Every 2019 Small Luxury Car Ranked from Best to Worst
Even luxury small cars can’t seem to fend off the ever mighty crossover from eating into their buyers. Sales numbers are down for many of these vehicles, but it’s looking like manufacturers are keeping them around, at least for now. That’s probably thanks to higher margins on these luxury cars. The subcompact and compact segments typically straddle the line between sport-focused and feature-filled, especially compared to their more stately larger siblings.
We rank 24 compact and subcompact luxury cars from best to worst depending on their driving performance, standard features, design, and value. If we did a standalone list for each segment, it would be pretty small. Instead, we combined both sizes into a “small” luxury car list.
24. 2019 Cadillac ATS
The 2019 Cadillac ATS is the last of the line, and with middling reliability ratings, we won’t really miss it in this segment. It had powerful engine options (not really a surprise there from Cadillac), but the interior space and trunk cargo area were subpar. The interior controls were also unintuitive.
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23. 2019 Infiniti Q50
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 offered drivers competent handling, but this Infiniti offered pretty poor interior materials for a vehicle at this price point. Plus, it sucked down gas at rates similar to much larger cars.
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22. 2019 Lexus RC
The 2019 Lexus RC is, if not dated then a little boring when it comes to exterior styling. It’s a small car, but even still, the storage capabilities are below average. It does have good reliability ratings, however, which is something you would expect from Lexus.
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21. 2019 Infiniti Q60
The 2019 Infiniti Q60 could use some updating when it comes to its infotainment system. Other competitors are leaving it in the dust. Additionally, it has some uninspiring steering for a sporty-focused coupe. Like its sibling, the Q50, this Infiniti also has poor fuel economy ratings.
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20. 2019 Lexus IS
We aren’t fans of Lexus’s infotainment system, nor were we pleased with the small trunk. But the 2019 IS does offer sporty handling for a comfortable ride.
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19. 2019 Jaguar XE
What are cars used for? Driving around. And when it comes to driving, the Jaguar excelled. But that’s only half the story. Drivers have to interact with their cars by using the available space and making selections with the controls. That’s where the 2019 Jaguar XE lets drivers down. It also has below-average reliability ratings.
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18. 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
That sporty raked-roof styling is impressive to look at, but when you’re trying to see out the tiny rear window, it’s not so helpful. Plus, anyone over 10 will struggle with the low roof in the rear seats. It’s better for buyers to opt for offerings in the C- or A-classes from Mercedes-Benz.
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17. 2019 BMW 4-Series
The 2019 BMW 4-Series gives drivers peppy and responsive handling thanks to powerful engines. But it also has one of the highest starting prices in its class, where other competitors offer value on similarly equipped cars. We also understand BMW’s explanation for its yearly Apple CarPlay subscription, but that doesn’t mean we have to like it.
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16. 2019 Acura ILX
The 2019 Acura ILX has a low starting price and some great standard safety tech. But it also isn’t the most fun to drive, even though it tries to sell itself as a sporty commuter. It may be a good deal, but you could also spend a little more and get a better car.
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15. 2019 Volkswagen Arteon
The new Volkswagen Arteon has good interior space and some great tech features for the price, but when you try to use them, things get a little confusing. The ho-hum styling isn’t as exciting as it could have been, but then again, VW was going for comfort instead of sportiness here.
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14. 2019 Tesla Model 3
The 2019 Tesla Model 3 has stellar safety ratings, and it has one of the longest EV ranges on the market. It falls in the middle of our pack because, while the minimalist interior is nice to look at, it’s rather cumbersome to use the iPad-like screen for everything. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? Nope! And depending on production schedules, simple standard features (like exterior color) regularly change. Prices, too, fluctuate with little to no notice.
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13. 2019 Buick Cascada
The 2019 Buick Cascada is somewhat of a strange beast. It has a low price, and is a convertible! Fun! But it also has pretty bland styling and a dated interior. It’s honestly not as fun as a convertible should be. It does, however, have good reliability ratings.
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12. 2019 BMW 3-Series
The 2019 BMW 3-Series starts off the better half of our list with exciting engine options, capable steering and handling, and supportive seats. Is the infotainment system the cleanest? No, but hopefully you’re having too much fun driving to fiddle with all of that.
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11. 2019 BMW i3
The 2019 BMW i3 is spacious inside and has good driving dynamics, as well as safety ratings. But the funky design may not be everyone’s preference, and the range for this EV is a little on the low side for the price.
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10. 2019 BMW 2-Series
The 2019 BMW 2-Series is our favorite Beamer, and it’s not because of the lower price. Compared to other competitors at this price point, the 2-Series offers wonderful value its first-class materials and upscale interior. It’s athletic and sporty to drive with a trunk big enough for all of your errands.
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9. 2019 Volvo S60
The 2019 Volvo S60 has what is probably our favorite interior in the segment, if not on any car. It has a large screen but also a select few buttons. It’s intuitive and responsive. (Hey Tesla, this is how it’s done). Additionally, materials are first-rate, the seats are comfortable, and the standard array of safety features is impressive.
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8. 2019 Audi A5
Audi has three cars in the top 10, and that can’t be a coincidence. They really know how to build a great car. The interior is top-notch, the controls are intuitive, and the engaged steering provides a smooth stately ride.
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7. 2019 Audi A3
The 2019 Audi A3 is even better. Put those powerful engines in a smaller, more athletic body like the A3 has, and the result is an energetic sportster in the guise of a comfortable luxury sedan.
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6. 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are neck-in-neck. They are both around the same price, both provide an upscale interior, and both bring a smile to your face as you push the pedal to the floor. The A-Class edged ahead thanks to slightly higher design ratings.
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5. 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is our favorite Mercedes model in this class. The interior is futuristic without being confusing. The seats are supportive, and the larger space provides room for everyone. Besides the numerous standard features that already come with this vehicle, there is an even more exhaustive list of optional features to make it the perfect choice for you.
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4. 2019 Kia Stinger
Yes, you read that right. There’s a Kia on our luxury car list. If you took the badge off and test drove the Stinger, you’d swear it came from Europe and not South Korea. It’s spacious, has a clean and intuitive interior, and it’s one of the most fun vehicles to drive thanks to wonderful handling.
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3. 2019 Audi A4
The 2019 Audi A4 is a classy affair. Its sleek and stylish exterior carries over inside to a classy interior that spacious and comfortable. All the standard features that you could want are here when it comes to creature comforts, and the handling is top-notch.
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2. 2019 Genesis G70
The 2019 Genesis G70 is akin to its Kia Stinger sibling (this is a Hyundai brand after all). All the same positive driving aspects carry over to the G70. Add to that a dizzying array of standard features for this price point, and you’ll be laughing with glee all the way to the bank!
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1. 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia knocks it out of the park. It has sports car handling for a fraction of the sports car price, while also retaining a number of luxury features so buyers don’t feel cheated. You’ve never had this much fun racing to pick up the kids or heading to work in the morning.
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