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Best Performance Hatchbacks for 2025

These are the best performance hatchbacks based on iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle's power to weight ratio

See how we rank these cars

The best performance hatchback is the Nissan Z with a curb weight of 3,704 and a horsepower rating of 420, resulting in a weight-to-horsepower ratio of 8.8 lbs. per HP. The weight-to-horsepower ratio is calculated based on a vehicle’s curb weight and horsepower at the trim level - the less weight one horsepower has to pull, the better performance a vehicle can provide. The second best performance hatchback is the Honda Civic (hatchback) with a weight-to-hp ratio of 9.9 lbs. per HP. In third place is the Nissan 370Z (coupe) which has a 9.9 lbs. per HP weight-to-hp.

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What is the best performance hatchback?
  1. Nissan Z
  2. Honda Civic (hatchback)
  3. Nissan 370Z (coupe)
Models not ranked yet

The best performance hatchback is the Nissan Z with a curb weight of 3,704 and a horsepower rating of 420, resulting in a weight-to-horsepower ratio of 8.8 lbs. per HP. The weight-to-horsepower ratio is calculated based on a vehicle’s curb weight and horsepower at the trim level - the less weight one horsepower has to pull, the better performance a vehicle can provide. The second best performance hatchback is the Honda Civic (hatchback) with a weight-to-hp ratio of 9.9 lbs. per HP. In third place is the Nissan 370Z (coupe) which has a 9.9 lbs. per HP weight-to-hp.

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1. Nissan Z

#1 of 23 Hatchbacks with the Most Horsepower #1 of 5 2-seater Cars with the Most Horsepower #1 of 5 Most Comfortable 2-seater Cars
  • Weight to hp 8.819
  • Starting MSRP: 42970
  • Nissan Z for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 42970 - 65750
USED PRICE 37803 - 57733
MPG 19 - 22 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 6.9 cu ft

The following trim level(s) offer the lowest weight to horsepower ratio for the model's max HP:

  • 2025 Nissan Z NISMO 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 420hp 384ft. lbs.

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2. Honda Civic (hatchback)

#1 of 37 Best Gas Mileage Small Cars #1 of 37 Best Performance Small Cars #1 of 37 Best Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 8.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.3 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 27450 - 45895
USED PRICE 19806 - 43686
MPG 24 - 48 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 24.5 cu ft

The following trim level(s) offer the lowest weight to horsepower ratio for the model's max HP:

  • 2025 Honda Civic Type R 2.0L Turbo I4 315hp 310ft. lbs.

See Honda Civic for sale near you right arrow
Last new model year: 2020

3. Nissan 370Z (coupe)

#1 of 5 2-seater Cars with Best Resale Value #1 of 5 Best 2-seater Cars for Tall People #1 of 3 Best Hatchbacks Under $35k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.9 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 30090 - 47190
USED PRICE 22995 - 41170
MPG 20 - 22 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 6.9 cu ft

The following trim level(s) offer the lowest weight to horsepower ratio for the model's max HP:

  • 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO 3.7L V6 350hp 276ft. lbs.

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Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

#1 of 37 Best Family Small Cars #1 of 37 Safest Small Cars #1 of 24 Best Family Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 8.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 25150 - 37150
USED PRICE 17992 - 29999
MPG 26 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 20.1 cu ft
Last new model year: 2020

Honda Fit

#1 of 37 Small Cars with Best Resale Value #1 of 23 Hatchbacks with Best Resale Value #1 of 15 Best Small Cars Under $20k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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8.7 / 10
  • Reliability 8.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.8 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 16190 - 20620
USED PRICE 13387 - 22997
MPG 31 - 36 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 16.6 cu ft
Last new model year: 2022

Chevrolet Spark

#1 of 3 Best American Small Cars #1 of 2 Best American Hatchbacks #2 of 13 Best Subcompact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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8.2 / 10
  • Reliability 7.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 13600 - 18100
USED PRICE 8995 - 17325
MPG 32 - 33 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 11.1 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

Kia Rio 5-Door

#1 of 9 Best Korean Small Cars #1 of 5 Best Korean Hatchbacks #1 of 3 Best Korean Subcompact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.2 / 10
  • Reliability 7.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 17690
USED PRICE 11140 - 18996
MPG 36 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.4 cu ft
Last new model year: 2021

Volkswagen Golf

#1 of 5 Best German Compact Cars #1 of 5 Best German Small Cars #1 of 5 Best Hatchbacks Under $25k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.1 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 23195 - 23995
USED PRICE 13946 - 21998
MPG 32 - 33 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.4 cu ft

MINI Hardtop 4 Door

#2 of 13 Subcompact Cars with the Most Horsepower #3 of 3 Best Hatchbacks Under $30k #3 of 3 Best Small Cars Under $30k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.1 / 10
  • Reliability 7.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.6 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 25950 - 35600
USED PRICE 18112 - 37037
MPG 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 9.7 cu ft

Volkswagen Golf GTI

#1 of 3 Best Small Cars Under $35k #1 of 3 Most Reliable Small Cars Under $35k #2 of 5 Best German Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.6 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 32445 - 40880
USED PRICE 19998 - 34993
MPG 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2021

Hyundai VELOSTER

#1 of 11 Coupes with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 11 Coupes with the Most Legroom #1 of 2 Best Korean Coupes
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 18900 - 28450
USED PRICE 12614 - 21998
MPG 28 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2020

Chevrolet Sonic (hatchback)

#2 of 13 Subcompact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #2 of 3 Best American Small Cars #2 of 2 Best American Hatchbacks
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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7.9 / 10
  • Reliability 7.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 17220 - 21520
USED PRICE 8793 - 17646
MPG 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.0 cu ft
Last new model year: 2020

FIAT 500L

#1 of 37 Best Small Cars for Tall People #1 of 37 Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 24 Best Compact Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.8 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.2 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 22500 - 24645
USED PRICE 11048 - 18898
MPG 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 22.4 cu ft

MINI Hardtop 2 Door

#1 of 13 Subcompact Cars with the Most Horsepower #2 of 5 Most Reliable Hatchbacks Under $25k #3 of 10 Most Affordable Hatchbacks
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.6 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 24950 - 40600
USED PRICE 18222 - 37295
MPG 30 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 8.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2020

Hyundai ELANTRA GT

#2 of 37 Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #2 of 24 Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #3 of 23 Hatchbacks with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.2 / 10
  • Safety 7.3 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 20650 - 24600
USED PRICE 11929 - 20274
MPG 26 - 28 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 24.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2020

Toyota Yaris Hatchback

#2 of 37 Small Cars with Best Resale Value #2 of 23 Hatchbacks with Best Resale Value #2 of 13 Subcompact Cars with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

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Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 9.4 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 17750 - 18750
USED PRICE 12008 - 20995
MPG 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 15.9 cu ft

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

#2 of 10 Most Affordable Hatchbacks #4 of 24 Compact Cars with Best Resale Value #4 of 23 Hatchbacks with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 9.1 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 23780 - 27080
USED PRICE 17395 - 27297
MPG 33 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.8 cu ft

Toyota GR Corolla

#3 of 37 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower #3 of 24 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #5 of 23 Hatchbacks with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.9 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 38860 - 47515
USED PRICE 33675 - 45996
MPG 22 - 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.8 cu ft
Last new model year: 2022

Hyundai VELOSTER N

#1 of 14 Sports Cars with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 14 Sports Cars with the Most Legroom #2 of 11 Coupes with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 32500 - 34000
USED PRICE 18690 - 28996
MPG 22 - 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft

Mitsubishi Mirage (hatchback)

#1 of 22 Most Affordable Small Cars #1 of 13 Subcompact Cars with the Most Legroom #1 of 10 Most Affordable Hatchbacks
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability 8.035266685541691 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 16695 - 18895
USED PRICE 9947 - 17373
MPG 39 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.1 cu ft

Volkswagen Golf R

#1 of 37 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower #1 of 24 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #4 of 23 Hatchbacks with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 47100 - 48415
USED PRICE 36714 - 46990
MPG 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

Kia Stinger

#1 of 13 Midsize Cars with the Most Horsepower #2 of 23 Hatchbacks with the Most Horsepower #3 of 23 Hatchbacks with the Most Legroom
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.9 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 36690 - 53990
USED PRICE 21891 - 40989
MPG 20 - 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 23.3 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

Volkswagen Arteon

#1 of 23 Best Hatchbacks for Towing #1 of 23 Hatchbacks with the Most Legroom #1 of 13 Best Midsize Cars for Towing
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 43010 - 50175
USED PRICE 19030 - 38972
MPG 25 - 28 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 27.2 cu ft

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How We Rank These Cars

The best performance cars rank vehicles by their weight-to-horsepower ratio.

The weight-to-horsepower ratio is calculated based on a vehicle's curb weight and horsepower at the trim level - the less weight one horsepower has to pull, the better performance a vehicle can provide. For cars with a ratio within 0.1 of each other, lighter vehicles always have the advantage in performance and are ranked to reflect that. For each vehicle, we also show the iSeeCars Score which rates the overall quality of a vehicle.

The iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.

Vehicles are scored in three categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Value Retention

The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).