2013 Toyota Yaris vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

With an all-hatchback lineup for 2013, the Toyota Yaris is a little easier to differentiate from the somewhat larger Corolla, although it remains somewhat less refined that many other competing models in this class, such as the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit.

Each of these models are either more engaging to drive or simply offer more features and performance for less money.

Overall, it's hard to get very excited about the Yaris from a value standpoint.

The Accent has a much stronger, direct-injection engine that's perhaps more fuel-efficient.

The Ford Fiesta is also a little coarse and noisy, but it's a lot of fun to drive.

Among this group, the Mazda2 is the most enjoyable from behind the wheel, with a nimble, tossable feel, but it's presented more like an old-style econocar if you look beyond that, with a thinner set of features and options.

The Chevy Sonic is the pick for those who want an especially refined car this size; with its 1.4T engine it's strong, sure, and relatively quiet and, maneuverability and parking ease aside, it feels positively like a larger car.

On the flip side is the Nissan Versa, which remains the lowest-priced U.S.

vehicle, though hatchback versions cost a bit more (and technically five-doors are only at dealerships as carry-over 2012 models.

But the Versa shows its price in many ways, including hard cabin plastics and a general lack of refinement.