The 2013 Scion iQ is most often compared to the Smart ForTwo, and for good reason.
They have similar proportions, they really can only be used as two-seaters by adults, and both get EPA ratings of 36 mpg or above.
The Smart, though, is now an old design, and its three-cylinder engine is located in the rear, powering the rear wheels.
Above the $16,000 level, the Fiat 500 and MINI Cooper cost a few thousand more, but add large doses of retro personality and stylish charm--and feel much more like 'real' cars.
Then there are two competitors in Toyota's own showrooms: the Yaris is an inexpensive gasoline car that offers more space for people and cargo at the same price, and the Prius C delivers genuine 50-mpg fuel efficiency for about $3,500 more.
Both the Yaris and the C were new for 2012, and more comfortable and peppy on the highway.
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The 2013 Scion iQ will appeal to space-challenged city dwellers; for everyone else, it's a lifestyle choice to buy a car that stands out from the crowd. |
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. |
The 2013 Toyota Prius C has all the gas-mileage virtues of larger Prius models, but it's smaller, more fun to drive, and--crucially--almost $5,000 cheaper. |
The 2013 MINI Cooper models are small-car standouts in style and driving fun, and with several body styles and three different levels of performance you can pick your level of potency and practicality. |
Distinctive, quirky, and lightly restyled this year, the 2013 Smart ForTwo is at its best in crowded cities where parking and maneuverability are top priorities, but smooth driving takes careful practice and almost any other inexpensive car is a better choice for highway use. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $15,495 | $14,370 | $19,080 | $19,700 | $12,490 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 36 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 30 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 53 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 34 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I3 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Mini Compact | Subcompact Cars | Compact | Minicompact | Minicompact |
| Style Name | ||||
| 3-Door HB (GS) | 3-Door Liftback Manual L (GS) | 5-Door HB One (GS) | 2-Door Coupe | 2-Door Coupe Pure |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Transmission | ||||
| Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Scion iQ vs. 2013 Toyota Yaris | 2013 Scion iQ vs. 2013 Toyota Prius C | 2013 Scion iQ vs. 2013 MINI Cooper | 2013 Scion iQ vs. 2013 smart fortwo | |
