2010 Honda Fit vs. 2010 Toyota Yaris
When it comes to affordable gas mileage, you can't do much better than the 2010 Honda Fit and 2010 Toyota Yaris. Both of these subcompact vehicles scoot along with minimal fuel consumption and a base price below $15,000. The Fit and Yaris return relatively unchanged from the 2009 model year. Compare price, performance and other features of the 2010 Honda Fit and 2010 Toyota Yaris to determine which vehicle you should be driving off the lot.
Styling: Honda Fit vs. Toyota Yaris
Both the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are built for functionality. The 2010 Fit might be described as a mini-minivan - its tall roofline extends to the length of the trunk. Though unconventional, this design helps open up the interior, maximizing interior volume (57 cubic feet max. cargo capacity compared to 26 cubic feet on the Yaris). With angular headlights and an aggressive nose, the Honda Fit is also a sportier-looking vehicle than the Toyota Yaris.
The 2010 Yaris is available in hatchback or sedan body styles. The sedan is the most traditional option, and may fit your subcompact needs if you like the looks of Toyota's larger vehicles. The hatchback boasts a more domed, rounded exterior than the Honda Fit, and may win your vote for cute-ness factor.
Price: Honda Fit vs. Toyota Yaris
If you're looking for a bargain, the 2010 Toyota Yaris may be your vehicle of choice. With a base price of $12,355, the Yaris undercuts the $14,900 price tag of the 2010 Honda Fit. However, for those couple thousand dollars, Honda owners receive a substantial upgrade in standard features. Power windows, power doors, MP3 input and rear wiper are all standard. Add these features to the 2010 Yaris, and price becomes comparable.
Performance: Honda Fit vs. Toyota Yaris
Both the 2010 Fit and 2010 Yaris are outfitted with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, Honda's 117-hp version outperforms the 106-hp Toyota powertrain. Both the manual Fit and automatic Fit with paddle shifters offer a sporty drive with a decent amount of pep. The Toyota Yaris can zig and zag when needed, but really doesn't offer the same joy of driving as the Honda Fit. If performance is important to you, go with the Honda.
Fuel Efficiency: Honda Fit vs. Toyota Yaris
Long-term vehicle costs may also be an important factor in your buying decision. While both cars earn stellar gas mileage, the Toyota Yaris ekes out the Fit with EPA ratings that top out at 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The 2010 Honda Fit falls just short with 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Safety: Honda Fit vs. Toyota Yaris
The Honda Fit earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award in 2009. Though the 2010 model has yet to be tested, buyers can expect similar safety ratings for this year. The Yaris received an overall "Good" rating in 2009 - the highest rating awarded by the IIHS. However, the vehicle did receive only a "Marginal" rating for rear crash protection. Both the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris come standard with six airbags and anti-lock brakes. The Yaris also comes with traction control and vehicle stability control, which are optional on the Fit.