Comparison review: Six subcompact hatchbacks (Conclusion)

June 14, 9:43 PMDC Car ExaminerBrady Holt

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The 2010 Kia Soul won this comparison, but it's far from ideal. 

A low price is key to any economy car, and the 2010 Kia Soul is the least expensive of the six subcompact hatchbacks in this comparison. 

However, gas mileage isn't irrelevant either, and the Soul doesn't shine there, with EPA ratings of just 24 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway.

The Soul won this comparison not by its outstanding collection of design characteristics, but by having the fewest such glaring flaws.

The last-place Pontiac G3 (and the near-identical Chevrolet Aveo5) loses for a lack of cargo space, mediocre safety ratings, no antilock brakes on manual-transmission models, and mediocre shift quality. The fifth-place Suzuki SX4 loses for a high price, low gas mileage, and lack of power. The fourth-place Nissan Cube loses for possessing soggy driving dynamics that are at odds with a funky image, low gas mileage, and a poor seat-folding arrangement. The third-place Scion xD loses for tight cargo accommodations and a lack of standout strong points. The runner-up Honda Fit loses for a high price. 

The Soul's mediocre gas mileage -- which is still fourth place of these six -- is disappointing, but less of a deal killer than the others. And a somewhat jittery and rather noisy ride is par for the course in this class. Every car in this group is rather significantly compromised, so you'll just have to pick the compromise that best suits your needs. 

There are alternatives to these six, however, that may be worth considering. 

The Nissan Versa hatchback -- which shares its platform and engine with the Nissan Cube -- is larger than these six and makes no pretensions of sportiness or spunkiness. It's more agile than the Cube and less expensive, and handily beats these six for all-out comfort and refinement, with a smooth and quiet ride, a high-quality interior, and very comfortable seats. 

The Hyundai Elantra Touring station wagon is also larger than these six but no more expensive than the Honda Fit while offering a big advantage in refinement and overall solidity. It feels like a lot more car than any of these subcompacts, and it is, but it also costs more than most. 

And if you aren't dead-set on the versatility of a hatchback, you have a selection of good inexpensive small sedans to choose from, including Nissan Versa and Hyundai Elantra sedans, the Toyota Corolla, and the Ford Focus.

(see economical sedans comparison)