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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 windows, 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.

The EPA recently released its list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles for 2010. Hybrid cars dominated the list, accounting for nine out of ten of the top slots. That's no surprise of course – fuel efficiency is the major draw of hybrid technology. However, what if you don't want a hybrid?

Not everyone who wants to save at the gas pump adores the look and feel of a hybrid. Add in the premium price tag that typically comes with going green, and it's easy to see why some people would shy away from the technology. Luckily, there are plenty of non-hybrid cars that are nearly as fuel-efficient as their hybrid brethren. The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars for 2010 are listed below:

2010 Smart fortwo (36 mpg combined) - Okay, chances are if you aren't interested in a hybrid, you may not be interested in the 2010 Smart fortwo. With a diminutive 3-cylinder engine, this quirky little 2-seater isn't for everyone. However, if you're looking for a zippy urban commuter that earns 33 mpg in the city, then this may be the car for you. Just don't expect to take it out on the highway for too long. 2009 model pictured.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (34 mpg combined) - The 2010 VW Jetta is one of the better non-hybrid options for those looking for a little extra room. Though it is considered a compact car, the Jetta still offers more room than most vehicles on this list. The Jetta's diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission musters 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (34 mpg combined) - The 2010 VW Golf shares the same diesel engine as the Jetta. As such, they post identical fuel ratings. The 2010 Golf hatchback is one of the sportiest and fun to drive non-hybrid gas sippers for the year.

2010 Audi A3 (34 mpg combined) - Outfitted with the same diesel technology as the VW TDIs, the 2010 Audi A3 is the most fuel-efficient upscale non-hybrid for 2010. If you want a premium fit and finish, and don't mind an MSRP that starts around $27,000, then the Audi A3 should be on your short list.

2010 MINI Cooper (32 mpg combined) - The MINI Cooper gives the VW Golf a run for its money in terms of sporty appeal. Nimble, stylish and fairly affordable, the MINI Cooper is a good choice for the eco-friendly driver that wants an extra helping of visual appeal. The 2010 MINI earns 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. For a little more cargo room, check out the 2010 MINI Clubman (31 mpg combined).

2010 Toyota Yaris (32 mpg combined) - The compact 2010 Toyota Yaris is the non-hybrid to beat when it comes to value. With a base MSRP below $13,000, only a handful of vehicles can be had for less coin. Throw in good safety ratings, room for four and a peppy engine and the Yaris is an all-around good value. The 2010 Yaris with manual transmission earns 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

2010 Honda Fit (31 mpg combined) - For those who need a little extra cargo space, the 2010 Honda Fit is a good alternative to the MINI Cooper. The 2010 Fit offers nearly twice as much cargo space, along with a similar sport-inspired appeal. Better yet, the Honda Fit can be had for much cheaper (base MSRP $15,000). The 2010 Honda Fit earns 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

2010 Kia Rio (31 mpg combined) - The 2010 Kia Rio is a vehicle that's all about economy. Beyond the stellar 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (manual transmission), the 2010 Rio also comes with a base MSRP of about $11,500. If you like the idea of bolstered safety features and don't mind driving around without a lot of bells and whistles, then the Rio is worth a look. 2009 model pictured.

2010 Hyundai Accent Blue (31 mpg combined) - The special edition 2010 Hyundai Accent Blue features a unique 5-speed manual gearbox that improves fuel efficiency on the highway. With an economical MSRP of about $10,000, this little hatchback competes ably against the Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris. Fuel efficiency is 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

2010 Chevrolet Aveo (30 mpg combined) - The Chevrolet Aveo combines 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with an introductory MSRP of $11,965 to deliver one of the best values available today in the small car market. The Aveo is available as either a sedan or hatchback.

Other Non-Hybrids That Feature Great Fuel Economy

Rounding out the list of most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars for 2010 are a handful of vehicles that offer excellent fuel economy. All of these vehicles fall into the compact vehicle segment. They include:

• 2010 Suzuki Swift X (27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)
• 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE Coupe (25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway)
• 2010 Hyundai Accent (28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)
• 2010 Nissan Versa (28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)
• 2010 Toyota Corolla (26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)
• 2010 Ford Focus (24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)