2013 Toyota Yaris vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.2 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Nov 19, 2012

With an all-hatchback lineup for 2013, the Toyota Yaris is a little easier to differentiate from the somewhat larger Corolla, although it remains somewhat less refined that many other competing models in this class, such as the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit.

Each of these models are either more engaging to drive or simply offer more features and performance for less money.

Overall, 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.

Among this group, the Mazda2 is the most enjoyable from behind the wheel, with a nimble, tossable feel, but it's presented more like an old-style econocar if you look beyond that, with a thinner set of features and options.

The Chevy Sonic is the pick for those who want an especially refined car this size; with its 1.4T engine it's strong, sure, and relatively quiet and, maneuverability and parking ease aside, it feels positively like a larger car.

On the flip side is the Nissan Versa, which remains the lowest-priced U.S.

vehicle, though hatchback versions cost a bit more (and technically five-doors are only at dealerships as carry-over 2012 models.

But the Versa shows its price in many ways, including hard cabin plastics and a general lack of refinement.

2013 Toyota Yaris Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Chevrolet Sonic Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ford Fiesta Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Hyundai Accent Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Mazda MAZDA2 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Nissan Versa Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.2 The 2013 Toyota Yaris holds true to its promise as a maneuverable, economical car for city commuting--with a cheerful, well-designed interior--but highway refinement and weak performance are major drawbacks.	8.2 The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic swaps econobox blues for sporty driving feel as well as safety, refinement, and comfort.	7.6 Small cars don't need to be bland--the 2013 Ford Fiesta proves that with a saucy look and pert handling.	7.2 The 2013 Hyundai Accent is one of the best-equipped small cars, and it gets very good gas mileage, but it's not quite as exciting to drive as it looks.	7 The 2013 Mazda2 stands out among entry-level hatchbacks due to its zippy driving feel and good real-world mileage--although the limited feature set and basic appointments won't appeal to everyone.	6.6 The 2013 Nissan Versa is at its best up against used cars: If you can overlook some cheap-feeling details, it's a reasonably comfortable, well-equipped new car, for used-car money.
MSRP From
$14,370	$14,185	$13,200	$14,545	$14,720	$11,990
Gas Mileage
30 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	29 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	26 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Subcompact Cars	Subcompact Cars	Subcompact	Compact Cars	Compact Cars	Compact Cars
Style Name
3dr Liftback Man L (Natl)	4dr Sedan Manual LS	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
Hatchback	Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	Hatchback	Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual