
Last year (2012) was a pivotal model year for small cars, as the Sonic was all new and several other models its size were completely redesigned.
The Honda Fit, the leader in the small-car game, may wear some of the oldest clothes in class but it remains the champ in many practical aspects; it's still the roomiest and it has amazing cargo versatility.
But it isn't the most refined option.
The Ford Fiesta is a handler, sporting steering feedback more direct than the Sonic; it also has an Achilles's heel—a sometimes-lurchy dual-clutch automatic.
The Toyota Yaris was also redesigned last year, and while it's styled quite tastefully it's just not as refined or full-featured for the money as some other cars here.
For those concerned primarily with the feature list, the Hyundai Accent is perhaps the best deal; but it's not quite as engaging to flog as other entries in the segment (including the Sonic).
The Kia Rio is closely related to the Accent, but with a different feature set and somewhat sharper handling, it has more of a Euro style.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic swaps econobox blues for sporty driving feel as well as safety, refinement, and comfort. |
Small cars don't need to be bland--the 2013 Ford Fiesta proves that with a saucy look and pert handling. |
If you're not turned off by the utilitarian look of the 2013 Honda Fit, you'll like what you get, which is awesome practicality and space-efficiency, plus some driving verve. |
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. |
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. |
MSRP From | ||||
$14,185 | $13,200 | $15,425 | $14,545 | $14,370 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 30 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Cars | Subcompact | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 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 | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2013 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2013 Ford Fiesta | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2013 Honda Fit | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2013 Hyundai Accent | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2013 Toyota Yaris |