
Scion hasn't done as well as bigger brands in subcompact sales; it's not getting any easier, as new entries flood the market.
The Ford Fiesta has an eager feel and quick steering, as well as SYNC voice controls, but back-seat space is minimal.
There's better room in a Kia Rio, and even more in the mechanically related Hyundai Accent--and both are strong values, though not as inexpensive, relatively, as they used to be.
The Chevy Sonic is our favorite in this segment for excellent handling; get the turbo four and you'll feel the road better than in any of these vehicles.
For the ultimate in passenger space, go with the Honda Fit, which has excellent interior room and the flexible "Magic Seat" rear seats, though not much handling fun.
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Quick Specs | |||||
Packed with value, the 2013 Scion xd isn't quite as much fun to drive as it looks. |
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic swaps econobox blues for sporty driving feel as well as safety, refinement, and comfort. |
Small cars don't need to be bland--the 2013 Ford Fiesta proves that with a saucy look and pert handling. |
If you're not turned off by the utilitarian look of the 2013 Honda Fit, you'll like what you get, which is awesome practicality and space-efficiency, plus some driving verve. |
The 2013 Hyundai Accent is one of the best-equipped small cars, and it gets very good gas mileage, but it's not quite as exciting to drive as it looks. |
The 2013 Kia Rio is no longer an also-ran--it's a tough contender in a class filled with efficient, good-looking, smartly priced subcompacts. |
MSRP From | |||||
$15,745 | $14,185 | $13,200 | $15,425 | $14,545 | $13,600 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
27 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Compact |
Style Name | |||||
5-Door HB Manual (GS) | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door HB Manual | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX |
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 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Wagon | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2013 Scion xD vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | 2013 Scion xD vs. 2013 Ford Fiesta | 2013 Scion xD vs. 2013 Honda Fit | 2013 Scion xD vs. 2013 Hyundai Accent | 2013 Scion xD vs. 2013 Kia Rio |