Only available used: Subcompact cars
Subcompact cars, like the Honda Fit and Chevrolet Spark, are typically the least expensive available, but their numbers are dwindling. Manufacturers have gone all-in on SUVs, meaning many of these pint-sized cars are only available used.
But there's nothing wrong with these little cars. Subcompacts are generally affordable, have impressive fuel economy, and are a breeze to drive in crowded city environments or suburban parking lots.
CarMax takes a look at several subcompact cars and hatchbacks that offer high value and are only available used, starting with the lowest average price and working our way up.
Chevrolet Sonic
Years available: 2012-2020
Average CarMax price: $14,677
Pick because: Lots of storage space
Pass because: Worse fuel economy than rivals
The Chevrolet Sonic offers impressive storage space, whether you opt for the sedan (14.9 cubic feet in the trunk) or the hatchback (47.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded). Its fuel economy up to an EPA-estimated 29 mpg is worse than most of its rivals, but starting in 2017, all Sonics offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the entry-level trim, earlier than most others on this list.
Ford Fiesta
Years available: 2011-2019
Average CarMax price: $14,734
Pick because: Fun to drive
Pass because: Less cargo space than rivals
The Ford Fiesta, in hatchback and sedan form, is a lot of fun to drive. But its fuel economy (up to EPA-estimated 31 mpg) and its rear cargo space (13 cubic feet for the sedan, 15 cubic feet for the hatchback) doesn't measure up to rivals like the Honda Fit (17 cubic feet). But the Fiesta has plenty of personality and in 2019, its final year on sale, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard features.
Hyundai Accent
Years available: 1995-2022
Average CarMax price: $15,732
Pick because: Comfortable, quiet ride
Pass because: Limited technology
The Hyundai Accent is the corporate cousin of the Kia Rio, so the two have a lot in common. The Accent, like the Rio, is fuel-efficient (up to EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined) and offers a comfortable ride. If you want technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you need to find an SEL or Limited trim. Just keep in mind that the low-powered USB ports won't do a great job of charging a modern smartphone.
Chevrolet Spark
Years available: 2013-2022
Average CarMax price: $15,798
Pick because: Lots of tech features
Pass because: Less cargo space than rivals
The Chevrolet Spark was fully redesigned in 2016, adding loads of features, even on its entry-level trim (LS). All 2016 and newer Sparks have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera that all display on a 7-inch touchscreen. You'll compromise on cargo; even with the back seats folded down, the Spark only offers 27.2 cubic feet. And with all the seats up, Sparks from 2016 onward only offer 11.1 cubic feet and a small floor, barely enough for a carry-on suitcase. Older Sparks are only a tiny bit better (11.4 cubic feet).
Toyota Yaris
Years available: 2007-2020
Average CarMax price: $16,897
Pick because: Good fuel economy
Pass because: Ride is a bit rough
The 2020 Toyota Yaris offers solid fuel economy (up to EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined) and attractive standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And in the final three years it was available (2017-2020), it benefited from a tight collaboration with Mazda. That collab brought high-quality materials and a fun-to-drive essence you won't find on most subcompact cars.
Kia Rio
Years available: 2001-2023
Average CarMax price: $17,362
Pick because: Good real-world fuel economy
Pass because: Not much cargo space unless you get the hatchback
The Kia Rio provides a comfortable ride and, in Edmunds' real-world testing, delivered excellent fuel economy. The EPA estimates you'll get up to 36 mpg combined with the Rio, but Edmunds got an impressive 43 mpg on its driving route. The only downside is cargo space in the sedan (13.7 cubic feet) compared to its hatchback sibling, which offers a bit more, especially with the seats folded down.
Honda Fit
Years available: 2007-2020
Average CarMax price: $18,821
Pick because: Lots of cargo space
Pass because: Only available as a hatchback
The Honda Fit is an impressively roomy hatchback that offers plenty of space for passengers and their stuff. With the rear seats folded down, you get 52.7 cubic feet of storage in Fits made since 2015, and even more in older Fits. The Fit's final three years (2018-20) offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the second-tier Sport trim and above. Honda also added some advanced driver aids in 2018, including adaptive cruise control (which keeps pace with the car in front of you), lane departure warning (which warns you if you’re drifting out of your lane), and forward collision warning (alerts you to a potential collision). These were standard on the top-level EX and EX-L trims and can be found on some LX and Sport trims.
This story was produced by CarMax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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