Toyota Yaris

Overview: Was the Toyota Yaris a Good Subcompact Car?

The Toyota Yaris combined few frills with excellent gas mileage during its tenure in the U.S. Sold as a sedan and liftback (depending on the year), the pint-sized Yaris employs a modest four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. This unremarkable subcompact economy car has two things going for it: a Toyota badge and a lower price tag than the venerable Corolla. Sold in the U.S. from 2007 to 2020, the Toyota Yaris remains popular in the second-hand market thanks to its branding and affordability.

The Yaris name has had a strange history in the U.S. Sometimes, the Yaris badge would come on a Toyota-built car, while other times, it was placed on Mazda products (the Yaris iA and later, Yaris Sedan and Yaris Hatchback share Mazda2 components) after Toyota’s Scion brand shut down. The Yaris remains popular in several overseas markets. In particular, the performance-oriented GR Yaris is sought after by enthusiasts (the U.S. gets the larger GR Corolla based on the Corolla Hatchback). For now, the Yaris name stays in Toyota’s history books, like the Celica. Current nameplates include the Toyota Corolla (sedan and hatchback), Prius, Camry, Corolla Cross, and the all-electric bZ4X

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Toyota Yaris cars for sale.

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Related: Which Used Year Model of Yaris Is The Best Value? and Here Are The Toyota Yaris Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Toyota Yaris offers:

• Four-door sedan, three-door hatchback, or five-door hatchback body style (varies by year)
• Four-cylinder engine
• Manual transmission or automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive

Trims

The Yaris lineup for most model years consisted of the no-frills L and mid-range LE, while some years and variants were available as a sportier S or SE or the modestly more premium XLE. The earliest Yaris examples didn’t have trim designations, just body style differences.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Keeping comfort expectations modest is the best way to approach Yaris ownership as this car is about keeping things simple. Technology is focused on the essentials, like air conditioning and a radio. However, the Yaris did get forward collision warning and lane monitoring in its final years, admirable features for subcompact cars. As expected, Yaris cargo room isn’t anything to brag about, but there’s more than enough room for groceries, sports gear, or weekend luggage.

How It Drives

A Yaris is fine for urban cruising and suburban adventures, but its bare-bones equipment list and modest engine are evident at highway speeds. The trade-off is excellent Toyota Yaris fuel economy (35 mpg) for a non-hybrid vehicle.

Safety

Testing of the Toyota Yaris by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is hit or miss as several model years didn’t undergo evaluation. Most tested years scored a four-star (out of five) overall rating, with the 2020 Toyota Yaris receiving five-star results.

Reviews

Toyota Yaris reviews average 4.6 (out of 5.0) via Kelley Blue Book. The most positive feedback centers on Yaris Toyota reliability and value.

Learn More: The Smallest Cars Available to Buy in 2024

FAQs

Why did Toyota discontinue the Yaris?

Slowing sedan and hatchback sales prompted Toyota to drop the aging Yaris after the 2020 model year in favor of small crossover SUVs like the C-HR, Venza, and Corolla Cross. The Mazda2-based Yaris sedan ended in 2020.

How long will a Toyota Yaris last?

As a basic econobox, the Yaris easily delivers 150,000–200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Routine upkeep maximizes longevity through activities like oil changes, fluid flushes, and belt services.

Is the Toyota Yaris fuel-efficient?

Yes. Thanks to its lightweight body, small engine, and aerodynamic shape, fuel economy in the 35 mpg is realistic, especially when a manual transmission is in use. Toyota Yaris mpg may suffer in stop-and-go traffic.

Which Yaris engine is best?

Its sole 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine strikes a smart balance between fuel efficiency and adequate motivation. Manual-equipped cars feel peppier thanks to gearing advantages.

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