Several popular, hip-styled wagons and one just arriving in showrooms.
While the Chrysler PT Cruiser has been discontinued for 2011, the comparable (and also American) Chevrolet HHR continues on, offering four-cylinder engines and formerly nifty retro styling—that has simply not aged well.
The Scion xB is the newer version of the compact wagon that launched Toyota's youth brand; the current version has sold more slowly, as it's grown larger and heavier and lost its Japanese flair.
Some might find the smaller Scion xA to be nearly as spacious inside yet more fuel-efficient.
The Nissan Cube is the other newbie in the group; with a smaller overall size, a less functional interior, and an unusual tailgate shape, its appeal lies mostly in its softer, feminine style.
Yet another new alternative is the Hyundai Veloster, part sport coupe and part stylish crossover hatchback, with 40-mpg highway fuel economy.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
 2011 Kia SoulBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai VelosterBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Chevrolet HHRBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Nissan CubeBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Scion xBBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Scion xDBrowse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||||
|
The 2011 Kia Soul is fashion-forward and fun-to-drive—and unlike most of its urban-wagon rivals, it's just as practical as it looks. |
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster starts with niche appeal, but its impressive handling and strong, high-value feature set should play well to the mainstream. |
The 2011 Chevrolet HHR stands out with its retro exterior, but it's lackluster in most other respects. |
The 2011 Nissan Cube looks like nothing else, while being surprisingly practical. |
Whether you see the 2011 Scion xB as trendy or odd, it packs a lot of space and versatility into a compact space. |
The 2011 Scion xD offers an impressive list of features and sporty accessories, but it's not as much fun to drive as its image suggests. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $13,300 | $17,300 | $18,720 | $14,740 | $16,000 | $15,110 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas/Ethanol I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Station Wagon | - TBD - | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Small Station Wagon | Small Station Wagon | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 5-Door Wagon Manual | 3-Door Coupe Manual w/Black Int | FWD 4-Door LS | 5-Door Wagon I4 Manual 1.8 Base | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) | 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 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 5 Door Wagon | 3 Door Coupe | 4 Door | 5-Door Wagon | 4 Door Wagon | 4 Door Wagon |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2011 Kia Soul vs. 2012 Hyundai Veloster | 2011 Kia Soul vs. 2011 Chevrolet HHR | 2011 Kia Soul vs. 2011 Nissan Cube | 2011 Kia Soul vs. 2011 Scion xB | 2011 Kia Soul vs. 2011 Scion xD | |
