Top 5 Compact Hatchbacks for 2017 Buyers
Explore the top five hatchbacks of 2017, including models from Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Subaru, and Mazda. Designed for city driving and budget-conscious buyers, these vehicles combine efficiency, practicality, and performance. Each offers unique features ranging from fuel economy to safety options, making them ideal choices for urban commuters and car enthusiasts alike.

Hatchbacks are vehicles characterized by a rear door that lifts upward, granting access to the cargo space. They often feature foldable second-row seats, allowing flexible interior arrangements for passengers or cargo. These vehicles date back to the 1930s and are popular for their practicality and affordability. Ideal for city driving and budget-conscious consumers, hatchbacks offer efficient use of space and maneuverability.
Here are five hatchback models from 2017 worth considering:
The Chevrolet Spark is a compact four-door, four-passenger hatchback with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque.
It features front-wheel drive with a 5-speed manual transmission, achieving approximately 39 MPG highway and 31 MPG city. Its electronic fuel injection system, coupled with a 7-inch touchscreen via Chevrolet MyLink Radio, offers convenient control over radio features and Bluetooth streaming for music.
Ford’s notable hatchback, the Ford Focus, is a two-door, five-passenger vehicle with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine generating 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque at 4250 RPM.
With a 14-gallon fuel tank and a 5-speed manual gearbox, it delivers an estimated 37 MPG on highways and 27 MPG in city driving. Safety includes moderate overlap front, side, and roof-strength features, though it lacks front crash prevention systems.
The Kia Forte, a four-door hatchback for five passengers, offers fuel efficiencies of 29 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. Its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine supplies 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Inside, it features an AM/FM/CD/MP3 system, SiriusXM radio, USB and auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth with voice recognition.
Subaru’s Impreza, favored by racing enthusiasts, is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Its 13-gallon tank and 5-speed manual transmission give it an estimated 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. It reaches a top speed of 122 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds.
Mazda’s 3 hatchback is a lively four-door, five-passenger model with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3250 RPM. It features a six-speed transmission and offers around 25 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, sprinting from 0-60 mph in about 7.4 seconds.