
Several of the vehicles in this have been redesigned this year.
The Honda Fit is now one of the older designed in the bunch, but it remains the class champ in some respects.
The Fit is still the roomiest in the class, but its powertrain is far coarser and its interior louder than the Sonic's.
The Ford Fiesta has crisp and responsive handling, with more steering feedback than the Sonic, but it ride is somewhat harsher and its DCT automatic tends to lurch at low speed.
The all-new Hyundai Accent is another alternative; it's very refined and fuel-efficient, and its feature list is arguably stronger, but it's simply not as fun to drive as some of these other entries (including the Sonic).
The Toyota Yaris is also completely new this year, but it's neither as perky nor as frugal as these other key rivals.
Also, later in the model year, an all-new Kia Rio will arrive; with a strong roster of standard features, including a standard touch screen system.
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Quick Specs | ||||
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. |
The 2012 Honda Fit is peppy and fun to drive, and its interior is incredibly space-efficient; but some might be turned off by its rather utilitarian look. |
Do Americans want small cars with more room and great gas mileage? The 2012 Hyundai Accent is betting they do--and so are we. |
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. |
MSRP From | ||||
$13,865 | $13,200 | $15,325 | $12,545 | $14,115 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 30 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Cars | Subcompact | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Subcompact |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan LS 1LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door HB Manual | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS | 3-Door Liftback Manual L (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
4 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 5 Door Hatchback | 4 Door Sedan | 3 Door Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2012 Honda Fit | 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2012 Hyundai Accent | 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2012 Toyota Yaris |