2012 Toyota Yaris vs. Its Competition
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Toyota has a rock-solid reputation for reliability and low running costs in this segment, but with a bottom-line price of $17,160, our Yaris SE is by no means in the same category as a base ($11,750) Nissan Versa.
The Versa remains the lowest-priced U.S.
vehicle, though hatchback versions cost a bit more.
The Versa's hard plastics and lack of refinement make it a step behind much of the rest of this class, though, so what you get is what you pay for.
Competing against the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit—all of which are either more engaging to drive or simply offer more features and performance for less money—it's hard to get very excited about the Yaris from a value standpoint.
The Accent has a much stronger, direct-injection engine that's perhaps more fuel-efficient.
The Ford Fiesta is also a little coarse and noisy, but it's a lot of fun to drive.
And among this group, the Mazda2 is the most enjoyable from behind the wheel, with a nimble, tossable feel.
Those who want the most refined car in this class should go for the Sonic; with the 1.4T engine it's strong, sure, and relatively quiet and, maneuverability and parking ease aside, it feels positively like a larger car.
 2012 Toyota YarisGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Chevrolet SonicGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Ford FiestaGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Hyundai AccentGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Mazda MAZDA2Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 Nissan VersaGet FREE Price Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
The 2012 Toyota Yaris is fuel-efficient in the city without hybrid hardware, and it has an nicely appointed interior that feels cheerful but not cheapskate; but its weak performance and highway refinement aren't up to current class standards. | The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is neither subsonic nor supersonic—but it's a good, sound choice and a world better than the Aveo it replaces. | You could do better if you most value space and comfort, but the 2012 Ford Fiesta packs in a lot of style and substance. | Do Americans want small cars with more room and great gas mileage? The 2012 Hyundai Accent is betting they do--and so are we. | With a zippy driving feel and good real-world gas mileage, the 2012 Mazda2 really stands out among entry-level vehicles. | The 2012 Nissan Versa is a reasonably comfortable, well-equipped new car for used-car money—but if you're a stickler for the details it can feel as cheap as it is. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $14,115 | $13,865 | $13,200 | $12,545 | $14,530 | $10,990 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 30 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Subcompact | Subcompact Car | Subcompact | Compact Cars | - TBD - | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 3dr Liftback Man L (Natl) | 4dr Sedan LS 1LS | 4dr Sedan S | 4dr Sedan Man GLS | 4dr HB Man Sport | 4dr Sedan Manual 1.6 S |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | 4 | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 3 Door Hatchback | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door HB | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
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