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Big City Life: These Are the BEST 26 Cars for City Drivers

Are you ready to discover the best cars for city drivers?

While huge vehicles are gorgeous and fun to drive around, if you live in a crowded city where finding a parking spot is almost impossible, you might be better off with a tiny car.

Waiting in line at the main crossroads in the city can become annoying and stressful, especially if you need to drive every day or during peak hours. You need something small and smart to help you zip around the city like a fish in the water.

Lucky you, I’m here to help you with some recommendations. If you’ve read any of my articles, you already know that my first car was a tiny red one. It was a dream to drive it in the city because it was so small that I could easily squeeze between those huge SUVs.

So if you’re looking for something like that, I know what you need! Without further ado, here are the best cars for city drivers!

cars for city drivers
Photo by WildSnap from shutterstock.com

1. Subaru Impreza WRX

Do you live in a city where it snows and is freezing? Say no more, because I know exactly what vehicle might be best for you: the Subaru Impreza WRX is a fantastic choice for people who want to feel safe in all weather conditions, especially extreme ones.

It has a nice design that you’ll make other traffic participants take a look at, and the all-wheel drive will help you control it better, regardless of the temperature outside.

2. Chevrolet Spark EV

While this tiny car might not look as ready for action as others, the Chevrolet Spark EV is actually a hot hatch. This small vehicle will help you fit in tight spaces without a problem, and you’ll be zipping around in the city like nobody’s business.

The 400 lb-ft of torque introduced by the 2014 versions is a lot for a tiny car that weighs less than 3000 pounds. Check it out, because it might surprise you.

Are these some of the best cars for city drivers or not? Let me know in the comments!

3. Hyundai Veloster R-Spec

If you’re looking for a sporty yet great-looking car to drive in the city, the Hyundai Veloster R-Spec might be the one for you! The design of this car is pretty nice, and you’ll have the time of your life driving it. This is the perfect blend of comfort and design, and it is also one of the best cars for city drivers!

4. Volkswagen GTI

Many people say that all generations of Volkswagen GTI are some of the best cars for city drivers, and I couldn’t agree more! They come in different sizes, and they’re comfortable, compact, and nimble enough to zip through gaps in traffic.

If you love vehicles that get the job done, can fit everything in the cargo space, and don’t take an eternity to park in tight spaces, check them out, because they might be suitable for your needs.

5. BMW 2-Series

When it comes to luxury vehicles, BMW doesn’t disappoint! Do you want something that looks fierce and won’t be a pain to park in tight spaces? Then the BMW 2-Series might be the one for you.

If you have driven a BMW before, you know that it comes with several amazing features, but don’t worry, this one has many of them too, without any of the extra length. If you love to drive a stick, you can get this one with a manual, so it’s perfect for everybody’s needs.

Which brand do you think makes the best cars for city drivers?

6. Jeep Wrangler

While Jeep Wranglers were built for safety and fun when driving off-road, they’re also amazing cars for city drivers. If you live in a city where the road isn’t exactly friendly with the health of your automobile, say no more, because this vehicle will take care of this problem.

With a tight turning radius, a small footprint, and heavy-duty suspension, it can successfully take on any challenging potholes or tight parking spaces.

7. Chevrolet Colorado ZR1

If you have lots of errands to run in the city daily, a Chevrolet Colorado ZR1 might be the right car for your needs. It’s not as massive as a Silverado, so you can easily fit it into tighter spaces.

Another thing you’ll love about this vehicle is the fantastic DSSV suspension, which means that it can soak up even the most harsh road imperfections with no problem.

city for car drivers
Photo by AmbrosiniV from shutterstock.com

8. Autozam AZ-1

Do you know which are some of the best cars for city drivers? The Japanese ones, because they’re built to take up as little space as possible and the Autozam AZ-1 is the ultimate model.

It features gullwing doors, a turbocharged engine, and a mid-engine layout. For such a small sports car, what more could you ask for? It works wonderfully and it’s a pleasure driving it even at peak hours.

9. Suzuki Cappuccino

Do you want to drive a convertible car when doing your thing in the city? Then a Suzuki Cappuccino will bring you a lot of joy when driving. The motor of this vehicle is located up front rather than in the middle of the engine, but it still continues to transfer power to the back wheels, unlike other Kei automobiles.

This technique results in a balanced roadster that is significantly smaller than a Mazda Miata. If you think about getting a tiny car like this, go for a test drive and use that convertible top to make the experience even better.

We have many other amazing cars for city drivers to talk about, so keep reading to discover the one for you!

10. Honda Beat

You have to choose the Honda Beat if you want your Kei car experience to be roof-free. Its engine is positioned in the middle, just like the AZ-1, but it has a soft top that can be folded when you don’t use it. Did I tell you that this wonderful car for city drivers revs to over 9000 RPM?

11. Toyota Corolla Hatch

Even though many people say that the Corolla’s moniker is rather dull, I believe that it’s one of the best cars for city drivers. One of the most recent iterations of Toyota’s affordable vehicle is available as a hatchback with a manual transmission and is just what you need to run your errands.

12. Ford Fiesta ST

With its 197 horsepower and light weight of 2742 pounds, the Fiesta ST is one of the best cars for city drivers. It shares the same power-to-weight ratio as the original BMW M3, which is another fabulous vehicle, in my opinion.

Even though it looks pretty small on the outside, you’ll be surprised by how much room you’ll have in its interior. This car is more on the affordable side, as it costs just above $13,000.

13. Honda Fit

Let’s continue with these fantastic cars for city drivers, because we have a couple more to talk about. The new Honda Fit has a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower, as well as a six-speed manual transmission, so you’ll be able to take full advantage of its power. This one’s perfect for all those hectic times when you’re in a rush!

14. Chevrolet Sonic RS

If you think that the best cars for city drivers are the ones with lots of horsepower, you’ll love what I’m about to tell you. The gorgeous Chevrolet Sonic RS has a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, which produces 138 horsepower, and it will take speed to the next level.

It’s the ideal little, light automobile for weaving in and out of traffic in a busy city. And don’t worry about parallel parking, because once you get used to this car and its dimensions, it will be just as easy as blowing out candles on your birthday cake.

15. Fiat 500 Abarth

Gone are the days of passing up a tight parking space. With 160 horsepower, the small, nimble, and powerful Fiat 500 Abarth is sure to turn heads wherever it travels.

Compared to the standard Fiat 500, it has sportier features and an incredible sound system, perfect for when you want to blast your favorite songs. Check it out; this is definitely one of the best cars for city drivers!

Which one of these vehicles do you think is the best for city drivers? Leave a comment below and let us know! Don’t forget to make your vehicle smell fresh and clean! Here‘s my favorite scent for cars!

16. Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop

Is there someone who doesn’t think that Mini Coopers are cute? They’re so small, no wonder you could zip around in the city like nobody’s business. But don’t be fooled by their sizes, because these are some of the fastest and best cars for city drivers.

The sad thing is that they’re not budget-friendly, and in case something breaks and needs replacement, don’t expect it to be cheap. However, they’re funky and have a lot of horsepower, and they will surely make everyone look at you.

Do you want to discover other amazing cars for city drivers? Then keep reading!

17. Tesla Model 3 Performance

You probably heard that the future is electric, and many people say that electric vehicles are some of the best cars for city drivers and for the environment as well.

If you believe the same, you’ll love to drive the all-electric Tesla Model 3 Performance. I went with a friend for a test drive, and I loved it. If you don’t mind having no engine or gears to shift, you’ll quickly fall in love with this one.

18. Mazda 3

While the Mazda 3 might not be particularly out-of-the-world or fast, it’s still one of the best cars for city drivers. It has a compact hatch, so you can easily squeeze it into a tight parking space. The best part about this is that it has the option of all-wheel drive, so you won’t have any problem braving the city streets all year round.

19. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda vehicles are some of the best cars for city drivers, and the new MX-5 Miata is just a pleasure to drive. It has more than enough power to support you in your city adventures, and it’s incredibly easy to park. This is fantastic for people who want to get the job done and wander around the streets.

cars for city drivers
Photo by Art Konovalov from shutterstock.com

20. BMW i3

As we’ve previously said, electric cars are indeed the future of urban transportation, and the BMW i3 is one of them. Its electric engine has an incredible 170 hp, and the lightweight carbon fiber construction is there to help make the most of its range.

If you’re not a fan of its design, I get it; it took me a while to like it too, but here’s something that might change your mind: it looks like a sci-fi movie that came to life. Pretty great, right?

21. Brabus Smart ForTwo Ultimate 125

Many people say that the regular Smart ForTwo is one of the most competent cars for city drivers, but the Brabus version takes it to the next level. It has no less than 123 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque from a rear-mounted three-cylinder engine. If you want to have fun driving it and then easily park it in a tight spot, check it out! It does what it promises!

22. Chevrolet Bolt

Even though the pretty Chevrolet Bolt has no sporty intentions, it will take you from one place to another in no time, thanks to its great electric powertrain.

It has a small hatchback shape, which means that you can easily squeeze it in traffic or in tight parking spaces, and driving it around the city will be a real pleasure.

23. Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ

If you like Subaru and Toyota cars, you’ll love these two cars: the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ. These are two sporty cars that were created by the two major brands in collaboration and manufactured at Subaru’s Gunma assembly plant.

They’re fantastic options for people who want to sneak in and out of traffic, and the best part is that they’re wonderful for getting out of town too. The cargo space is just right to fit your luggage, and these cars will be like home on any road. Check them out; they’re real winners and some of the best cars for city drivers ever!

24. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

While you might think that the gorgeous G-Wagen shouldn’t be on this list because it’s a big SUV, it can really come in handy in the city. Besides looking amazing, this spacious car does a fantastic job at flying over potholes and speed bumps, and thanks to its height, visibility is phenomenal.

Even though SUVs and all-wheel-drive vehicles are in their element when driving off-road, these G-Wagons are some of the best cars for city drivers. Buckle up and get ready to say vrum-vrum!

These are the best cars for city drivers! Do you agree or not?

25. Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

Some of these amazing cars for city drivers are more on the expensive side, like this Audi, but they’re so good, that I had to include them on our list. Speaking of, the Sportback e-tron is Audi’s first plug-in hybrid, but it’s not the cheapest hybrid available on the market.

You’ll have to get no less than $40,000 out of your pocket for this one, $10,000 more than the Toyota Prius. However, if you like speed and have the budget for it, it won’t disappoint you. It has a 204-horsepower combined power rating and a far superior look, and when you want to drive around the city and save some money on gas, you can drive it entirely on electricity.

26. Hyundai i20

We’re almost done with this list of amazing cars for city drivers, but we can’t end our short journey until we say something about the small and cute Hyundai i20. If you want a tiny vehicle that is affordable, stylish, and connected to technology, this one is exactly what you need.

Hyundai is a popular brand known for building safe, reliable, high-quality, and great-looking cars, so you won’t mess up getting the new Hyundai i20. A stylish hatchback, whether automatic or manual, is great for driving in a busy city, as it is very easy and fun to control. And if you have problems parking, don’t worry, because it has rear cameras and parking sensors to guide you.

Which one of these cars would you like to drive? Let me know in the comments!

If you’d love to read something else from the Urban Cars Blog, here’s another great post for you: Steer Clear: 10 Cars That Will Likely Break Down After 100K Miles

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