price: $25,355

Drivers that want all the benefits of a luxury small car without the price might consider looking into the 2024 Mazda3. The 2024 Mazda3 is available to purchase as a compact sedan or hatchback with the latter receiving an exclusive carbon trim in 2024 for an upscale appearance. 

Be aware, however, that while the interior cabin and exterior trim is incredibly stylish, the biggest complaint for the Mazda3 is its rear seats don’t have much to offer by way of extra space. Incidentally, rear seat tightness was an issue when the Mazda3 landed a spot on the best 2023 city cars roundup as well.

• Starting price: $23,185

The 2024 Toyota Corolla has plenty of practical purposes that make it ideal to own in a big city. 

The Corolla may not be a thrilling car to drive around or have the most cargo room. However, this compact car comes equipped with plenty of safety features, good fuel economy and an inexpensive price tag that won’t set buyers too far back financially.

• Starting price: $29,085

Car and Driver ranked the 2024 Toyota Prius in second place for the best compact cars of 2024 and 2025.

Drivers hunting for a hybrid that is big-city friendly and available for under $30K might start shopping for the 2024 Toyota Prius. One of the few downsides is the tightness of the rear seats. However, those able to look past this will be rewarded with a fuel-efficient vehicle known for its gentle rides.