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Toyota Yaris vs. Kia Spectra Review

How the Toyota Yaris stacks up against the Kia Spectra - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2010 Toyota Yaris
Price Range: $12,205 - $15,125
2009 Kia Spectra
Price Range: $13,550 - $16,450
Toyota Yaris vs. Kia Spectra Review

Performance
Regarding horsepower, the Kia Spectra packs quite a wallop and will knock the Toyota Yaris down a few rungs. On the flip side, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
The Kia has substantially wider tires than the Toyota Yaris. Remember that wider tires may look and feel better, while narrower tires could provide better handling in deep snow. With their similar turning circles, the Toyota Yaris and the Kia likely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Toyota Yaris's engine is markedly smaller than the Kia Spectra's. Remember that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; on the other hand, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Kia Spectra is markedly more powerful than the Toyota Yaris.

Utility
The Kia Spectra and the Toyota Yaris can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Comfort
Taller drivers will quite a bit enjoy the extra head room in the Spectra's front cabin compared to the Yaris. While the rear of the Kia offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the Toyota Yaris, there frankly isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
The Kia is substantially more ponderous than the Toyota Yaris. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Kia Spectra than the Toyota Yaris because of its larger tank. The Toyota Yaris and the Spectra compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Kia Spectra to the dealership as the Toyota Yaris. As far as MSRP, the Toyota Yaris costs substantially less than the Kia Spectra. Regarding final cost, the Toyota costs markedly less than the Kia Spectra. The Kia Spectra will cost you a bunch of money in gas every year compared to the Toyota Yaris.

Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Toyota Yaris isn't quite as generous as the Kia Spectra's.

Other
The Kia Spectra emits fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Toyota Yaris.

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