
Subcompact models used to be unexciting, scaled down versions of larger models--in most cases, with all the best features missing.
But the latest small cars are different, with smart design and clever features, as well as an engaging driving experience.
The Honda Fit, which has been updated for 2015, is the reigning top performer in this class, with excellent handling, good safety, and a responsive, nimble driving feel.
The Fiesta may beat the Honda's love-it-or-hate-it styling for some, but the Fit has lots more interior space and versatility.
Nissan's Versa has become more of a traditional economy car, with low cost its main goal.
A slight update for 2015 tries to address that, and the improvements are appreciated, but it's still an ungainly car with unenjoyable driving habits.
The Hyundai Accent is a good option, with a comfortable ride and a very efficient direct-injection engine.
The Toyota Yaris, also the recipient of a face lift for 2015, is another interesting alternative, and while its stylish exterior might pull you in, it's just not that engaging to drive.
Perhaps the surprise of this segment has been the Chevrolet Sonic; it's one of the best subcompacts for handling, styling, and safety, even though it's not the most spacious or versatile.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2015 Fiesta lineup is proof that small cars don't have to be feature free, and you can even have a bit of fun while saving fuel. |
The 2015 Chevrolet Sonic is comfortable, stylish, safe, and drives well, and almost completely blots out our memory of a much worse Chevy Aveo from the past. |
The 2015 Honda Fit might not up the ante in sportiness, but it offers up exactly what urban small-car shoppers want in safety and convenience features—and it's still as good as some utility vehicles or vans with its wondrous, unmatched Magic Seat setup. |
The 2015 Hyundai Accent emphasizes comfort and equipment over driver enjoyment, and it remains a good value even if it's not as cheap as it once was. |
The 2015 Nissan Versa sedan and Versa Note hatchback are as about as inexpensive and no-frills as new cars get today. Spacious interiors and and decent ride comfort are their strong points, and they're best matched up against slightly upmarket, late-model used cars. |
Sadly, the 2014 Scion xD is less fun to drive than to look at, though it's spacious for its size. |
MSRP From | |||||
$14,455 | $14,245 | $15,650 | $14,745 | $11,990 | $15,920 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
26 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 5-Door HB Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan Manual 1.6 S | 5-Door HB Manual (GS) |
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 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | |||||
Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2015 Ford Fiesta vs. 2015 Chevrolet Sonic | 2015 Ford Fiesta vs. 2015 Honda Fit | 2015 Ford Fiesta vs. 2015 Hyundai Accent | 2015 Ford Fiesta vs. 2015 Nissan Versa | 2015 Ford Fiesta vs. 2014 Scion xD |