Subcompact Comparo: Aveo, Fit, Yaris, SX4

The SX4's headroom is excellent up front and fine for rear seat passengers. Rear legroom is adequate to carry four in relative comfort. The space behind the second-row seats is useful, and those seats fold and tumble forward to offer 54 cubic feet of carrying capacity, the best of the bunch. The interior materials include sturdy plastics that are on par with those of the Fit. On the road, the SX4 doesn't quell bumps as well as Fit, but it is smoother than the others. It's also not as fun to drive as the Fit, but it doesn't feel like a penalty box either. The SX4 offers the most equipment for the price, and is probably the best choice for customers who have to contend regularly with snow.

Toyota Yaris (Price as tested: $13,980)

The Yaris is offered in two-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles. All Yaris are motivated by a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. EPA ratings are 34/40 with the five-speed manual transmission and 34/39 with the four-speed automatic. ABS, front side airbags and curtain side airbags are available optionally, but that adds another $950 to the price, bringing the Yaris more in line with the competitors. We tested the base hatchback with an automatic and the $1290 Power Package that includes power accessories, a split-folding rear seat, and 15-inch steel wheels instead of 14s.


Toyota has a reputation for quality, but the Yaris is built to a price. The interior is marred by cheap plastics and seemingly ambivalent build quality. The two-door hatchback design offers cargo carrying utility, but less passenger accessibility than the competitors' four-door hatchbacks. The Yaris' size lets it get through tight spaces, but the steering and responsiveness don't offer a hint of sportiness. The ride is just OK, as large bumps can be jarring.

Chevrolet Aveo LT (Price as tested: $14,775)

Aveo comes as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. The sedans are updated for 2007 with new interiors and bodywork. The engine is a 103-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder that gets 27 mpg city and 37 highway when mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and 26/34 with the $850 four-speed automatic. All Aveos come with front side airbags. ABS costs $400, and curtain side airbags are not offered.


Aveo comes as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. The sedans are updated for 2007 with new interiors and bodywork. The engine is a 103-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder that gets 27 mpg city and 37 highway when mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and 26/34 with the $850 four-speed automatic. All Aveos come with front side airbags. ABS costs $400, and curtain side airbags are not offered.