Negotiating crowded streets, squeezing into tight parking spaces and delivering healthy fuel economy all factored into our choices for the seven best cars for city driving.
We assumed the drivers of these cars need to transport multiple passengers. And, to avoid a lot of shifting, they would prefer automatic transmissions.
We only looked at four-door cars that cost less than $20,000 before delivery fees and taxes. The posted prices include an automatic transmission in models where they are optional.
A car had to deliver an Environmental Protection Agency rating of at least 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Street-side parallel parking spaces vary, but the average length is about 250 inches. At less than 181 inches, these cars easily fit.
Maneuverability in an urban warrior is highly desirable. Every car on this list can turn a 360-degree circle in less than 35 feet. For comparison, a 2012 Ford Taurus requires 40 feet.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 1 million crash injuries occur each year on urban and suburban roads. Cars on this list had to receive the highest insurance institute test score of "good" for front, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests.