5 City Cars, Tested And Recommended

People who own and drive cars in cities get much flak for clogging streets and surrounding highways, yes? But if you’ve ever tried to stuff a set of drums or 10 bags of groceries into the bus, subway, or into a cab or tried to rent a car to go out of town on a busy summer weekend, you know that a set of sturdy wheels – for you, not everybody – is your friend. Also, how many of us travel frequently and the Uber guy shows up, finds out you’re going to the airport and turns you down then and there, with your bag? Ownership is power.

Here is a list of new wheels I’ve personally pounded ‘n’ punished and found “best” for city dwellers.

2023 Kia Soul

It’s small, cute and completely non-aggressive-looking, a snap to find in parking lots and able to squeeze through or around many a traffic snarl. Changes for 2023 are minimal, including a new bumper design and grille and reshaped headlamps. You can also choose either 17 or 18-inch wheels. The engine, as can be expected for such a little guy, is a lawnmowerish 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Prices start at an inexpensive $22,550.

2023 Mazda3 hatchback

The Mazda3 hatchback’s egg shape, mini-dimensions and reliability make it a solid choice for urbanites. I fit a portable P.A. system, a couple of guitars, an amplifier and two adult passengers in its interior during a recent test without a problem, and it’s got a third row of seats that actually fit creatures larger than a ventriloquist dummy. It’s also got quick acceleration as well as (relatively) sporty driving dynamics, and the option for a powerful turbocharged engine. Its base price of $23,550 won’t break the bank, either.

2023 Jeep Wrangler

Its controls are numb as Novocain, its boxy shape prevents any kind of real highway speed and its mileage is feeble at 15/19-MPG city/highway, but the Wrangler expresses your urban cowboy like no other ride. You can take this thing out of town and do true off-roading, or to the beach for the best cowabunga experience this side of Malibu. The noisy interior prevents pointless conversation – perfect for the strong, silent type. Finally, it’s a snap to fit into city parking spaces, and folks you share the road with give you much respect, though it helps if you have visible tats and a shaved head. Prices start at around $33,000 and rise (a lot!) from there.

2023 Mazda MX-5

Though its previous “Miata” moniker was a far more creative and fun name than the bland-as-tofu “MX-5,” this peanut-sized ride floats, ala Muhammed Ali, like a butterfly around traffic jams, and its power and torque, via an optional 6-speed shifter, stings like a bee. It’ll also shoehorn into tight parking spots or nab that tiny space near the fire hydrant that the Escalades and Yukons are too fat to consider.

The MX-5’s one caveat is its lack of storage, but that also means your friends will never ask you to help them move with it, nor will you automatically be elected chauffer for the gang after a night out. Its dinky engine actually feels quite powerful when you downshift and step on it, and if you opt for its best-equipped Grand Touring model, the flavor is positively swank. Top tip, though—-leave it home during snowstorms. Prices start at under 30K.

2023 Mini Cooper

It’s hard to beat the Mini Cooper for maneuverability, ease-of-parking and fun driving characteristics. You can practically fold it up and take it inside your apartment with its dimensions of 152.2 length, 68 width and 55.7 inch height. It can also take off quickly even with its base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and its handing, braking and high-end suspension on the road or out of town is BMW-sharp. (BMW is Mini’s parent company.) Downsides? It’s small – as in “not for the big and tall.” It’s also expensive to repair, by all accounts. If that still works for you, you’ll probably fall in love with your little guy more than this hatchback or that crossover. Prices start at under $30k (just barely) and rise (a lot!) from there. It also comes in an electric.