
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic remains a strong competitor even after five years.
But the Honda Fit, all-new last year, retains its crown as the single most versatile subcompact, with its "Magic Seat" that folds into multiple configurations like origami.
The Ford Fiesta, updated two years ago, is smaller inside but wins for sporty driving feel and a new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine than can deliver a real-world 40 mpg.
The Nissan Versa is by far the most capacious car in the segment, though it's let down by its grim interior and joyless driving.
The Hyundai Accent too wins on value for money but little else, and the Toyota Yaris doesn't stand out on any front—if you want a small and fuel-efficient Toyota, get the Prius C hatchback instead.
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Quick Specs | ||||
Despite its five years largely unchanged, the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic remains stylish and comfortable, and it scores big not only on safety ratings, but also driving fun. |
The 2016 Fiesta offers fun and features not expected at these prices, but it lacks interior space compared to top rivals. |
The 2016 Honda Fit isn't as entertaining to drive as it once was, but it's unmatched in safety and space, thanks to the Magic Seat. |
The 2016 Hyundai Accent is a practical and economical subcompact car, but crash-test scores are below par. |
The 2016 Nissan Versa sedan and Versa Note hatchback are no-frills transportation with plenty of space, but poor safety and performance ratings. |
MSRP From | ||||
$14,345 | $14,580 | $15,890 | $14,745 | $11,990 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Small Station Wagons | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door HB Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual SE | 4-Door Sedan Manual 1.6 S |
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 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2016 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2016 Ford Fiesta | 2016 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2016 Honda Fit | 2016 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2016 Hyundai Accent | 2016 Chevrolet Sonic vs. 2016 Nissan Versa |