Ford Mustang vs Toyota Yaris iA

Ever heard the term “pony car”? It is a direct reference to the Ford Mustang and the American 2-door sports coupe segment it has dominated since 1964. Today, the 2018 Mustang is less rudimentary and more sophisticated than ever, blurring the demarcation lines between mainstream and premium cars, and muscle and sports cars. No longer are the Mustang’s primary competitors limited solely to the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, especially when measured in terms of performance.

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Cutting to the chase, I like the Toyota Yaris iA. However, it is important to make a critical distinction between the Yaris iA and a standard Toyota Yaris hatchback.

The iA sedan was originally a Scion. When Toyota cancelled that youth-oriented brand after the 2016 model year, it folded the iA sedan into the existing Yaris lineup of 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks, which have nothing in common with the iA sedan aside from a nameplate.

While the Yaris hatchbacks offer tempting levels of utility, the Yaris iA sedan is the one you want if you’re shopping for a small and affordable Toyota. That’s because aside from Toyota emblems and a questionably styled face, the iA sedan represents 100% Mazda goodness.