Toyota Yaris Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision
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Do you find yourself navigating through busy city streets daily? If so, have you considered the benefits of subcompact cars? These small but mighty vehicles are perfect for maneuvering through dense urban areas. Imagine effortlessly squeezing into that tight parking spot or easily zipping through narrow lanes. Not only are they fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible, but they’re also budget-friendly.
When it comes to subcompact cars, one option that should stand out for you is the Toyota Yaris. Despite its popularity, the Yaris faced challenges in a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers. Eventually, Toyota’s subcompact was discontinued due to declining sales.
The Yaris is worth looking into if you’re interested in a subcompact vehicle that offers a good value proposition. Today, we rounded up the Toyota Yaris pros and cons to help you determine if it’s a good fit for your needs.
What We Love: Toyota Yaris Pros
There’s a reason or two why the Yaris is quite successful in global markets, including:
Impressive Interior for the Price
Don’t get us wrong; you won’t accuse the Yaris of anything other than a budget vehicle – but it offers an impressive interior for the price. The Toyota Yaris stands out with its interior, which goes beyond its economy class. It draws inspiration from the Mazda 2 and features high-quality materials and a polished appearance.
The smart utilization of soft-touch surfaces in combination with hard plastics adds to the car’s premium feel. Plus, the attention given to the details is apparent in the seamless paneling, which ensures a consistent look and eliminates any rattles or shakes while driving.
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Good Set of Features
Although the Yaris is an affordable car, it doesn’t compromise on features and amenities. Even the base model of the 2020 Yaris is equipped with a range of infotainment (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support) and safety features, such as a Smart Key System and access to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. In addition, it includes modern necessities like a 12-volt power outlet and USB ports, which make it even more appealing.
Toyota Reliability
The Yaris benefited from Toyota’s legendary reliability, with many model years being considered the most reliable subcompact cars. According to RepairPal, the Yaris boasts a remarkable reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, placing it at the top of its class among subcompact cars.
Moreover, the Yaris is known for its low annual repair cost, averaging around $333, making it an affordable car. Furthermore, the repairs required for this car are usually minor, and although issues may arise occasionally, they are not typically severe. This combination of factors makes the Yaris a dependable and economically sound choice for drivers.
Excellent Fuel Economy
Most consumers bought the Yaris to save money at the pump. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Yaris with a manual transmission achieves a combined fuel economy of 34 miles per gallon (MPG), with 30 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. The automatic version slightly surpasses this, offering a combined 35 MPG, 32 MPG in city driving, and 40 MPG on highways.
Best in Class Handling and Steering
The Toyota Yaris is highly appreciated for its exceptional handling and steering capabilities. The steering system is finely tuned and provides a responsive and engaging driving experience, especially in urban areas. The car’s small size and light steering make it highly maneuverable and ideal for driving in tight spaces and cities.
Moreover, the Yaris’s suspension system is designed to offer a well-balanced ride, combining comfort with sufficient sportiness. This perfect mix of responsive steering and competent handling makes the Yaris a pleasure to drive, particularly in situations where agility is crucial.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE TOYOTA YARIS
If you want to purchase a reliable commuter vehicle, get the most out of your investment. With two decades of models available, you need to search to find the Toyota Yaris’ most reliable years.
Affordability
Let’s face it: most people were attracted to the Yaris mainly due to its affordable price tag. If you’re considering the 2020 Toyota Yaris, you’re looking at one of the most affordable options in the subcompact car category. The sedan model begins at a starting price of $17,750, while the hatchback version is slightly higher at $18,750. These prices make the Yaris a very accessible choice for those who value efficiency and practical features without burning a hole in their pockets.
What We Don’t Love: Toyota Yaris Cons
On the other end of this Toyota Yaris pros and cons roundup, here are its drawbacks:
It’s No Speedster
The Toyota Yaris, especially the 2020 model, has been subject to criticism for its slow acceleration. With a modest engine power, it takes roughly 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is quite sluggish compared to many other subcompact cars. The Yaris’s 106-horsepower engine struggles to deliver quick acceleration, which can be a disadvantage for those who prioritize responsiveness and speed in their driving.
Cramped Interior
The Yaris is a charmer with its polished interior, but here’s a heads-up: it’s not the roomiest. Tall folks, beware – the backseat can be cramped with snug head and legroom. And about stowing your gear, the cargo space isn’t exactly generous. Perfect for zipping around the city, but if you’re planning road trips or hauling bigger items, the space could be a squeeze. It’s just something to think about if space is a big deal for you.
Not the Most Comfortable Ride
The Toyota Yaris has been criticized for its ride comfort. The firmer suspension setup of the car tends to transfer more road irregularities (think of bumps and dips) to the cabin, which can result in a less-than-smooth driving experience, especially on uneven roads. This could cause discomfort during long drives. This lack of ride comfort of the Yaris could be a significant drawback for buyers who value a cushioned and smoother ride.
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Toyota Yaris Pros and Cons: Is This Subcompact Car for You?
That concludes our roundup of the Toyota Yaris pros and cons. As you can see, the Toyota Yaris has plenty to offer, especially for budget-minded buyers. It has all the makings of a reliable and practical city jaunter, and the lower price tag is always a good thing. However, the Yaris might not be for you if you’re in the market for a more spirited and spacious car.
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