2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited

The 2012 Elantra is Hyundai's compact sedan, aimed squarely at the Corolla and Civic. It handles with a light, eager feel that makes it fun on twisty roads, though the engine needs revs to keep up on highway on-ramps. Inside, the cabin is stylish and comfortable, with supportive seats and a clean dashboard layout. It's a sedan, so the trunk is decent but rear legroom is tight for taller passengers. The Limited is the top trim, so you get leather seats, a sunroof, and heated rear seats that the cheaper GLS and SE don't offer. Its 1.8L I4 makes 148 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic that includes manual shift mode, and the Active ECO system helps it achieve 32 mpg combined. Heated rear seats are rare in this class and a genuine bonus for winter passengers.