The subcompact hatchback field looked like it was dying off a few years ago, but a brace of new vehicles make these small cars more appealing than ever.
The Ford Fiesta is the choice for those prioritizing sportiness or fun-to-drive qualities, especially in ST trim.
But the Fiesta is near the bottom for versatility and cargo space, and its instrument-panel layout is frustrating.
The Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio are both models that are more pleasant-driving than you might expect, and we like the styling of both; but in both cases they're not all that impressive for comfort or interior space, or safety.
The Nissan Versa Note is well packaged, space-efficient, and relatively quiet, but with cheap cabin trim, a sluggish-to-respond CVT, and clumsy handling, it's one of the most unpleasant vehicles we've been in from the driver's seat.
The Chevrolet Sonic also has an odd, gimmicky control layout, but it rides and handles well.
Unfortunately, it's also not very great for cargo versatility.
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 2016 Honda FitBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Chevrolet SonicBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford FiestaBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Kia RioBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Toyota YarisBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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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. |
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 Kia Rio is starting to fall behind, though an attractive design and good feature content offset its cramped rear seat and only adequate safety ratings. |
The 2016 Toyota Yaris is Toyota's least expensive model, but it doesn't stand out in any particular category. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $15,890 | $14,345 | $14,580 | $14,165 | $14,895 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 29 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 30 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Small Station Wagons | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 5-Door HB Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 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 | ||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Liftback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2016 Honda Fit vs. 2016 Chevrolet Sonic | 2016 Honda Fit vs. 2016 Ford Fiesta | 2016 Honda Fit vs. 2016 Kia Rio | 2016 Honda Fit vs. 2016 Toyota Yaris | |
