
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
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 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. |
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 Mazda2 stands out among entry-level hatchbacks due to its zippy driving feel and good real-world mileage--although the limited feature set and basic appointments won't appeal to everyone. |
The 2013 Nissan Versa is at its best up against used cars: If you can overlook some cheap-feeling details, it's a reasonably comfortable, well-equipped new car, for used-car money. |
MSRP From | |||||
$14,370 | $14,185 | $13,200 | $14,545 | $14,720 | $11,990 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
30 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
3-Door Liftback Manual L (GS) | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS | 4-Door HB Manual Sport | 4-Door Sedan Manual 1.6 S |
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 | 4 | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2013 Toyota Yaris vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | 2013 Toyota Yaris vs. 2013 Ford Fiesta | 2013 Toyota Yaris vs. 2013 Hyundai Accent | 2013 Toyota Yaris vs. 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 | 2013 Toyota Yaris vs. 2013 Nissan Versa |