2015 Scion iQ vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

The most ready comparison for the 2015 Scion iQ is Smart's ForTwo.

Both are small and packaged for crowded cities, although the Scion offers 3+1 seating to help make a case for its ability to occasionally carry more than two occupants.

In reality, cars like the Scion and the Fiat 500 and MINI Cooper are effectively two-seaters.

The Scion is a more minimalist machine, a concept that never really caught on here.

It's more modern, more pleasant to drive, and handles better than the ancient Smart ForTwo.

(A new ForTwo is on its way and should be here within a year or so.) Both minicars are rated at 36 or 37 mpg, but the Toyota Prius C--a subcompact five-door hatchback with far more space inside--is rated at 50 mpg, and starts at only $3,500 more than the Scion.

The MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 start at the same level as the Prius C, but bring their stylish charm and a "real car" driving feel.

Finally, there are economy cars--we picked the Toyota Yaris, from the Scion's parent company--that start around the same price as the iQ but offer four normal seats and far more cargo space, with gas mileage only a bit worse and far more pep and performance margin on the highway.